Alix is ​​a Symptothermal Method instructor and the founder of Magic Ovaries. She supports women and couples in gaining a better understanding of their fertility and offers comprehensive training to help them learn to identify their fertile days independently through observation of cervical mucus and monitoring of basal body temperature .

Baûbo is very happy to share this article with you on a key topic: natural contraception. Is it safe? What do we mean by “natural contraception”? How does it work? Alix answers our questions.

What is natural contraception?

Alix: I don't really like that term, but "natural contraception" means "hormonal-free contraception." This label includes methods of contraception such as condoms, copper IUDs, diaphragms, and cycle tracking methods, among others.

A quick reminder: contraception is a word that comes from the Latin contra, meaning "contrary to," and conceptio, meaning "the act of containing." The aim, therefore, is "not to contain," to avoid getting pregnant.

A brief history of natural contraception

Note: Although women have sought to control their pregnancies since the dawn of time, the word "contraceptive" only entered the dictionary in 1955!

Indeed, it was in the 20th century that many discoveries were made on this subject:

• A temperature that varies
  In the 1900s, the Dutch gynecologist Theodoor van de Velde observed the biphasic change in basal body temperature. It is low during the first phase of the menstrual cycle and high during the second.
• A second phase of the stable cycle
  In the 1930s, gynecologists Knaus and Ogino discovered that ovulation occurs between 12 and 16 days before the next period. The second phase of the cycle is therefore stable. It is the first phase that can vary greatly.
• Cervical mucus that changes
  In the 1950s, Erik Odeblad studied in detail the anatomical structure of the cervix and identified different types of cervical crypts that produce different types of mucus to filter, transport and nourish sperm.

How does the symptothermal method work?

Alix: As the name suggests, it involves observing cervical mucus (sympto) and monitoring basal temperature (thermie).

By combining these two indicators, it is possible to identify the fertile window , the period during which sexual intercourse could result in pregnancy.

We don't predict anything. We observe!
Cervical mucus and basal body temperature are influenced by sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and they give us precise information to know where we are in our cycle.

You may have already noticed that sometimes your vaginal discharge is completely dry, other times it's creamier, sometimes it's stretchy like raw egg white, and you might also experience a "splash" sensation and notice something like water in your underwear. All of this is cervical mucus!

Each phase of the cycle has its dominant hormones and its own cervical mucus appearance.

Sex hormones also influence basal body temperature. This increases after ovulation thanks to progesterone.

Once you know where you stand, you can either abstain to avoid pregnancy or have intercourse to maximize your chances of conceiving.
This is how the method works.

Why did my gynecologist never mention this to me?

Alix: With an effectiveness rate of 98.2% *, the symptothermal method is as reliable as other modern contraceptives. It represents an informed choice for those seeking to understand and respect their cycle, while offering a method of contraception without side effects. (*Source: Results of the Sensiplan study conducted on 900 women. Results published in 2007 ).

Unfortunately, few healthcare professionals seem to be familiar with this method. And for good reason: the word isn't even in the dictionary yet!
Furthermore, there are still few certified instructors in Symptothermal Method.

Understanding your cycle means:

- to allow itself to function optimally by respecting its cyclical nature
- to have an overall health indicator
- to maximize your chances of conceiving when you are planning to have a child
- to have a non-invasive method of contraception without side effects
- to be able to determine her expected delivery date.

How can I tell if ovulation has occurred?

To determine if ovulation has occurred, you can observe several signs:

Changes in cervical mucus : It becomes clear, stretchy, and resembles egg white at the time of ovulation.
Basal temperature : It increases slightly (about 0.3 to 0.5 °C) after ovulation and remains elevated until menstruation.
Pain or pulling sensation : Some women experience mild pain in the lower abdomen, called mittelschmerz.
Urine ovulation tests or medical monitoring, such as an ultrasound, can accurately confirm ovulation.

Our FAQ on symptothermal methods

1. Is the symptothermal method suitable for all menstrual cycles?

Absolutely! Whether your menstrual cycles are regular or irregular, the symptothermal method is suitable for everyone. By observing your bodily signs daily, you can precisely identify your fertile and infertile phases, regardless of the length or regularity of your current cycle .

2. Can symptothermal methods be used in addition to other methods of contraception?

Yes, the symptothermal method can be combined with other forms of contraception . For example, during fertile days , some women choose to use physical contraceptives to reduce the risk of pregnancy . This approach offers flexibility in family planning according to your needs and preferences.

3. How does the symptothermal method help in planning a pregnancy?

By accurately identifying your fertile days through tracking your menstrual cycle , the symptothermal method increases your chances of pregnancy . Knowing your fertile window allows you to synchronize intercourse with the most favorable times for conception, thus facilitating your pregnancy plans .

4. Is the symptothermal method effective during breastfeeding or pre-menopause?

Yes, the symptothermal method remains relevant during breastfeeding and perimenopause. Even with hormonal fluctuations and irregular menstrual cycles , careful observation of bodily signs allows for the determination of fertile and infertile phases , offering an alternative to hormonal contraception during these transitional periods.

5. What are the main signs to observe in symptothermal fertility awareness?

Symptothermal methods are based on the observation of several vital signs :

• Basal temperature : taken daily upon waking to detect temperature variations.

• Cervical mucus : analysis of the texture and appearance of vaginal secretions.

• Position of the cervix : assessment of its height and opening.

These observations, recorded on a cycle curve , allow us to determine the fertile and infertile phases of the cycle in symptothermal methods .

6. Is symptothermal fertility awareness a reliable method of contraception?

When applied rigorously, the symptothermal method is a reliable method of contraception. However, its effectiveness depends on the regularity of your cycle, your commitment to observing and recording bodily signs daily, and adapting sexual relations according to fertile and infertile phases to minimize the risk of pregnancy .

7. How to get started with the symptothermal method?

To begin, it is recommended to seek training from professionals or through specialized resources. Learning observation techniques and interpreting charts for contraception is essential.

With time and practice, symptothermal methods become a natural and effective way to manage fertility.

By integrating this information, you will be better equipped to understand and apply symptothermal methods in your daily life, thus promoting a natural and informed approach to your reproductive health.

In short, understanding your cycle is Empowerment with a capital E.

Do you want to join the adventure?
Alix's website: magicovaries.com.
You can also find free content on his TikTok Magic Ovaries and his YouTube channel Magic Ovaries [FR].

Thank you to Alix for this interview. <3