Fertility Awareness

Understanding fertility

Fertility and reproductive health are largely neglected areas in our health education. This is partially due to the lack of easily available accurate information on this subject.  

The results of a survey carried out in 1993 in six Western European countries found that the majority of women lacked basic knowledge concerning menstruation, fertility and pregnancy.

  • One fifth of women had no idea what was happening when their periods started.
  • There was misunderstanding regarding the process of ovulation and the timing of conception.
  • In the England, one third of the women questioned believed that : ovulation occurs during menstruation.
  • The number of fertile days in the menstrual cycle was over estimated.
    In the England, 21% of women thought that :there were more than 21 fertile days. (the average number is 7)
    •
Family planning is not only concerned with avoiding pregnancy, but also with couples choosing whether and when to have a baby.

The ideal method of family planning should not be damaging to health or fertility, and should not affect the enjoyment of the sexual relationship.

Most women rely on medical advice when looking for a method of family planning. It is usually the woman who makes the decisions, although the majority of women would prefer to share the decision-making with their partner.

What is fertility awareness?
  • Understanding basic information about fertility and reproduction.
  • Identifying the signs and symptoms of fertility during the woman‘s fertility cycle.
  • Applying this information to oneself, discussing it with a partner, and with health professionals.
Why is fertility awareness important?
  • As many as one couple in six couples experience some difficulty in conceiving. Fertility Awareness can help couples to maximize their chances of conception, by recognizing signs of fertility and optimizing the timing of intercourse.
  • Fertility Awareness is fundamental to understanding and making informed decisions about family planning choice and reproductive health.
  • Fertility Awareness is fundamental to understanding and using natural family planning, whether to plan or avoid pregnancy.
  • Fertility Awareness helps women to value their fertility, which can be easily damaged by infections, especially sexually transmitted diseases, many of which can result in fertility problems.

Fertility Awareness is relevant throughout a woman‘s fertile life:

  • Puberty and adolescence
  • Considering an appropriate method of family planning.
  • Preparing for pregnancy
  • Following childbirth and during breast-feeding
  • Approaching the menopause

Related Information
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WARNING Information contained here is for awareness only, this is not intended to replace the advise of your medical professional!
  

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