Defining and navigating the fertile window
The core of any Fertility Awareness practice is how the individual handles the fertile window. If you’re trying to conceive this is the time to get busy! If you want to avoid pregnancy - a little creativity may be required, which is what this article will be about.
The fertile window are the days that pregnancy is possible. Each method will define the fertile window differently. For the method that I teach, the Symptothermal Double Check method, the fertile window is opened by using calendar rules (data from previously charted cycles) and cervical mucus observations - whichever happens first officially opens the fertile window.
Once these rules have been met the fertile window is open and pregnancy is possible. This may mean that unprotected penetrative sex may not align with your intentions. That may feel really restrictive and could well be a reason that you feel like Fertility Awareness might not be the right fit for you, but there are so many other options available to you!
Before I get into the down and dirty, horny details it’s important to note that while you’re fertile abstinence is the gold standard and how you will achieve the highest possible efficacy. If you use another method of contraception when you’re fertile you are using the efficacy of that particular method. In saying that, there are things you can do.
So without further ado, here are some things that you can do while you’re fertile.
Alternative sex
Sex toys
Oral sex
Mutual masturbation
Listen/read erotica together
Watch ethical porn together
Anal sex (this can be a higher risk option because semen can travel from the anus to the perineum to the vagina - external condoms and added caution are ideally required here)
Barrier methods
Internal condoms - condoms that are placed inside the vagina and worn during penetrative sex. Typical use efficacy of 79% and perfect use efficacy of 95%.
External condom - condoms that are worn on the penis during penetrative sex. Typical use efficacy of 88% and perfect use efficacy of 98%.
Diaphragm and spermicide - a cap that is inserted into the vagina before penetrative sex and is used with spermicide. Typical use efficacy of 82% and perfect use efficacy of 86%.
Barrier methods can impact and obscure cervical mucus observations by drying up mucus that is present or affecting the flow of cervical mucus. This needs to be taken into consideration when deciding on whether to use barrier methods. Spermicide can also significantly impact observations.
Withdrawal
Correct use withdrawal is defined as withdrawal that happens well before ejaculation where oral or manual stimulation is required for ejaculation to occur. It’s also really important that ejaculation occurs well away from the anus, vagina, vulva, upper thighs or public area.
If you want to maximise your chances for successful withdrawal ensure that the male/penis owner urinates and washes the pubic area (as well as the head of the penis and foreskin) before sex and in between ‘rounds’.
Some men/penis owners will always have sperm in their pre-cum, and some never will. If you’re really serious a good way to know for sure is by testing the pre-cum with a microscope. This isn’t an option for everyone, but if it’s something you would be interested in doing you can buy microscopes off eBay!
Doubling up
Doubling up with an external condom and withdrawal is a really great way of getting a really high efficacy and reducing the risk of an ‘oops’. As far as options for penetrative sex go for those that are very seriously avoiding pregnancy, it’s definitely one that I really recommend.
I hope this article has given you a few ideas of things that you can explore when you’re fertile, while still being safe and staying true to your fertility intentions!