Symptothermal method, a great tool for understanding your menstrual cycles

I'm Alix from Magic Ovaries, an expert in menstrual cycles and symptothermal method, and founder of Magic Ovaries, a brand dedicated to raising awareness about menstrual health and providing symptothermal method support. Today, I support women and couples in understanding their fertility through symptothermal method, whether for planning a child, natural, hormone-free contraception, or to reconnect with themselves.

Today, I'm responding to Gapianne's invitation to explain everything you need to know about symptothermal method. No more secrets about this wonderful method of tracking your cycles. Let's discover its many benefits together!

Enjoy reading!

What is symptothermal method?

Symptothermal method is a method of observing the cycle that is based on monitoring and interpreting basal temperature (resting body temperature) and cervical mucus , in other words, white discharge . It can be used both as a

• natural means of contraception (98% effective 1 ),
• design assistance ,
• and to monitor the balance of its cycle.

⚠️ This is neither the temperature method nor the calendar method. Symptothermal method doesn't work by feel, it doesn't work by guesswork; it follows precise fertility indicators based on current scientific knowledge. Say goodbye to old-fashioned methods!

Natural, hormone-free contraception

Symptothermal method can be used as a means of contraception. And the advantage of this method of contraception is that it's 100% natural; no synthetic hormones or side effects. You'll finally be able to understand your cycle, the real one! This has many benefits: you accept your body better, you better understand where certain discomforts come from; in short, you boost your self-confidence and pamper your health.

And for those who say it's unreliable, know that it's a misconception! With good training (and yes, the best thing is to be accompanied by a professional in this learning) and rigorous practice (you have to do this monitoring every day), symptothermal method is one of the most effective natural methods.

By the way, speaking of effectiveness, did you know that we generally talk about the theoretical effectiveness of contraceptive methods? And not the actual effectiveness rate, that of “real life”? In other words, if you forget to take your pill, for example (which happens very often), the actual effectiveness rate will be lower than the theoretical effectiveness rate! Think about it :)

Actual effectiveness rates therefore take into account everyday reality: small errors and oversights. To obtain this figure, researchers observe a real group of women using this method and note the number of unwanted pregnancies that occur.

Contraception method	Actual use efficiency rate	Efficiency rate in perfect use
Symptothermal method	98%	>99%
Pill	93%	>99%
Male condom	87%	98%
Hormonal IUD (coil)	>99%	>99%

Source: Contraceptive Technology

 

Help in conceiving a baby

Symptothermal method is also a great tool for those dreaming of motherhood. And yes, because when you know how to identify your fertile days, you can maximize your chances of conceiving.

With symptothermal method, you can also calculate your expected due date (EDD) optimally. Why is this important? Because a poor estimate of your EDD increases the likelihood of labor being induced artificially, but that's not all! It's based on this that the dates of routine exams will be determined (as well as eligibility for abortion, but that's getting off the subject).

If you didn't know, today we use a two-century-old calculation method to estimate the DPA and we adjust it with tests that have a significant margin of inaccuracy.

A way to regain control over your cycle

Once you know how to interpret your menstrual cycle and identify your fertile days, you can identify imbalances or specific symptoms. Once these problems are detected, you can take action to resolve them.

Indeed, the menstrual cycle is inherently irregular, the duration of cycles varies greatly and 90% of women (2) experience or will experience hormonal imbalance during their fertile life. It is therefore essential to know how to detect these problems.

Thus, thanks to symptothermal method, valuable information such as the observation of repeated late ovulations, short luteal phases or even recurrent spotting before periods, will allow healthcare professionals to best support you in your treatment journey.

You'll also be able to better anticipate the arrival of your period. And we approve!

Another advantage (yes, I know there are plenty): when you master this method, you know exactly when you can enjoy yourself without fear of a surprise pregnancy. It's the freedom to experience intimate moments, without that little voice in your head constantly reminding you of the fear of an accident. You can finally completely disconnect, immerse yourself in the present moment, and share a moment of pure pleasure with your partner.

This reconnection with oneself is incredibly powerful! We don't always realize how liberating it is.

How does symptothermal method work?

As I mentioned later, symptothermal method is not based on approximation, but on scientific data.

Symptothermal method is based on two phases of the menstrual cycle

First of all, let's remember that the menstrual cycle is not just about periods. It's a series of changes that the body goes through to prepare for a possible pregnancy. In fact, based solely on the physiological aspect, there are 2 phases in a menstrual cycle .

During the first phase of the cycle, also called the “follicular phase,” the body prepares for its next ovulation . As a reminder, estrogen is the dominant sex hormone. It helps lubricate cervical mucus. Thanks to this hormone, we can see changes in cervical mucus during the cycle, such as its change in color and texture; and that says a lot about our hormonal activity.

During the second phase of the cycle, the luteal phase, the body prepares to welcome a potential pregnancy. Here, progesterone is the dominant hormone in this post-ovulation phase. Moreover, when we dig into the etymology, we understand the role of this hormone: comes from the Latin pro and means "for" or "in favor of" and -gesterone from gestare , which means "to carry". Progesterone increases the basal body temperature and dries the cervical mucus.

Cervical mucus, basal temperature and cervical position: 3 key indicators of symptothermal method

Symptothermal method is therefore based on careful observation of the body's natural signs to determine periods of fertility and infertility within the menstrual cycle. Among these signs, cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and sometimes the position of the cervix stand out as the main indicators on which this method is based.

Cervical mucus:

Shall we focus on cervical mucus?

It's a mucus (or white discharge, not always so white, actually!) that is secreted by the cervix. It changes in consistency and appearance throughout the menstrual cycle in response to hormonal changes. Around ovulation, the mucus generally becomes more abundant, clear, and elastic, and can resemble the texture of egg white. This helps promote the survival and transport of sperm through the female genital tract. This therefore indicates a period of high fertility! In the early follicular phase, the mucus is generally thicker and less abundant, and after ovulation, it often dries up completely.

Basal temperature:

Basal body temperature is your body's temperature at rest. It's not measured just any old way! It should be done immediately after waking up and before getting out of bed.

Wondering why we measure it? Quite simply, because around ovulation, under the influence of progesterone, basal body temperature rises slightly and remains elevated until the end of the cycle. This subtle change in temperature serves as an indicator of fertility and confirms that ovulation has occurred. By monitoring these temperature variations daily, it is possible to accurately determine fertility and infertility windows.

Also read: The most dangerous days when a woman's risk of getting pregnant is highest >

The position of the cervix:

If you have difficulty observing your cervical mucus (because you are on vacation at the seaside, because you are a professional surfer or simply because you have very little mucus), it is possible to observe the position of the cervix.

In fact, the cervix, located at the entrance to the uterus, changes position, firmness, and openness throughout the menstrual cycle. This reflects the hormonal fluctuations associated with the different phases of fertility. During the fertile period, the cervix is ​​higher, softer, and slightly open to facilitate the passage of sperm. In contrast, during the infertile phases, it positions itself lower, becomes firmer, and closes, forming a more pronounced barrier.

This practice, although it requires training, offers an enriched understanding and a deeper connection with one's own body.

What equipment is needed?

So, are you ready to embark on the fantastic adventure of symptothermal method? To do so, you'll need to equip yourself!

• A basal thermometer: Choose a good-quality basal thermometer, designed specifically to measure subtle variations in body temperature. It should be able to measure to at least two decimal places for increased accuracy. And don't panic, the temperature is taken under the tongue!

I want it >

• A tracking journal or tracking app: Prepare a paper journal, an Excel spreadsheet, or download a mobile app designed for tracking fertility signs! This tool should allow you to record your temperature, the appearance of your cervical mucus, and the position and firmness of your cervix daily. For those who are interested, you can find the menstrual diary that I designed specifically for cycle tracking right here.

I want it >

✨Are you a little afraid to go it alone? I can also help you take your first steps into this new world of symptothermal method! Indeed, it's my job! I created the “Magic Ovaries Academy” , which is a 12-week support program to teach you symptothermal method.

The advantages of symptothermal method and its limitations

At this point, you'll have understood that symptothermal method is a natural method of fertility management that offers many benefits. However, like any approach, it can have some limitations that are important to recognize for an informed practice adapted to each situation. Shall we see this together?

Its advantages

• Natural, hormone-free contraception: One of the main advantages of symptothermal method is its non-invasive nature. It does not rely on any medical, hormonal, or chemical devices. Say goodbye to side effects!
• Promotes self-connection: It strengthens the connection to one's body. It educates on natural fertility cycles and how various factors (diet, stress, lifestyle) can influence us.
• Versatile: Whether the goal is to avoid pregnancy, conceive, or simply better understand your body, symptothermal method offers flexibility and adaptability to various needs and stages of life. It can do a little bit of everything 😉
• Economical: After purchasing a basal thermometer and potentially purchasing training or educational resources, symptothermal method is a truly economical method, as it does not require recurring purchases.
• Peace of mind: Since you control your cycles, there's no need to stress about a potential pregnancy! And that's a luxury :)
• Deciphering irregular cycles: Women with very irregular cycles (high-level athletes, women with PCOS, people suffering from eating disorders, etc.) will finally be able to understand their cycles and accurately identify their ovulation.
• Promotes communication with your partner: for couples, it encourages communication and sharing of responsibilities in fertility management, thus strengthening the partnership.

Its limits

• Requires training: This method requires a period of learning to master the interpretation of body signals, which may discourage some users at first! However, it's worth it. With the right support, you'll enjoy many benefits, as discussed above.
• Daily discipline: This requires rigorous discipline in observing and recording fertility indicators daily, which can be perceived as restrictive. But if you take a step back, almost no contraception or conception method is not restrictive!
• Sensitivity to disturbances: The accuracy of the method can be affected by various factors such as stress, illness, travel, and lifestyle changes. Therefore, it requires increased attention or some adjustments in data interpretation.

What do those who have started using symptothermal method think? Discover their stories!

Discover the testimonials of my clients: Alessandra and Phinissia who started using symptothermal method to better manage their fertility.

To learn even more about symptothermal method and your menstrual cycle, you can follow me on TikTok , Instagram and YouTube .

As a reminder, I am Alix, founder of Magic Ovaries and certified Symptothermal Method instructor who offers personalized support. I have created a training course dedicated to learning symptothermal method, to guide you step by step towards an informed and effective practice. With the code GAPIANNE , if you wish to embark on the adventure of symptothermal method, you benefit from a 5% discount on the amount of my training. You can register for my training by clicking on the photo below.

I want to register for the training >

And in the meantime, if you would like to get my Ultimate Menstrual Diary to observe your cycles independently, you will find it at Gapianne by clicking right here .

Sources:

*(1) The effectiveness of a fertility awareness based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple's sexual behavior during the fertile time: a prospective longitudinal study, Petra Frank-Herrmann (2007)*

(2) The Revolution will be bloody, Stasha Washburn (2020)