While there is no doubt that hormonal contraception is convenient and effective, there are serious (and valid) concerns about the side affects and dangers associated with chemically altering natural and normal bodily processes. Sexual autonomy and reproductive rights are a complex issue and there are many factors to consider, but what I would like to address is the value and importance of natural fertility awareness as an effective and safer alternative to hormonal birth control.
Our bodies work in order to facilitate life. Whether you are in the phase of
your life where you want (or do not want) to bring a new life into this world, the best way is to not fear the process, but to understand and respect sexuality and
fertility. In this way we can be fertile beings with coherence and awareness.
In general our society avoids the topic of fertility and most women do not understand how their bodies work. When it comes to women’s health, there’s a cultural barrier. Even a menstrual period is only discussed in terms of inconvenience, cramps and pain. When women are young and not ready for children, they are only taught how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Fertility education needs to address fertility awareness and preventing infertility as well. Youth need to be given the proper language to describe their body parts. Many of the myths surrounding fertility need to be dispelled, such as teaching women exactly when they can get pregnant. Women need to know there are alternatives to hormonal birth control and understand that it is important (and ok) to be comfortable with the inconsistencies and unpredictable nature of their bodies. Fertility and health education should also include healthy eating strategies that support hormonal balance and relieve many of the symptoms associated with the shifts in the menstrual cycle.
Fertility awareness could provide girls with the information which will empower them and help them to become confident young women who are in control of their lives, their health and their reproductive destiny. Through fertility awareness girls learn how to identify fertility signs that aid them in understanding what their individual body is doing. Fertility awareness empowers girls to understand, watch, observe and be a part of their ever changing bodies and thus provide a priceless sense of bodily confidence, insight and self-esteem.
In general our society avoids the topic of fertility and most women do not understand how their bodies work. When it comes to women’s health, there’s a cultural barrier. Even a menstrual period is only discussed in terms of inconvenience, cramps and pain. When women are young and not ready for children, they are only taught how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Fertility education needs to address fertility awareness and preventing infertility as well. Youth need to be given the proper language to describe their body parts. Many of the myths surrounding fertility need to be dispelled, such as teaching women exactly when they can get pregnant. Women need to know there are alternatives to hormonal birth control and understand that it is important (and ok) to be comfortable with the inconsistencies and unpredictable nature of their bodies. Fertility and health education should also include healthy eating strategies that support hormonal balance and relieve many of the symptoms associated with the shifts in the menstrual cycle.
Fertility awareness could provide girls with the information which will empower them and help them to become confident young women who are in control of their lives, their health and their reproductive destiny. Through fertility awareness girls learn how to identify fertility signs that aid them in understanding what their individual body is doing. Fertility awareness empowers girls to understand, watch, observe and be a part of their ever changing bodies and thus provide a priceless sense of bodily confidence, insight and self-esteem.
What Exactly is Fertility Awareness?
In general, natural fertility awareness includes:
• Consideration of the combined fertility of the man and woman
• Observation, understanding, and charting of 3 primary signs of fertility: cervical fluid, basal body temperature, and position of the cervix (optional)
• Abstinence or additional barrier methods are required during the fertile phase of the cycle, approximately 7 days
Fertility Awareness is the opportunity to connect intimately with your body – trusting it and following it, rather than looking outside for guidance. It is way of being connected to your body, fertility, sexuality, and health that stems from a daily practice of paying attention to and tracking the changes we as women go through on a cyclical basis. The practice of fertility awareness is valuable for all women, from puberty through menopause. It offers a clear understanding of the “window of fertility” and the confidence to then know how to use this information to make informed choices about when and if you want to become pregnant. It is especially useful for women who are having difficulty conceiving.
On an emotional and spiritual level, it is an expansive practice that offers the potential for transformation and empowerment. On a physical level, it is a way to know when you are fertile, when you are not, and how well your hormones are doing at orchestrating the ebbs and flows of your cycle. Fertility awareness is an important and essential practice for women whether or not it is used as a method of birth control.
To learn more about how you can experience exceptional hormonal health and well-being check out my online course The Hormonal Bliss Project for Painless PMS & Menopause.
If you are interested in learning more about holistic fertility, sexuality and contraceptive solutions check out the Red Tent Sisters.
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