Fertility awareness
Fertility Awareness
Fertility awareness (pronunciation: /fərˈtilədē əˈwernəs/) is a method used to predict a woman's fertility cycle by observing and recording changes in her body.
Etymology
The term "fertility awareness" is derived from the Latin word "fertilis" meaning "fruitful" and the English word "awareness" meaning "knowledge or perception of a situation or fact".
Definition
Fertility awareness is a collection of methods used to predict fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. These methods may be used to achieve or avoid pregnancy. They are also known as "natural family planning" and "periodic abstinence".
Methods
Fertility awareness methods are based on observation of changes in a woman's body and menstrual cycle. These changes can include:
- Basal body temperature: This is the body's temperature at rest. It rises slightly after ovulation.
- Cervical mucus: The amount, color, and texture of cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle.
- Cervical position: The position and feel of the cervix change throughout the menstrual cycle.
- Menstrual cycle: The length of the menstrual cycle can indicate when ovulation is likely to occur.
Related Terms
- Ovulation: The release of an egg from the ovary.
- Menstruation: The monthly shedding of the uterine lining.
- Contraception: Methods used to prevent pregnancy.
- Natural family planning: A method of preventing pregnancy that involves tracking a woman's menstrual cycle.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fertility awareness
- Wikipedia's article - Fertility awareness
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