What is the Sympto-Thermal Method?
The Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) is an effective, co-operative, scientifically-based and inexpensive method of natural family planning. Awareness of a man's constant fertility and a woman's cyclic variations enables a couple to understand and accept their shared fertility. Knowledge of the woman's fertility signs empowers couples to make choices to postpone or engage in intercourse, according to their wish to avoid, plan, or space pregnancies.
How Does it Work? Daily observation of the woman's basal body temperature, cervical mucus signs, changes in the cervix, and periovulatory symptoms are made and recorded on a chart.
With teaching from a Serena teacher-couple, couples will learn how to chart and interpret this information in order to identify the fertile, infertile and relatively infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. (See the diagram).
By recording information about each menstrual cycle on a chart, it is relatively easy to:
- discern the period of ovulation
- identify the period of natural infertility
- predict the onset of menstruation
- follow each cycle as it unfolds
- discover menstrual irregularities
- detect possible causes of infertility
- observe the re-establishment of ovulatory cycles after contraceptive use, breastfeeding or pregnancy
- confirm early pregnancy
- recognize the approach of menopause
The Sympto-Thermal Method is unique because the chart information can also be used to optimize the timing of intercourse when a pregnancy is desired. The STM can be used throughout a woman’s reproductive lifespan, including situations such as breastfeeding and premenopause.
Note: The STM does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.