How to Use Fertility Monitors to Space or Avoid Pregnancy

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Fertility monitors to space or avoid pregnancy
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As many of you know, I’ve had six children in nine years. I’m certainly open to having more children in the future, but I feel like my body would benefit from a break from pregnancy/nursing, especially as I am working to overcome my autoimmune disease and heal my thyroid.

Why Not Hormones?

I’ve written before about why I choose not to use hormonal or artificial contraceptives and what I use instead. I explained in that post:

Hormonal contraceptives are made from artificial hormone-like substances that attempt to mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones in the body. Hormonal contraceptives work by:

  • suppressing the release of hormones that trigger ovulation;
  • stimulating production of thick cervical mucus, which prevents sperm survival and ability to travel to a ripe egg in the fallopian tube in the event that ovulation does occur;
  • disrupting the ability of the cilia (whip-like cells that line the fallopian tube) to move a fertilized egg toward the uterus in the event that conception does occur;
  • preventing buildup of the uterine lining, and thereby inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg in the event that one arrives in the uterus.

Personally, the mere possibility that conception could occur and then the fertilized egg could be prevented form implanting is enough to keep me from ever wanting to use hormonal contraceptives.

Problems With the Pill

Artificial hormones like those found in hormonal contraceptives aren’t good for Mom either (or the water supply for that matter).

Sam Epstein, MD and author of The Breast Cancer Prevention Program, explains:

More than 20 well-controlled studies have demonstrated the clear risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer with the use of oral contraceptives. These estimates indicate that a young woman who uses oral contraceptives has up to ten times the risk for developing breast cancer as does a non-user, particularly if she uses the Pill during her teens or early twenties; if she uses the Pill for two years or more; if she uses the Pill before her first full-term pregnancy; if she has a family history of breast cancer.” (emphasis added)

Doing the math, this means a woman who takes the Pill for even just two years before the age of 25 and before she’s had a pregnancy to term increases her risk of breast cancer tenfold.

As I’m not personally a fan of increased cancer risk, and I’m also not a fan of altering my hormones with artificial means. For these reasons I’ve used alternative methods to track my fertility.

How to Test for Fertility

A woman is only cyclically fertile, and within a normal cycle will go from infertile to fertile (for a short window) and back to infertile. Couples who have tried to conceive a child know all too well that there are infertile periods of the month.

Natural methods of achieving or delaying pregnancy depend on knowledge of a woman’s cycle and body to be able to pinpoint the fertile window and use that time accordingly. There are ovulation calculators (and see the other suggestions below) that make this easier to calculate and track based on your specific cycle.

I often hear it said in the health sphere that every body is different and the path to health depends on being able to tune into one’s individual needs. I think this holds especially true when it comes to fertility. So how to listen and know what is going on with your fertility?

Good question!

Natural Family Planning Made Easier

Natural Family Planning or NFP as it is called requires observations of indicators like Basal Body Temperature (BBT), mucus production, cervical position, and other symptoms to predict ovulation. This often means charting these observations to interpret an overall picture of fertility.

You can find a class to teach you how to practice these methods, or there are several apps (this is one of them) that make charting easier. Better yet, there are even computerized devices that connect to these apps and make this process of tracking fertility more accurate and easier to do.

Most fertility monitors are recommended for achieving pregnancy but aren’t labeled for use in avoiding pregnancy or recommended while breastfeeding. I tried to find information on using fertility monitors for these purposes, but there was limited information available.

My Experience Using Fertility Monitors

When given the chance by Fairhaven Health, I decided to test four of these fertility monitors side by side for six months and compare the results to see:

  1. which were the most accurate;
  2. if they could be used during breastfeeding or to delay pregnancy.

The four methods I compared side by side were:

  1. Fertile Focus Ovulation Microscope
  2. iBasal Thermometer
  3. Ovulation Sticks

Plus I charted my fertility using the Sympto-Thermal method of Natural Family Planning. I also tried a device called OvaCue, but that company is no longer around. This is what I found:

1. Fertile Focus

What It Is: The Fertile Focus uses a microscope to track the changes in the saliva that correspond with changes in fertility. The website explains the FertileFocus microscope:

“Designed by leading fertility expert, Dr. Amos Grunebaum, ObGyn, Fertile-Focus is the affordable high-quality saliva-based fertility test (or personal ovulation microscope) that predicts ovulation with 98% accuracy – up to 72 hours in advance.

Fertile-Focus allows women to identify their most fertile days by testing and viewing the visual changes that take place in saliva throughout the monthly cycle. Just prior to ovulation, women experience an “estrogen surge,” and a distinct fern-like pattern becomes visible in saliva due to the hormonal changes. Fertile-Focus provides the highest quality, powerful 50x magnification lens for easily identifying these crystal “ferning” patterns.”

How I Used It: The Fertile Focus predicts ovulation several days in advance based on the patterns in the saliva. Since I was using the OvaCue while nursing a baby and creating “cycles” for it to track, I used the Fertile Focus as a backup method to show ovulation if the OvaCue missed it. All that is required is to place a small amount of saliva on the fertile focus each morning (before eating or drinking), let it dry and then look at it with the microscope.

The Fertile Focus showed the ferning pattern in my saliva at the same time that my charting showed a rise in fertility and the same time that the OvaCue predicted ovulation. It only gave me about 3 days advance notice, compared to the 7 day notice with OvaCue but it was fascinating to see the change in my saliva.

I liked how portable and easy to use the Fertile Focus was, but prefer the extra data with the OvaCue. The Fertile Focus is also the least expensive of the methods I tried. Though it didn’t provide as much advance notice of ovulation, it did predict it accurately.

2. iBasal Thermometer

What It Is: The iBasal Thermometer is a device that relies on the Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method for tracking fertility and pinpointing ovulation. The iBasal has a built in alarm clock to remind you to take your temperature each morning and it measures temperature to 1/100th of a degree. I’ve charted with the BBT method before but the iBasal charts for you to make the process easier.

The website explains:

Basal body temperature (BBT) charting is a tried and true method for determining precisely when during your menstrual cycle you ovulate. Your basal body temperature is the temperature at which your body rests, which tends to be a bit lower than your “normal” temperature, usually 97 point something degrees F versus 98.6 degrees F. By measuring your BBT each morning (after a full night’s sleep) throughout your cycle you can detect the natural and subtle rise in your basal body temperature that occurs just after ovulation. This post-ovulatory shift in BBT is caused by increased production of the hormone progesterone, sometimes referred to as the “warming hormone.”

How I Used It: I kept the iBasal by my bed and took my temperature with it each morning. While I was nursing and didn’t have a cycle, it showed slight variations in my temperature, but not enough to indicate a shift in fertility. Also, since I was working on improving my thyroid hormone levels during this time, it registered a few false ovulations, though most women (even while nursing) wouldn’t have this variable to deal with.

It did confirm that ovulation had happened after (which corresponded with the other methods I was using) but it didn’t give advance notice.

3. Ovulation Sticks

What It Is: Ovulation sticks use urine to identify a rise in LH (Leutenizing Hormone) that occurs 12-48 hours before ovulation. They are very accurate but don’t give much advance notice of ovulation.

How I Used Them: I use these mainly to confirm what the fertility monitors were saying and confirm that ovulation did occur. They can be pricey and must be bought each month, so they aren’t the best option but they do give an extra way to confirm that ovulation has occurred and that LH levels have dropped. I won’t use these long term but they were useful as an extra way to verify the data from the other machines.

What I Use Now

After comparing all four methods side by side for six months, the Fertile Focus is my top option. The device I use the most often is no longer being made, but Fertile Focus is a good alternative. Another option to try is the Kegg fertility monitor which relies on cervical mucus so it’s more accurate.

There is also a great community at Fairhaven Health of women using these different methods and they have forums where you can ask questions and get advice.

As I’m trying to temporarily avoid pregnancy, I’m using these methods to pinpoint my fertile window so I can avoid getting pregnant, but the same technology is excellent at helping pinpoint ovulation to achieve pregnancy.

With this existing technology and as more research and innovation happens, fertility monitors provide an alternative to hormonal contraceptives and also allow women to know and understand their bodies and possibly identify hormonal problems.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Anna Cabeca, a gynecologist and obstetrician and a menopause and sexual health expert. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Have you ever used a fertility monitor or natural family planning method? Please share what worked for you below!

How to Use Fertility Monitors to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy Without Hormones

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

231 responses to “How to Use Fertility Monitors to Space or Avoid Pregnancy”

  1. Donna Avatar

    We started out in our marriage using the Ovulation Method and then progressed to the SymptoThermal Method. We brought into the world five beautiful kids over 21 years of practicing natural methods of spacing. We have been married now for 28 years and I actually feel that I wish we had been less anxoius about “too many kids” because I would like to have seen who else would have entered our world. Your children become your world and what they do you experience in a way as well, so your world expands. I know as a young mother you are active and anxious about many things but take the time to see the remarkable little ones in your care. Build your relationship with them and do not be so concerned about getting them into every program and sport. They really just want to spend time with you and your husband. They will be your best friends someday. A piece of advice – pray for your kids everyday that they will become the persons God created them to be.

    1. Eilise Avatar

      Thank you for your words of wisdom. I have four kids 6 and under so I am at a very exhausting part of life but they are my greatest joys! With a 2 year old and 8 month old I feel I need 2-3 years to be ready for another 🙂

  2. Claire Avatar

    The Creighton Model is worth looking into as well. It’s based on the Billings Ovulation Method and tracks biomarkers during a woman’s cycle. It really helps you understand your own cycles (even when breastfeeding) and can highlight potential issues for someone dealing with infertility (hormone imbalances, etc.) in addition to letting you know your most fertile time.

  3. Naomi Avatar

    Thank you so much for your thorough review!! After my second child (I didn’t realize getting pregnant the second time was that easy and quick), I want to space out the kids a little more, but refuse to use any hormonal birth control and sometimes get off track with my temperature (which can be frustrating, as I don’t have a cycle while breastfeeding so am really in the dark). It’s nice to see the different options!!

  4. Rona Mirimi Avatar
    Rona Mirimi

    Hi,
    I really like your blog and i don’t know if u know the book called TAKING CARE OF YOUR FERTILITY by TONI WESCHLER
    In her book she teaches how to monitor our fertility by tracing 3 signs of our body: temperature, cervix liquid (no need of a microscope) and the location of your cervix.
    Very much amazing!!
    Rona

  5. Erika Avatar

    Hi, Katie! I just want to add one more use for the Ovulation Scope. If you do NOT get pregnant, the ferned pattern in your saliva goes away at the end of your fertile period. But the time I got pregnant, the fern pattern remained- until I should have gotten my period, and beyond. So I was highly suspicious that I was pregnant, and confirmed with a home pregnancy test that indeed I was. I had a friend who had recurrent miscarriages, and she was wondering if I knew of anything that tested really early for pregnancy, so that she could get on progesterone early enough to save her pregnancies. I told her about the Ovulation Scope, and that it essentially confirms pregnancy weeks before any other pregnancy test, and she went out and bought one. She used it and was able to save her next baby. Hopefully this helps some of your readers who are trying to prevent early miscarriage. Thanks for your wonderful blog and have a great day.

    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I have had 6 pregnancies and only one healthy birth, our awesome son is 7 now. What is this about progesterone to save your pregnancy!? How come my doctors never mentioned or tried this? How do you know if this is your problem?

      1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

        I’d find a doctor who knows about it to ask, but I know several people personally who have been able to carry a pregnancy to term by using natural progesterone cream for the first trimester

      2. Lisa Jurski Avatar
        Lisa Jurski

        For repetitive miscarriage, check out fertilitycare.org and look for a certified Medical Consultant in NaPro Technology. They know how to monitor progesterone levels in pregnancy and do so very effectively! The most effective mode of administration is IM (injection). Creams just don’t have high enough absorption rates and there is no control for dosage. Same with vaginal suppository and even oral administration.
        That being said, it is not prescribed without monitoring. They strive to keep progesterone in the healthy range and will re-check levels every couple of weeks and adjust dosage etc… I have a lot of experience with this after losing my second pregnancy at 17 weeks and then not being able to maintain another pregnancy for over 6 months because of a progesterone problem. With hormonal support, we were able to maintain pregnancy in the first cycle of trying and were on progesterone through week 29. I got taken off a couple of weeks ago (now at 31 weeks) because my levels went up enough and then stayed up! Now only needing to get it checked with signs of pre-term labor. Not enough OB’s know how to use progesterone therapeutically. Look for a NaPro trained doctor and you will find what you need!

  6. Lisa Jurski Avatar
    Lisa Jurski

    Although mentioned, the fertility-awareness based methods of NFP (FABM) can be great. Either as an alternative to or in conjunction with one of the fertility monitors. The Creighton Model System in particular is wonderful, because it helps a woman identify the return of fertility while BF-ing BEFORE her cycles return. Every woman is different, and every pregnancy can be different as well (ie, just because your cycles didn’t return for over a year with one child doesn’t mean the same will happen with #2 or #3). For women with other health-related issues (endometriosis, PCOS, irregular cycles, unusual bleeding patterns, painful periods, etc), the medical diagnostics/treatments that are provided in conjunction with the Creighton charting (called NaPro Technology approach) is particularly useful. It is a wonderful, supportive way to look at women’s reproductive and gynecological health that doesn’t involve taking artificial hormones. It works cooperatively with a woman’s natural cycles and seeks to treat the underlying cause of any dysfunction (rather than just trying to mask symptoms). For women who are tired of the birth control pill being prescribed for every concern that they go to their doctor with (acne, painful cycles, irregular cycles, heavy periods, etc), this approach is a God-send!

    1. Anna Avatar

      My husband and I learned Sympto-Thermal when we were engaged, and then switched to Creighton about a year into our marriage. I will never go back! We’ve dealt with a whole host of infertility issues, but with the help of Creighton and Naprotechnology I am finally pregnant after 2 years of trying. For me personally, Sympto-Thermal was much more confusing than it was helpful. (Partly because my body wasn’t behaving the way it was “supposed” to, but partly because it just isn’t specific enough.) And I found medical help with that method to be difficult to find. (The first doctor I went to wouldn’t even give me the time of day about my concerns.) I’ve found the Creighton model to be much more scientific and much less confusing. It is less confusing partly because it is more specific (e.g. it distinguishes between 8 or 12 types of mucus, rather than 3 or 4 with Sympto-Thermal) and partly because the instruction in the method is both much more rigorous and more personal. My doctor and my Fertility Care Practitioner are also well-integrated, so I’ve felt taken care of, rather than left to figure out how to deal with what was wrong, as I was with Sympto-Thermal. I don’t have any personal experience with avoiding pregnancy on either method, but if we ever need to, I feel much more confident about using Creighton to do so.

  7. KAY Avatar

    What about the mini-pill for contraception while breastfeeding. That has no hormones right?

  8. Monica Avatar

    I’m 51 and had a hysterectomy leaving the ovaries in October 2011. Not knowing where I am in my cycle has been very challenging especially when it comes to progesterone cream, BHRT etc. I’m hoping one or more of these will provide the information I need to get a handle on where I am in my cycle. I’m showing no menopausal symptoms but very much in pms. 😛 Thanks for this information. I needed it!!! 🙂

  9. Cassi Avatar

    very useful information!

    I read Taking Charge of Your Fertility and it was great before my first child. We could use barrier methods or abstain during fertile times and I only had 6 cycles a year. Then I got pregnant for the first time (we didn’t use barrier methods or abstain but knew it was a fertile time- we weren’t SURE it would work b/c I had been diagnosed infertile in my youth and even put on the pill to ‘regulate’ my non-existent cycles). When my son was 6 months old and exclusively breastfeeding, my cycle returned. And the challenge of charting while breastfeeding began!!!!

    I would have 50-60 day cycles, extremely long pre-ovulation phase, and loads and loads of mucus! I was pregnant again (it seemed a) easier, and b) like good timing) w/ my daughter when my son was only 15 months old. He weaned around 18 months and my daughter was born strong and healthy. We thought we could do this charting thing again, but ended up w/ a surprise pregnancy when my daughter was only 10 months old- a surprise, using barrier methods, day 35 ovulation baby. 😀 She was a homebirth b/c the Dr’s office wouldn’t allow my ovulation date to determine my due date. And my daughter was fully 44 weeks by LMP when she was born.

    So we were SUPER CAREFUL after she was born- w/ returning cycles (6 months even when tandem nursing my 2 year old and 6 month old all day) and STILL got pregnant w/ a 2nd delayed ovulation that came after a charted ovulation (yay double ovulation?!?), while nursing my 2 daughters. 😀

    Then we went Creighton model- SO STRICT. so limiting, and turns out that i have, on most cycles, either a double ovulation or just 10-14 days of mucus MINIMUM. I spaced out my 5th (i think we decided one more would be easier than Creighton Model and fighting over abstinence for 2-3 weeks every single cycle) and he was born when my 4th was almost 2 years old. And we had another charting surprise (SURPRISE) even w/ 15 days of abstinence during the cycle. So, either double ovulation or surprise ovulation or the swimmers lived a full week.

    Needless to say, we’re a little, teensy bit skeptical of most natural methods!!!!

    I’ve considered ladycomp and will definitely look into OvuCue as 7 days prediction is pretty good (but not long enough if i didn’t ovulate this time!) as we’re pretty overwhelmed w/ 6 kids in 8 years! thankfully, i was gluten free for 4 years before my first pregnancy, nutrient dense foods educated by my 2nd pregnancy, and basically eating as clean and nutrient dense as possible for the last 6 years. BUT I know it’s no guarantee and that my body is still being drained.

    Thanks for the reviews and resources!

    1. Carissa Avatar

      I suspect double ovulation has be responsible for both of my kiddos. Your post makes me feel like I’m not crazy!! Do you have any resources for info on double ovulation, I’m really curious about it. I charted carefully and was very intune with my body, but I still have two (very welcome) surprises. Glad to know there’s an additional method I can try!

  10. Kelley Avatar

    I’ve been charting my cycles (FAM) for 14 yrs. I have 7 kids and have been nursing for over 13 yrs straight and tandem for over 11 yrs straight (I’ve even nursed 3 for a combined total of 3 yrs). I have ovulated as early as 8 wks PP or as late as 12mo (6mo PP is my average).

    Charting (observing fertile signs, taking my temps, cervical position, using a barrier method while fertile) has worked for me during annovulatory periods post partum, and while nursing (even on demand through the night). It also allows me to determine my body’s health and if I may have potential hormone issues (short LP, low temps etc). Other perks are I always have a good idea that I am pregnant before I could test (I get an implantation dip). And several times we were TTC I never even took a pregnancy test, I didn’t need to, 18 high temps told me I was pregnant.

    It also allowed me to know that I had a loss I wouldn’t have known of otherwise. It allows me to time pregnancy to get pregnant on the first try and is excellent at preventing. The only times we have gotten pregnant when not specifically TTC are when we consciously took “risks” (and we only do take risks that if we are OK with getting pregnant, otherwise we play it safe).

    It is cheap, all you need is a piece of paper and a good thermometer.

    I learned everything I know from the book “Taking Charge Of Your Fertility”. Most empowering womens book ever!!

    I’m sure some people need something more (as you mentioned with thyroid problems) but I just want to share for those who may be reading that not everyone does. That charting can be used successfully by people even during annovulatory periods PP and while nursing (a lot). It’s easy, cheap, accurate, and gives you far more information about your body than simply when you ovulate!! I love looking over my cycles from a decade ago (and notes) to compare what my body was doing then to now! I think it will prove very handy when get older (menopause…eek, LOL)

    1. Terri Brun Avatar
      Terri Brun

      Preach!! I’ve been charting for long time as well. 16 years to be exact. 5 healthy kids and 2 angels later, I’m still trying to pinpoint the exact month I’ll return to having a period. My baby turns 6 months in a few days and I’ll be pulling out my thermometer and charting since I know it works!! I’m interested in the ovulation kits but I know once I add solid foods it’s only a matter of time before I cycle. Baby has just started consistent night sleeping.
      Great information here, Katie.
      I’m one of those “strict” Catholics too. 😉

  11. Brynn Avatar

    So glad to hear someone talk about this topic. Thanks for the reviews and information.

  12. Tamara Avatar

    Can I use the OvaCue while on the pill as I’d transition off of the pill? I am breastfeeding, so on the pill that works with it (I think progesterone only). I’d like to get off the pill, but I’m hesitant to have my husband have a vasectomy (still researching that). We DO NOT want more children, so I need something very effective. I don’t want to quit the pill until I know I have something accurate as an alternative.
    Thoughts?

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      I found it very accurate for me, but I would definitely recommend being very careful the first few months since your cycle may be irregular when transitioning off the hormones

  13. Sarah S. Avatar
    Sarah S.

    The Marquette Method uses the clear blue easy monitor and has a protocol for breastfeeding. I have not used it but I have friends who love it.

  14. Valerie Avatar

    Hey Katie, just out of curiosity, did you sleep train your babies? I have five as well but they are spaced two to three years apart. I’m doing my own research on that whole thing. Love your blog; it has really helped our family’s health! 🙂

  15. Iterina Avatar

    My husband and I use the diaphragm, it took a lot of getting use to. I couldn’t believe how hard it was to find a doctor that could advise on non hormonal forms of contraception. It was horrendous, we even went to a specialist and paid extra, only to be recommended the IUD. She had no knowledge of how to fit the diaphragm. We finally found a clinic that could help us. I was adamant that I wouldn’t go back on the pill or use other methods that interfere with my hormones. All many doctors seem to do these days is write a prescription, they don’t want to be bothered with the alternatives. I felt so much better coming off it.

    To be honest all the people I know who have tried the natural method have many kids! At least 5 or more lol. I went to a catholic school (some strict Catholics don’t believe in contraception), I had a friend who had eleven brothers and sisters! So I have never trusted it. Thanks for the information on these devices and newer methods.

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      I’d fall in to the category of “strict” Catholic. While I’d like a little sleep first, I can think of many things worse than getting to have 11 children 🙂

      1. Kayla Avatar

        I also fall into the category of “strict” Catholic :). I appreciate all the information you’ve given on this topic and others and applaud your evangelizing through example 🙂
        My husband and I have been married a little over a year and have a baby who is 2 months old now! We are avoiding during this time and I am breastfeeding. We have used the cervical mucus method with success before we conceived our baby, but now that I am breastfeeding I cannot establish a “basic infertile pattern” as I have both wet days and dry days in an irregular pattern!
        Have you had this situation while breastfeeding? I was hoping to avoid buying an expensive fertility machine, but it may be necessary after all….

  16. Kate Avatar

    I may look into this. My understanding is that a BBT reading should be taken after four hours of continuous sleep, and with young kids, I don’t often find that I am getting this. Was this an issue for you, and is it worth monitoring BBT if your sleep schedule is more erratic?

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      BBT wasn’t effective for me in the past when used alone. It would always confirm once ovulation had already occurred but doesn’t give advance warning and things like stress, interrupted sleep or alcohol consumption can interfere so I was glad to find the electrolyte method

  17. Tamika Avatar

    My doc suggested checking my temp every morning to chart and see if I was ovulating or not. I have had a cycle every 16-22 days with the exception of one 60 day cycle since my third child was 7 wks old! He is now 18 months and nurses just as much as he did as a newborn. The doc checked my levels and said they are “fine”, but my question is this: how the heck do you get accurate temp when a toddler still night nurses. I don’t get more than 3 hrs of uninterrupted sleep…with him either nursing (3-4 times between 9pm and 8 am) and sometimes he dream nurses…and he is always kicking me over. We don’t wake up at the same time every day…is this an accurate method? Part of me wants another baby, part of me thinks my nursing toddler is preventing it…and I’m happy…for now.

  18. Devin Avatar

    Thanks so much for sharing with others the benefits of non-hormonal child spacing! I wish more people would realize that hormonal birth control has many negative side effects on the health and well being of women. I think it is funny that so many people go to great lengths to avoid food containing hormones, and products that are hormone disrupters, while ignoring what the pill and other forms of birth control such as iuds do to their bodies and the environment! Thanks for the run down on the fertility monitors. They are so expensive, that I’ve never taken the plunge and bought one. Right now we are using the Standard Days method of child spacing. Has worked great for the past year. I’ve always been bad about temperatures, charting, mucous, etc, which is why something like the lady comp or ovucue sound good. Oh, I’ve also been using a great app called OvuView that charts for me and helps me keep track of my last period, fertile days etc. it’s been great since I have traditionally forgotten to write all of that stuff down. Good luck ladies! You won’t regret tossing out the birth control!

  19. Yvonne Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    Do you recommend Fertilaid, fertilecm or any of the supplements on the Ovacue website?
    Thanks,
    Yvonne

      1. Yvonne Avatar

        Thanks Katie! One more question. Can I take both of these and maca?

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