Tracking My Fertility! | The Hormone Diaries Ep. 10 | Hannah Witton | ad

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In this episode I try to track my fertility using the Natural Cycles app & go get an STI test!
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[@TheIzzySquishy]

It's interesting how out of all the stuff I've read about natural cycles this is the FIRST TIME anyone has mentioned all the stuff abut regular sleep patterns and drinking etc. It seems like way too many people want to talk about this as 'the future of contraception' without talking about how this may not work for everybody, thanks for acknowledging that.

[@cordeliax8972]

there's never been a better time to be a lesbian tbh

[@jenniferclapham6539]

Hannah Witton except if ya wanna get preggers

[@cordeliax8972]

TheMoreTheMary-er well there is that

[@cordeliax8972]

Hannah Witton ahahahaha literally

[@TheMoreTheMary_]

hahahaha there's that indeed :p

[@TheMoreTheMary_]

Pretty sure Emily just made a joke ( especially since you can't "become" a lesbian )

[@andyhartley]

It is intriguing to me - as somebody with a penis - how it still seems to be the responsibility of the person with the womb to avoid getting pregnant in almost all cases. What you said about the app working best when you're in a trusting relationship I very much agree with, as this shares the responsibility (to some extent) between you both. This should be the case anyway, but I like how this helps.

[@DaisySore]

Hannah Witton 'penis people'

[@anotherbloodyfeminist3272]

Hannah Witton "Penis people". wonderful. truly wonderful.

Hannah Witton you are awesome

[@thatjillgirl]

Unfortunately there's no comparative tracking method for the male reproductive system. Assuming no specific health issues, people who produce sperm are fertile ALL THE TIME. But there are some pretty interesting male contraceptives in the works. Hopefully the burden can be more equally shared soon.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

As somebody with a penis, the condom IS a way for us to share the responsibility and it also prevents STIs.

[@irmak2898]

I'm absolutely OBSESSED with this series, keep up the good work! Love you Hannah xx

[@cinemoni]

never heard of this form of contrashashun before!

[@emomz]

When I used tracking basal body temperature (BBT) and checking my cervical mucus to get pregnant. I just set my alarm for the same time every day, took my temp and then went back to sleep on lazy days. I also recorded every temp, and just made a note when I took it late etc. I LOVED learning about my cycle, and I now have a four month old too, so it definitely works. I'm also hormone free just now as I'm breastfeeding which acts as a contraceptive because it stops my periods. I'm just keeping the condoms handy as I've no idea when I'll start ovulating again! Not a very practical method for you though :)

[@biba1baba2buba3]

For anyone saying "I could never use this as contraception!". You use sympto-thermal method, instead of just your temps you also track other symptoms like cervix and mucous. If your cycle is regular it's super easy, it's only tricky if you have something like pcos.

[@marcelainlove]

I feel like it should be mentioned that the fertility awareness method is 99.5 % effective only if used correctly and if you both measure your temperature and note the type of cervical fluid you have that day. Relying only on one symptom (like the emperature) is not as effective. I use the fertility awareness method not for preventing pregnancy (right now) but just generally learning about my cycle and I'm really happy with it. But I'd say it's safer to invest in a course or read a book so that you can recognize yourself if you are fertile or not, rather that trust an app with it.

[@Irishrachel1]

i would be so paranoid of getting pregnant and wouldn't be able to trust just tracking my cycle. it sounds like there's a lot of things that can effect your temperature and stuff. the struggle of finding a non-hormonal contraception continues on! *sigh*

[@hanzib31]

Irishrachel1 its actually endorsed by the NHS. it isnt as hard as it sounds!! have a read around about it if youre interested!! Femmehead is a youtuber that talks a lot about it.

[@thatjillgirl]

If your cycles are regular, it can actually be really effective, but the catch is that you have to be very disciplined with it if it's your only method.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

Condoms are non-hormonal.

[@felicityaeh]

Irishrachel1 copper coil!!!! non hormonal coil.

[@hollabksquirrel]

Irishrachel1 copper iud has no hormones

[@qwertzufil]

Really cool that you started trying cycle tracking. Just to give you a tip: If you measure the temperature vaginal the results are more accurate. Also you should keep an eye on your cervical mucus because that gives you one more component to tell wether you're fertile or not. (Read about the symptothermal method to learn more )

[@nobelmorningstar]

It seems crazy to me that you've never heard of the NFP method before!! My mom used it her whole fertile life and all three of her kids were planned, no accidents there! The length of my cycle is not super regular either, but I keep track of my cycle by noticing the consistency of my vaginal discharge and sometimes pain, and now I know that my period starts 16 days after I finish ovulating too, which allows me to be prepared for it!

[@Louisyed]

seems extremely risky to try to use this for contraception, though helpful possibly if trying to get pregnant. It would be a disaster for me as my sleep cycle is atrocious!

[@georgieh7351]

I am not kidding at all when I say that I have learnt more about sex, relationships and contraception etc by watching your videos, than I have by listening to sex ed professionals during PSHE days at school. Thanks for the info Hannah!

[@emjefferson6657]

Hannah!!! This series has really inspired me to go off the pill and see how my body is naturally- been on it since I was like 15 and was always too scared that my skin would be awful and I'd not be able to plan my period, but recently been getting a lot of headaches and migraines and having alopecia so I'm interested to see if it's all related. 😬Sooo here goes nothing! Thankyou for being such an inspiration to me xx

[@StrongImaginationA]

I'm very sceptic towards this form of fertility awareness. Fertility tacking by following body temperature is the best recipe for disaster. There's so much more you should take into account, most of all the structure and consistency of vaginal fluids.

[@lucysavill5724]

Can I just thank you for doing this series? Seeing you do this helped me get the confidence to actually come off the pill. Because of that, I was able to realise that there was something wrong with my body and have since been diagnosed with PCOS. I am back on the pill now to control the symptoms until my husband and I decide to actively try for a family, but at least now I know more about my body than I did before. Also, thank you for doing this particular episode as I've been wanting to find a good fertility tracker app to use when it does come time to start a family =)

[@lavayuki]

The reliability of this method seems really low, I could never risk this. As a minimum you should use condoms on top of this method, but it only seems worthwhile if you wouldn't getting pregnant should it fail. Also, the abstinence period is so long as well, needs good willpower

[@hanzib31]

If anyone is interested in this kind of stuff....check out Femmehead!!! Shes on YT and bloody (pun intended) brilliant. She talks about allsorts of femal health things!

[@rune4136]

I've been loving this series, as a learning tween! Some may think I'm 'too young' to know about hormones and sex and menstrual cycles, but personally I think, the younger you're introduced to this stuff, the better. I know my friend started her period last year at age ten and she had no idea what it was and was so scared, so I think that girls need to be taught about the whole concept of growing up, not just the basics, so that they can be prepared. Lol my school just said "When girls reach a certain age, they have a menstrual cycle, or a period, which is where blood comes out of their vaginas" and "When boys get older, they sometimes have wet dreams and get an erect penis". Nothing about how to deal with periods with pads and tampons or that most girls get cramps. Thank you Internet, for providing the resources for amazing people to teach us all more about sexual health 🙌🏻

[@betsygoodfellow5939]

Literally tho, I'm just leaving school and have had a period for around 4 years now (ugh) but I totally know what you mean, I remember we were told "you'll get a period where you'll bleed for a bit every month" but no one told us how to deal with it or any of the important stuff!! The education on this sort of stuff is actually rubbish!! I've learnt more from the internet than from school tbh

[@LoveParigi95]

You're totally not too young for this! Tbh I'd say you're about the perfect age because you're the age when girls start getting their periods (I also got mine at around 10). Even if you don't get yours for a while your friends might and it's nice to be able to help them out with knowledge. Juuusstt maybe wait a bit until you're really ready to put some of the contraception info into practice :)

[@calooza88]

If you want to know more about how a woman's body works, I recommend reading the book Cycle Savvy, by toni weschler. It's specific for your age ;)

[@jupiterzulu3164]

As a cisgender strait man I love this series because as far as society is concerned I should be disgusted by periods and only see them in a stereotypical way. And sadly this is light years more informative than health class was. But I'm pretty sure you already knew that. Keep up the good work and I can't wait to hear your next update on how your body is functioning. Watching this series is on par with my favorite TV shows, I can't wait to see what happens next!

[@AnarchistOwl]

You sounded so northern at the end of this 😅 "luv"

[@sheltiegirl423]

FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING THIS METHOD: I use it, love it and recommend it, but not to just anyone. Here's why (please read the whole thing): First of all, just taking your temperature every morning in itself does not protect you from pregnancy! The temperatures allow you to know when you are fertile, and it is then YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to either use a barrier method (male or female condoms) or abstain from vaginal intercourse on those fertile days. I agree with Hannah that natural family planning/the fertility awareness method (FAM) is best for couples in trusting relationships, people with fairly regular menstrual cycles, people who have a regular sleep schedule and people who drink minimally (if you have a drink or two that won't effect the temps much, but moderate to heavy drinking will). I've been using FAM for three years now, meet all of those criteria and it works great for me. I would also add that using this method is best for people who are willing to put a bit of thought/effort into their fertility every day (don't worry, only a few minutes each morning) and who are interested in knowing what their bodies are up to. I also recommend tracking more than just temperature. I also track cervical fluid, which is equally as quick and easy as temperature. I check when I'm in the shower each morning. People who this method is NOT good for are people who want a 100% carefree option like an implant or IUD that they don't ever have to think about. For some people that's very important, and if that is the most important factor for you in terms of birth control, FAM in any form is probably not for you. It does require care, thought and planning for it to be effective. I don't have the Natural Cycles app or any other tracker like that. You don't actually need any expensive apps or computer-based devices to do the tracking yourself. I use a BBT (basal body temperature) thermometer that I bought from Amazon and record my temperatures in Clue (period tracking app). The temperature changes are noticeable enough that you can see it if you plot the temps on a graph, and as long as you understand the theory behind it and what the temp changes mean (this is CRUCIAL!) you can know for sure when you've ovulated and when it's safe to have unprotected sex. For anyone interested in using this method, and for Hannah too, because it's an amazing book, I highly recommend reading "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. In my opinion reading this book is a MUST before starting FAM, and I recommend it even for people who don't use FAM because it contains so much important information about how the female reproductive system works, which I think every uterus-haver should know. In summary, I can highly recommend FAM for people whose lifestyles (sleep schedule, drinking habits, etc.) make it feasible. If you have a regular menstrual cycle there will be more safe days per month when you can have unprotected sex, but using this method is also possible with an irregular period, it just might be a bit less convenient. You don't need a paid service or an expensive device, you just need a BBT thermometer (NOT a fever thermometer!). And my advice to everyone considering this method, even if you choose to use a tracker like Natural Cycles or the LadyComp: Read "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" so you understand the principles the app is basing its predictions on/so that you can double-check the app's suggestions manually for the first few months. If anyone out there has questions about any of this, please feel free to contact me :)

[@TheTuuliThea]

Danielle Crouch I have irregular periods and it works for me too! 3ish years, then I still got pregnant when I wanted to so I still recommend it. 😊

[@annabel4313]

I feel like this is better trying to conceive rather than as a contraception as I'd be way too scared it wouldn't work out - there's only one form of tracking and so so many things can make a difference to the temp. reading/your cycle.

[@theonlyjen]

Yeah, I think there is a lot and I mean A LOT of fear about any kind of natural tracking method. however what does happen eventually is you become much more attuned with your body's natural rhythm and you can get better at seeing the signs that tells you when you are ovulating or not. The app is the first of it's kind in that it's actually scientifically proven as a contraceptive method if used correctly. Plus it's data collection and that is a good thing. however you don't need this app (which you would have to pay for) if you just want to simply track your body's cycle - there are lots of decent free ones out there. Clue is a popular one for example.

[@calooza88]

It's easier than it seems, believe me. I recommend every women to read the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility", it will answer all your fears.

[@sheltiegirl423]

I agree with Vania and also highly recommend "Taking Charge of Your Fertility." It gives you all the information you need in order to successfully practice cycle tracking as a method of birth control (or if you're trying to conceive).

[@kathe7788]

Have you ever tried kegel exercises? Would be really interesting to see your point of view!

[@harrietokeefe9658]

++

[@davidknight3249]

Your vids are great. The US could learn a lot about STI/STD testing from the NHS. There has been information written by the BBC and from US sites about the Natural cycles app. Because of all the "requirements" the US has listed it as minimally effective.

[@memorycelle]

Curious about this app, so it's great to see it in action, thanks for sharing! It will be interesting as this takes off to see how reliable it is to avoid pregnancy...

[@natalyabarton2205]

I used to use the leaf which is a piece of smart jewellery but that didn't track fertility... I now use flow because it has more parameters and tracks fertility too... I am on the combined pill which isn't my first choice of contraceptive method (had the implant and the progesterone only pill but they didn't agree with me) but it works for me

[@kiddooo10]

I'd really like to see a video, maybe this would be a good collab, about how good hormonal birth control can be for some people. I've been on the pill for almost 6 years (I went on initially to treat dysmenorrhea) and I've had a very positive experience. It has completely alleviated my condition, and I've been able to use it as reliable contraception. So while I'm aware that not everyone has as positive of an experience as mine, I think it would be nice to hear from someone for whom hormonal birth control has been helpful.

[@kimolyslager]

These have been so inspiring! I came off the pill as well and got the copper coil as a replacement. It was so painful to get- but for real, it felt like they put a blender in my uterus.. Which went away quit quickly but when my period started it felt like the blender was put on.. :)))) But coming off the pil was one of my best decisions everrrr, my mental health has been so much better it is crazy. I used to cry about literally everything and that doesn't happen anymore 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

[@kimolyslager]

Also, thank you so much for these videos, I feel like without them I would nit have taken the decision to come off the pill 💛

[@amy_runs]

Would you recommend the copper coil then?

[@kimolyslager]

amy dallison Yes definitely!

[@amy_runs]

Does it not make your periods a lot longer and heavier?

[@Lgilesnick]

I've just been through the exact same, the procedure was pretty uncomfortable but the cramps after were so bad!! But I went for the copper iud as the implant was really affecting my migraines and mental health. I've just went through my first period with the iud and it was painful for one day and very heavy for two days. But honestly I'm so happy to have it, no more hormones!! It won't hurt everyone on insertion but honestly the pain at the beginning is worth it for my mental health and being nearly migraine free 😊😊and 10 year long contraception!

[@elm926]

I love this series and appreciate all that you do, however I am truly uncertain how this form of contraception could ever be 99.5% effective, especially without the use of condoms. How would this be effective considering sperm lives in the uterus for up to five days? In other words, even if you have sex during a safe day there is always the possibility that you could get pregnant if one of the next five days is "unsafe"

[@chloedotweir]

That was my first thought!! I have yet to have it answered!! How could this possibly be effective?

[@ShockHiccups]

From my research, the method takes into account the capacity for sperm to survive for several days - the range of fertile days includes several days before and after ovulation for exactly this reason. On unsafe days you either don't have sex or use another contraceptive method like condoms. Personally I wouldn't use this method exclusively unless I was in a relationship and life stage where becoming pregnant wouldn't be a huge issue. But I still think it can offer valuable information for those who want to be more aware of what's going on in their body regardless of whether they're using it as a contraceptive method or not. I've used other aspects of the method (not BBT because my sleeping habits are nonexistent and I don't have a thermometer) to be more aware of my body and how my mood changes with my cycle.

[@adriennesamantha]

there are lots of scientific journals about it if that helps :) it is more than just putting in your periods but you have to take your temperature and note down your cervical mucus and fluid. This is because during your ovulation day and around this day your cervical mucus is different from any other day because the egg is only fresh for 24 hours and your body makes the right conditions for sperm to thrive in. Also, your temperature slightly increases when you are ovulating which is what makes it so accurate because there is a mathematical formula that takes all these biological things about your body into account :). That is why you have several fertile days because you cannot actually get pregnant on those days it is just that sperm can stay fresh for about five days and later fertilize the egg on that ovulation day. At first I thought the same thing but as you do more research you see how accurate it is. Oh and it is not the rhythm method by the way! :)

[@anapatterson4452]

Hey Hannah! I love this series and thought that this video was really interesting. I'm aware that this is a hormonal form of contraception, but I might be having the contraceptive implant (not to avoid pregnancy but as something that will help avoid epileptic seizures). Thank you! Love this channel and I wish you the best of luck in your hormonal journey.

[@colecerys123]

I really love this series its so interesting!

[@miamaclaine]

What about tracking ovulation with urine test strips? I've known people that have done this - but I think it would be interesting to talk about as another option for becoming more aware of your fertility/preventing pregnancy. This might be an option for folks with too many variables affecting their temperature. I wonder what options are best for trans folks or other peeps on different kind of hormone therapies when it comes to tracking their luteinizing hormone.

[@citizenerased124]

This is why people get pregnant on Natural Cycles. It automatically tells you you're infertile as soon as you put in 'period' but this rule only works if you're having a true period which is where you can confirm ovulation in your previous cycle. According to the previous chart you showed you actually cannot confirm ovulation because of the eratic temperatures (not your fault!) so the app should tell you to stay protected as it's actually possible this is just a bleed and you could still ovulated at any time. You could use this app perfectly and even abstain on fertile days but still end up pregnant because it does give some very risky days. I've used the app myself and understand proper fertility awareness symptothermal method rules and Natural Cycles gave me very risky days - luckily I understood this but some people don't. The app definitely gives you a general idea and some people with regular cycles that are true periods will be fine but you won't know this unless you check temperature and cervical mucus, plus anyone can have a dodgy cycle at any point.

[@SomeoneBeginingWithI]

Yes this video is a really good example of why people shouldn't trust the Natural Cycles app. This was her first month using the app, with lots of temparature readings that couldn't be counted (as she explained in the video). There's no way for the app to know when she ovulated, there's no previous data to guess from. Some people are fertile during their period becuase of the timing of when they ovulate, there's no way for the app to know whether this is the case for Hannah. It's also easy to confuse bleeding for other reasons with the start of a period, especially if your cycle is irregular or you don't keep track of it. There's no way for the app to know whether Hannah's period had actually started or whether she is bleeding for a different reason. It's irresponsible to be confidently telling her that she's not fertile on the basis of so little data.

[@jenhebert89]

Hey Hannah! I love your videos! I have really been loving this series. I highly encourage you to read Taking Charge of Your Fertility, you can get it on amazon yay amazon prime, because you mentioned this form of birth control is not good for people with irregular cycles, but actually it's PERFECT for ladies with irregular cycles. You learn about your body temperature and what constitutes as your fertile window, but not only that you learn about your cervical fluid and what makes you fertile and infertile. There are rules and guidelines to follow but they are easy and simple. You can use the Kindara app to help with your charting. Please check it out and try it out for longer than a month. There are women who use the Fertility Awareness Method and have successfully avoided getting pregnant for years until they are ready to conceive or they don't have intentions of conceiving ever. It is amazing what our bodies do. Love you! I hope you see this comment and look into it!

[@longblacknosugar5831]

There are other methods of tracking your fertility Hannah which don't involve taking your temperature e.g. the Billings Method which I'm pretty sure looks at your natural fluids. I feel like your lifestyle wouldn't affect the accuracy so much like in the temperature one

[@jenniferchristian8115]

I think Carrie (itswaypastmybedtime) recommended this clinic in her video about STIs. Love this series xx

[@emmaturley5853]

I love this series, please keep it going!!

[@youmeandi100]

LOVE this series! you're like the very open, progressive mum I never had :D

[@LisaRosaBella]

You can also track you cervical fluids, cervical position, and use opks for a more accurate chart. That will make it easier to use this method as a way to avoid pregnancy and even to achieve pregnancy (what we are currently doing).I highly recommend the Kindara app for a more thorough charting experience.

[@petermarsh4578]

:0 I want to go to the clinic now just to use one of those pneumatic tubes!

[@amy_runs]

If anyone wants to give this a go but doesn't want to pay I use Clue which is literally the same just free! :)

[@amy_runs]

Theres actually an option on the app to input your temperature everyday so you could buy a cheap thermometer and do that, though I'm not sure whether this helps it work out your cycle when you do that?

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

Hannah, you should look into that. Maybe use both and compare results.

[@felicityaeh]

amy dallison there are a few different fertility tracking apps out there, just search "fertility" in the app store!

[@sheltiegirl423]

I input my temperatures into Clue, too (requires buying a BBT thermometer separately, which is fairly cheap), and then I determine my fertile window "manually"/in my head based on those numbers (please only do this once you understand how! Read "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler for the full run-down). I use Clue's predictions as a confirmation of what I've determined on my own, and I've found it to be mostly accurate, although sometimes I wait another day or so after Clue has said I'm not fertile just to be on the safe side. If Clue could also include cervical fluid info I would depend on it more, since combining temps with cervical fluid info makes this method even more accurate.

[@papayasaf5134]

I have Glow. So far I have only used it to input my periods. But it has options to input temperature, mucus, and more

[@melissabiemans9991]

I've been doing this trying to get pregnant (not trying to avoid). I would throw the temperature in with knowing your cervical fluid cycles as well. Temperatures only tell you if you have ovulated AFTER you ovulated. So knowing that is great because you are clear until your period - but it wont tell you you are about to ovulate. Also - Farenhight is much easier to see a pattern. I am in Canada and don't understand Farenheight either - but the charts cycle better in F. Also #2 - your ovulation may change month to month - Stress, travel, extreme exercise all can push your ovulation around. So if you usually ovulate on CD 14 (as example) but you are stressed that day you may ovulate later. I lost my job this month and because of that I have yet to ovulate and I'm on cycle day 52. Also #3 There are lots of other apps that track this too that are free or have in app purchases - I use Kindara and Fertility Friend. you can buy a BBT thermometer at a drug store and use those. BBT are to .xx where a regular thermometer is only to .x

[@felicityaeh]

I know the copper coil seems scary because it can make periods heavier & more painful, but as you have a 46 day cycle naturally, I'd say it would work well for you. It's a bad idea for people with a short cycle as they can end up bleeding more often than not, but I'd say that wouldn't be a problem for you. Also, if it doesn't work for you, you can easily get it removed whenever. Good luck!

[@l33hd33r]

A better app for non-hormonal contraception is Kindara, far more effective because with Kindara you track other fertile signs such as cervical fluid and cervical position as well as your temperature. There are lots of things that can effect your temperature such as alcohol, medications, fevers, not getting enough hours sleep etc so a temperature only method is not always going to be reliable. FAM is a great option if you want to learn more about how your body works, however, I would not recommend NC.

[@milusiakr]

I think it's interesting to hear that so many people have no idea about this method when it's literally the go-to method when it comes to sex ed in Poland (thanks, Church). I'm super sceptical of it though, being a result of this exact method having failed my parents :) and also the fact that in order for it to work one should have an impossibly regular life style, not to mention period cycle. I think it's important to know it's out there if you think it might be your thing, but at the same time I'm super distrustful of it knowing how many variables can easily change the outcome (also, having been fed this method as the best and only proper one if you don't want God to hate you probably hasn't helped either).

[@TheWorsnops]

Have you ever heard of the Daysy? I want to try it after I have had my baby :) I really wish they had those type of clinics here in Spain. it is all very costy over here to have any tests done if u wanted them

[@emilyanne9513]

one major problem with this is that women have to abstain from sex during the part of the cycle when they most want it (around ovulation). that kind of sucks.

[@bellaamouroux204]

Hi, I know this sounds stupid, but can you get any STIs if you've only ever slept with one person and they have only slept with one person?

[@HanBlack314]

hey Hannah :) You should have a look at trackle - it's a new version of taking the temperature. it's a small device you wear vaginally over night and it measures the temperature the whole night. Maybe that would be better with your irregular sleep at the moment :) haven't tried it myself yet but met the founders at a convention and talked to them for a bit

[@thebugbear]

I think it's a problem if the app tells you you're not fertile before it knows your body (like you said yourself). Regardless of my other problems with natural contraception methods, it seems like it should at least think your cycle is reliable before it tells you you can have otherwise unprotected sex.

[@melissajrankin]

I'm still a bit confused on how this works?😂 don't sperm stay in the vagina for up to 6 days? So even if you're not fertile one one day, 2-3 days later you could be fertile and end up getting pregnant? Can someone explain this to me pls I might just be being stupid hahahaha

[@mushye27]

Melissa Rankin I'm having the same problem seeing how it works. It claims to replace the pill but it does nothing to affect your fertility????

[@emomz]

Melissa Rankin NFP works by calculating when you ovulate as your temp rises slightly afterwards due to the change in hormones. It then works out when you can get pregnant based on how long sperm and eggs survive (usually a window of 5-7 days). That's when you need to use another contraceptive. The rest of the time there's no egg around to be fertilised so you can't get pregnant.

[@thatjillgirl]

Eve Martin No, it doesn't *change* your fertility; it *tracks* it. You only ovulate one day out of every cycle, and sperm lives up to 5 days in the body post-intercourse. So fertility tracking uses data from your cycle (temp, vaginal mucus quality, etc.) to make an educated guess about what day you are ovulating and then blocks out about a week of time as your "fertile window." During that time, you are supposed to use other methods of contraception or else abstain. Thus, if done perfectly and with a regular cycle, it can indeed replace the pill. But you have to have those two things (perfect use and regular cycle) or else it becomes to difficult to accurately estimate when your ovulation day is each cycle.

[@calooza88]

Women are only fertile around 6-8 days every cycle, i.e. the egg exists for 24-48 hours and the sperm can live up to 6 days on optimal conditions (when fertile mucus is present). We don't produce fertile mucus all the time, only when it's time to ovulate. How this method works? Well, our body basal temperature rises after an egg is released by the ovaries. When an egg is released, the follicle inside the ovary turns into a corpus luteum. The corpus lutem produces progesterone. It's the only time in the cycle that we produce progesterone. Progesterone makes our body temperature rise, and the temperature stays high for the rest of the cycle until it's time for menstruation. When women menstruate, their temperature drops again. When we confirm that the temperature is high, and remains high, it means that the egg is already gone and dead, so we are infertile because the sperm cannot find an egg to fertilize. We can only ovulate once per cycle, although more than one egg can be released. When more than one egg is released, is within that 24 hour window. So, we really just ovulate once per cycle. After ovulation is confirmed, and until you menstruate again, you can have unprotected sex without risking a pregnancy. Also, when you confirmed ovulation for your last cycle, the first 3 days of menstruation are also safe to go unprotected. This is the basis. I totally recommend reading the book "Taking Charge of your fertility" by Toni Welscher" - I was amazed about how much I didn't know about my body, and it's totally fascinating.

[@PerovNigma]

O_O I did not know they live that long.

[@Ashaabee1]

They should partner with a kind of Fitbit that also does your body temperature, knows when your asleep etc and does it all for you automatically. Would be such a good idea. Take note natural cycles!

[@hl10gg]

Whoa! You have to do the swab yourself!?

[@Emma-fq9pv]

I spy with my little eye THE HANDMAID'S TALE

[@swerasnym]

So I am not alone in this... GOOD to know!

[@MrNotThatFamous]

condoms really piss me off but i'm celibate so it's whatever

[@Driptweet]

Mr Not That Famous why do condoms piss you off, if you don't mind my asking?

[@alicejackson5415]

Mr Not That Famous if you've not used one how can you say they piss you off?

[@susannareid3563]

he said he's celibate, not a virgin xo

[@thatjillgirl]

......Why????? I don't love them, but I'm quite grateful to them for successfully keeping me un-pregnant.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

Why? Aside from the cost, what could you possibly have against condoms?

[@elleoneiram]

Since it's good to use several forms of contraception, this seems like a decent backup if you don't want to be on the pill and use condoms, for instance.

[@immym8603]

Hi Hannah. I LOVE this series since I came off progesterone pretty much the same time as when you're first episode came out. I've been using Ovia to track my fertility, mainly out of curiosity (but also in support of my girlfriend who is tracking hers because we want to start a family in the near future). Despite my haywire periods for almost a year now (I'm very jealous of your 46 day cycles, mine are just 21), it still manages to predict my periods pretty well. Still haven't managed to sync up though D;

[@asdfghjkl32122]

Im pretty sure I've watched all of these diaries, but maybe not 🙈 but I was wondering, if you haven't already, could you do a video about problems with periods/what they could mean/ when to see a doctor? If that makes sense at all. The reason being is, and this might get long (tendency to ramble), since I started having my periods, I've had extremely painful periods. Cramping so bad that I'd have to have time out of school/work/etc. I was diagnosed not long ago with a cyst on my ovary, and the doctors informed me this could be why they're so painful. It has been 6 months since I've had an operation to remove the cyst, and I'm still experiencing extremely painful periods. I've read a few articles and nhs sites as to why this could be, but I'm still yet to see a doctor (no fault of my own), and I feel it would be informative to other people experiencing the same. I hope you see this and I'm sorry if it sounds mumbled or you don't understand, I'm rubbish with explaining. You're videos are amazing. Much love ❤️

[@ppwild]

I am using this method for almost two years now. My mum used it as well for like 8 years without getting pregnant, until she wanted to be and then, because she knew her body, turned pregnant immeadiatly. I think it's not that hard at all and for me works perfectly well. :)

[@IzzyInkpen]

I think it's really interesting that this method has been developed, as it's really a sign of the movement away from interfering with the body. On the one hand the lack of interference is great but on the other it sounds like it would struggle to be effective for so many people, especially with a modern lifestyle. So many methods, all with pros and cons... so glad I'll never have to use contraception!

[@KatieWentKaboom]

52 days???? My cycle is consistantly 24 days 😢

[@remedywithin]

Thoroughly enjoy this series... Honestly don't know why but I do. Seems once you become a feminist your open to more than others. I'm just happy with this. peace and love

[@missrosepip]

It's so great to hear some positive discussion of the fertility awareness method of contraception! Will you be discussing the biological side of things in future episodes? Hormone changes throughout your cycle as you move through the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle, how BBT can show ovulation, other signs of fertility, etc. Also, some advice: I wouldn't rely only on temps as a monitor for fertility. To work best FAM really requires tracking cervical fluid as well, which is good for predicting fertility even before the temperature shift. Temperatures can only confirm that ovulation has already occurred - your temperatures in the morning can't predict if you will be ovulating on a certain day. Cervical fluid and cervix position, which you can also track internally once you get to know your body, are good indicators for fertility leading up to ovulation, a kind of early warning system for ovulation. I'm a bit of a nerd about this stuff, but I do think it's important for more women/bio-female people to learn about how this part of their biology works.

[@missrosepip]

PS - I've been using FAM successfully for over two years. I'm in a committed relationship of 5 years. Also, if you haven't read Taking Charge of Your Fertility yet it really is amazing, essential reading. A bit about my experience with FAM: I have a pretty regular cycle but that doesn't mean I ovulate on the same day every month so I pay close attention to my cervical fluid and that tells me when I'm getting close to ovulation. Basically any day with CF is a no-go for unprotected sex and then once the temp shift confirms ovulation I know I'm in the clear (3 days after the shift, to be safe). And once I've ovulated it's 12-14 days until my period, like clockwork. Pretty cool.

[@digitalnomadgirl]

Mind fully blown that this is even a thing! Very intrigued.....

[@renatawaithe3311]

Hi Hannah, what are your thoughts on the diaphragm?

[@CaitlinKJ]

Aye you're reading the handmaids tale! I've had to read that for my A levels.

[@emilyanne9513]

we’re living it now in the us! 😢

[@EssieRuthMakes]

i used fertility awareness when i was trying to get pregnant, and found it was a really interesting way to get to know my own body. i don't need it for contraception because i'm in a monogamous lesbian relationship, so unintentional babymaking is not really a thing. love this series so much - and your top is SO PRETTY

[@emilyf8846]

I literally cannot explain how much I love this series x ❤️

[@AprilSlocombe]

I enjoyed this new episode of your Hormone Diaries series and I have watched a few previous episodes of this series that I heard about in Brogan Tate's video about her taking the pill as part of her Let's Talk series on her channel. Going back to your video about coming off the pill, I used to take Cerazette to help regulate my cycle (I have PCOS, which makes my periods irregular) but now I take Feanolla, another POP due to the medication supplier for my previous care home and supported living establishment (I live in my own flat now) giving me different kinds of pills for some reason but I thought they were essentially the same. The first pill I ever took was the Yasmin combined pill when I was 19 and my PCOS was suspected but just before my official diagnosis at the age of 21 my GP told me the combined pill wasn't good for my weight, which is why I've been on POPs ever since. Back to this video I do not intend to use a fertility tracker or device right now, especially if I don't have a partner but I do use an app called iPeriod to track my periods, moods and symptoms.

[@alecwinner]

What are the odds this works for a trans man on T? I'm curious just because T generally raises your body temp and changes your cycle (no more menstruation) but ovulation can still occur and pregnancy can too, though it's rare. And obviously while on T hormonal contraceptives aren't an option. I'm to forgetful to experiment with trying it out, but i think it'd be cool to learn more if someone else has.

[@thatjillgirl]

Oooo interesting question. Most of the time if your T levels are high enough, your ovulation stops, but yeah, pregnancy is still sometimes possible. I would bet that this method doesn't work well with HRT. Probably barrier methods only. :/

[@knz730]

Given how sensitive it is to apparently minor lifestyle factors like being ill, drinking alcohol and travel, I would hazard a guess that a factor like taking a hormone would make it very very inaccurate for you.

[@Mazinager]

I remember my wife was trying out this method of contraception for some time. Back then there were no apps for that, but she was keeping track of the results in a little book. I remember, that back then she would set an alarm clock every morning for the exact same time. When she would wake up she wern't allowed to moove too much, since that would have falsified the result of the measurement. Further more I remember, that for maximum precision, you are also supposed to monitor the concistency of your cervix mucus, since only then you could realy make a somewhat precise statement about your furtile days. Means if you want to pull this off correctly, you'll have to be as disciplined as possible and you can't have any fear of contact with your own body, since for monitoring the mucus, you'll need to stick your fingers all the way up to the cervix and take y close look on what you find there. Our solution in the end was a combination of condoms with a form of the coil called gynefix.

[@StephanieTips]

Getting tested for STDs is SO important. Endometriosis, PCOS and so many other hormonal imbalances/issues can be treated through dieting, hormonal treatments and surgery but damaged Fallopian tubes cannot be repaired!! Get tested before it's too late!!

[@emblalo]

It’s very nice seeing someone talk about long or irregular cycles! As someone who’s cycle is everything between 20-70 days it makes you feel less weird and alone

[@youareglowing5783]

Do you think it could work with people working shifts? You said that the temperatures changes if the sleeping pattern changes, but as a waitress some days I wake up at 6am, some days at 8am, some days at 11am :/

[@Sternenkind5590]

Yes, NFP or BBP methods are suitable for shift workers! Of course you may have to try how and to what extent it affects your temperature, but I know a lot of women which are using the method successfully, even when they are working different shifts :)

[@maddiep9197]

Question: if my partner and i have both been tested and have had no sexual contact with anyone other than each other since being tested, is there any chance at all that either of us could have got an STI?

[@HaiKatie]

I am all for fertility tracking!!! I have been doing this for the past 6 months and its brilliant! I personally use the withdrawal method alongside fertility tracking and I can say I will not be going back to hormonal contraceptives anytime soon!

[@spriddlez]

This is very cool. Are you also still using Clue? Comparing those apps (seeing what they predict regarding your cycle) would be neat.

[@manuloveskyon]

Love this series! Even as someone who would never consider using this method and is in love with hormonal contraception lol, you are as always informative, smart and fun. Love from Argentina

[@alext7500]

Awww our periods are synchronized. Upd. actually not, just 6th of March is the same date start)) How is this 99.5% correct, if you have to miss the day when your sleep pattern is irregular, or you're sick, or you're jet lagged. Like, you can have sex if you're jet lagged, right?

[@patrickchambers5999]

I'm 72 (almost 73) and when I was a kid, Catholics followed this method without a smartphone and called it "The Rhythm Method" for the only approved birth control method. But I'm a Methodist and among us it was known as "Rhythm, Blues, and Rock" for the rhythm (method) followed by the blues when you got pregnant and rock the cradle.

[@charlesyallop1708]

Apologies in advance for the totally unrelated comment, Hannah if you're looking for cool places to play board games or just games in general check out The Loading Bar near Dalston Junction or D20 in Watford. Both awesome places with really knowledgeable and friendly staff! So go do fun things! P.S. Obviously super congrats on the book getting published!

[@emily-wj4bd]

i love this series hannah!!!

[@lazyperfectionist1]

Wow. 😳 I suggest that anyone who tries to insist that women can't handle anything complicated try to discuss a woman's cycle, because _I_ could not follow any part of that.

[@is-yn6jf]

while i get that this is necessarily heteronormative (so fine, very very happy not to have to worry about contraception), you keep saying condoms are the ONLY way to protect from STIs, but even for straight ppl ..... dental dams ....

[@elliejeffery]

This is a bit of an odd question (and probably an obvious one), but is it possible to have STIs or carry them if you're a virgin, and are you at risk if you're having sex with another virgin? Of course, I know HIV can be hereditary, but I'm talking more about all those other lovely common ones which I can't spell correctly.

[@mariahonigpferd1819]

I got off the pill in April and just started to track my cycles like that plus observing my cervical mucus. I totally love it :) Checking the mucus is suppose to help make it more accurate. And on the app I'm using (mynfp) it tells you that only checking your temperature will make the pearl index go down... maybe you want to read about it.

[@peaceblossom8]

Tbh I don't get why this app is more useful than just tracking your fertility via temperature, vaginal discharge variation etc. on you own. Women have used natural planning literally for centuries and I don't understand why we would suddenly need an app for that? Yes, it might be slightly more effective, but tbh I personally would never rely on natural planning alone one way or the other. Also I don't mean to sound paranoid and I don't want to talk anybody out of using this (do what works for you!) but who exactly will be able to access all that information about me via my smartphone? I personally would feel a lot more comfortable (if I were to use the method at all) by just putting my temperatures etc. on a piece of paper...

[@missikenyon5307]

You could also benefit from using Kindara app on top of this one! It teaches you the 2 phases of your cycle and has you check your cervical fluid daily to see what phase of consistency it is in. That is the more accurate than your temperature because no matter how your sleep patterns are or how much you drink, your fluid is on a pretty strict cycle (just the length of each consistency of the fluid might be longer or shorter). Talk about really knowing you body!! I know exactly when I'm ovulating and when I'm fertile just by looking at the fluid!

[@MiotaLee]

I have an average of 42 days per cycle (according to the app i use), I felt weird because I heard it's supposed to be once a month, but I've never had that. I could never predict when I was about to get my period when I was younger, and after the first intercourse I had a 50+ cycle, so I got really scared, even if a condom was used. I'd really like to to know more about why some cycles are longer and some are shorter. what can be the cause? what's really "normal"?

[@hannahbobanabanana]

Loving this series, as always - was wondering if you would look into doing an episode on reproductive issues and abnormalities like PCOS, endometriosis and so on. I think some mythbusting about periods and reproductive system could always come in handy. Also, what's the best course of action for me to take as I'm worried that an illness I have at the moment might be caused by potential hormonal/reproductive issues? My doctor has yet to look into it, despite it being prevalent in my family history.

[@sarawheeler2672]

Have you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility? It's a great book all about fertility awareness and nature family planning methods.

[@r.leebee3820]

I'm attempting to use the FAM method with the kindara app and my own thermometer, but my cycles are a bit irregular, I think because my lifestyle is a bit hectic at the moment, so I'm also tracking my cervical fluid, which I think is easier to track. Still using condoms though cause I have not yet mastered this technic. The book taking charge of your fertility is really good you should definitely check it out, I even managed to get it second hand for steal ;)

[@coloursaur]

Praise you for this. I've been fertility tracking with Kindara and they don't give you such deep regulations, so this explains a lot of my results! I'm definitely going to start focusing on having a more regular sleep pattern now.

[@bookyhollow]

Hannah you should look in to tempdrop, would help massively with travel etc.

[@CuppaTeaAndASitDown]

Interesting, I'm not sure I'd trust myself/the app to be that accurate but then again I've got a weird 2 cycle cycle (28 days then 35 because sure that's normal) and I don't even need contraception right now anyway. Did you do your own swab at the clinic!? I like the sound of that, I've not needed to get tested in a while but it was always a little awkward with the swab.

[@ABCthrills]

Really enjoyed this video! I'm 26 years old and just recently started birth control. So far it has been a a bumpy ride. I highly dislike the side effects. This could be something to look into.

[@RonnaaFoogle]

I totally want to try this but I'm a youth work student so my sleeping pattern is bonkers! No chance

[@Stellabilbo]

Would you ever consider getting the copper IUD?? It's non-hormonal, the contraceptive effect is solely based on the toxicity of the copper ions from the coil, it basically works as a spermicide, and also the obstructive effect of the device itself in the uterus. It also last up to 10 years which is pretty great, but you can get it taken out whenever you like if you decide it's not for you

[@antoniareed7052]

Wow your STI testing looks so modern. In the States, or at least in California, we still look like we are in the 70's as far as doing the STI tests. No pneumatic tubes, and labels that you might not really want to touch too much. LOL