Cycle Tracking: A Natural Form of Birth Control
Every month a woman’s body goes through a cycle that includes bleeding, rebuilding of the uterine lining, and ovulation. These changes are driven by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Tracking this cycle can help you learn when you might be more likely to get pregnant or when you can expect your period to start. Most menstrual cycles last about 28 days, but anywhere from 21 to 35 days is considered normal. Ovulation usually happens about halfway through the cycle. Paying attention to signs like changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature can help pinpoint when ovulation occurs.
Principles of cycle tracking
Cycle tracking means observing and recording physical signs each day. Common methods include checking basal body temperature first thing in the morning, noting the consistency of cervical mucus, and counting calendar days. You can keep these notes in a paper journal or use one of the many apps available. Many apps send reminders and interpret patterns for you. They may flag fertile days or predict when your next period will arrive. While apps can help simplify tracking, it is important to learn how to interpret the data yourself rather than relying on an app alone. Most apps defer to a calendar method and therefore are not as reliable for women with irregular cycles or if your cycle happens to be shorter/longer than previous cycles.
Efficacy, Benefits and Challenges
Many women who use some sort of cycle tracking method like that they are fully aware of what is happening in their body and the processes of it all. Cycle tracking is also inexpensive (sometimes completely free depending on the method), natural, helps identify underlying issues and it works with your body as opposed to against it. By cycle tracking, you can avoid the danger of synthetic hormones while also learning about how your body works.
However, cycle tracking has challenges too. Stress, illness, travel, and sleep disturbances can change temperature and mucus patterns. Young women or those with irregular cycles often find it harder to spot clear fertile windows and it can take longer to learn. It is recommended that women abstain for 2-3 cycles until they are fully confident that they understand when their fertile window is. However, when performed correctly, cycle tracking is 99% effective.
Finding the right method
If you choose to track your cycle, start by picking one or two signs to observe every day. For example, take your basal body temperature with a digital thermometer before getting out of bed. Record it on a chart or in an app so you can see small rises in temperature after ovulation.
Also check cervical mucus by washing your hands and feeling at the opening of the vagina. Note when it turns clear, stretchy, and slippery—that is usually around ovulation. Over time, you’ll learn what’s normal for you and when patterns change.
Is Cycle Tracking Right For You?
At Care Net Milwaukee, we believe the answer is yes – at least to some degree. It is always a good thing for a woman to know more about herself, her health and how to take care of her body. Because cycle tracking is oftentimes completely free or really inexpensive, there is no reason why a woman should not at least try to understand a little bit more about it.
If you have questions, need help finding healthcare or need basic pregnancy care, our team at Care Net Milwaukee is here for you.