“I highly recommend the FEMM program to any woman, especially if she values managing her health in the most educated, natural, and healthy way possible. ” – FEMM client, age 28
Got questions? Explore the FAQs of the FEMM method.
- What is fertility awareness? Toni Weschler of Taking Charge of Your Fertility defines it this way: “Fertility awareness is simply a means of understanding human reproduction. It’s based on the observation and charting of scientifically proven fertility signs that determine whether or not a woman is fertile on any given day.”
- What are fertility awareness based methods (FABMs)? Fertility awareness based methods (FABMs) and fertility awareness methods (FAM) are the newest verbiage for the various natural methods of avoiding or achieving pregnancy. They are general terms that encompass both fertility awareness knowledge as well as family planning. These methods are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
- What is natural family planning? Like FABMs, natural family planning is an umbrella term for methods of fertility awareness used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. For some, the term natural family planning has a religious connotation, as it is used largely within the Catholic Church as a morally acceptable means to space children. Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse during the fertile phase of the woman’s cycle – for these couples, no drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.
- Which biomarkers (body signs) does FEMM use to monitor fertility? FEMM is a sympto-hormonal method of fertility awareness and natural family planning. This means that FEMM’s protocols utilize both cervical mucus observations, as well as urinary hormone levels. Basal body temperature can be checked as an additional measure, but is not required as part of the FEMM method.
- What are the benefits of learning the FEMM method of fertility awareness (FA) and natural family planning (NFP)? FEMM’s program is based on clear science and biology, and offers in-depth health information that pertains to the whole woman. FEMM provides both women and couples a better understanding of female fertility, and offers a modern and relevant method for avoiding and achieving pregnancy. TeenFEMM is also an excellent program for empowering girls with body literacy and a positive understanding of their fertility.
- What is the effectiveness of FEMM as a method of avoiding pregnancy? Along with other sympto-hormonal methods, FEMM’s family planning protocol has an effectiveness rate of up to 98% with “typical” use. After learning the method with the help of an instructor, when a woman charts her fertile signs, interprets her cycles correctly, and avoids intercourse on the days she determines to be fertile according to protocols, she can be very confident of avoiding pregnancy.
- Are there other effective methods of NFP? There are many! Learn more about them by visiting Natural Womanhood or Facts About Fertility.
- Who can learn FEMM’s method of fertility awareness and natural family planning? FA and NFP are for almost everyone! From pre-puberty until menopause, women can be empowered by knowing their bodies and understanding their cycles. FEMM’s fertility awareness education, coupled with specific protocols for achieving or avoiding pregnancy, is an effective natural family planning method which can be learned by engaged or married couples.
- Can I use FEMM to help achieve pregnancy? Yes! FEMM helps women to recognize their fertile window, and become experts at identifying ovulation. Timing intercourse near ovulation increases a couple’s chances of making a baby. Just as important, FEMM’s medical protocols can help women with irregular cycles to balance their hormones and work toward healthy fertility – which in turn makes conception possible.
- Do you have to be “religious” to use NFP or FABMs? While many people of various faith traditions use natural family planning to fulfill their moral obligations, you do not have to adhere to any religion in order to use NFP/FABMs .
- Your official bio says you’re Catholic. Does your Catholic faith influence the way you teach FA and NFP? The short answer is yes! As a practicing Catholic who deeply loves the Church, I hope that my faith influences all aspects of my life, and directs both my actions and my words. With that said, there is nothing overtly Catholic or religious within the FEMM program, and I am always sensitive to the personal beliefs of my clients while teaching.
- I’m Catholic. Will FEMM fulfill my obligation to the Church’s moral teaching as a valid method of NFP? Yes. The FEMM method of NFP meets requirements set forth in the Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry: it reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, and can be used to promote openness to life.
