Full Description
Fertility Awareness is key to understanding sexual and reproductive health at all life stages. It can be used to either plan or avoid pregnancy. Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) are highly effective when motivated couples are taught by trained practitioners. These methods are in demand for ecological, medical, cultural, religious and moral reasons. The ability to control fertility naturally is a lifestyle choice.
The Complete Guide to Fertility Awareness provides the science and methodology suitable for health professionals and a general audience. It covers reproductive physiology and the fertility indicators: temperature, cervical secretions and cycle length calculations. It explores ways to optimise conception and to manage conception delays. Case studies and self-assessment exercises are included throughout. The book addresses the scientific credibility of new technologies including fertility apps, home test kits, monitors and devices.
The Complete Guide to Fertility Awareness offers:
evidence-based information for general practitioners, practice nurses, school nurses, midwives, sexual health doctors and nurses
a unique perspective on subfertility for gynaecologists and fertility nurses
an authoritative source of reference for medical, nursing and midwifery students
a straightforward and practical reference for new and experienced FAM users
the core text for the FertilityUK Advanced Skills Course in Fertility Awareness
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
List of figures
List of tables
Images and permissions
Overview of fertility awareness
Male fertility
Female fertility
Temperature: first indicator
Cervical secretions: second indicator
Cervix: third indicator
Calendar calculations: fourth indicator
Minor indicators of fertility
Home test kits and monitors
Combining indicators
Simplified methods
Factors affecting the menstrual cycle
FAMs for women of normal fertility
Contraception and returning fertility
FAMs after hormonal contraception
Breastfeeding, LAM and returning fertility
FAMs during the peri-menopause
Planning pregnancy
Conception delays and assisted fertility
Teaching fertility awareness
Appendix A. Normal fertility chart
Appendix B. Instructions for use
Appendix C. Planning pregnancy chart
Appendix D. Chart summary sheet
Appendix E. Autonomy checklist
Appendix F. Body mass index chart
Appendix G. Drugs which affect the menstrual cycle
Appendix H. Further reading
Bibliography
Index
