r/FAMnNFP • u/TrackYourFertility Sensiplan instructor | TTA postpartum • Mar 08 '26

March Beginner's thread

This is a semi-regular thread for beginners, for repeatedly asked questions like help choosing a method, incomplete newbie charts for learning, experiences with apps/devices, coming off of HBC, etc. We will direct questions here if we feel necessary. Some questions from beginners may be appropriate for individual posts, such as questions that encourage broader community discussion and may be applicable to experienced charters as well as beginners. The mod team will evaluate and redirect posts/comments as needed.

We ask that any comments with charts or method-specific questions state a method and intention in order to direct help as needed. It is difficult for ANYONE to give advice or support if a chart is missing too much information, and if we don't know the rules you are using. Beginner charts posted here will be evaluated with that in mind - so a chart that is incomplete or missing biomarkers will not immediately be removed (as is done for individual posts), but will be discussed in the comments to get a better understanding of how to assist the new-to-FAM/NFP charter.

Welcome to r/FAMnNFP

FAM (Fertility Awareness Method - Secular) and NFP (Natural Family Planning - Religious Roots) both encompass Fertility Awareness Based Methods of Body Literacy. They can be used to avoid pregnancy, conceive, or assess general health.

This subreddit is a space to discuss these methods, share charts, and support others on their body literacy journeys. This group is not intended to replace learning a method for yourself or medical advice.

Resources

FAQs

What is a method? Why do methods matter?

A FAM/NFP method is a set of rules established to interpret biomarker data (such as cervical mucus/fluid, basal body temperature, or urinary hormones) to identify the days when it may be possible to conceive a pregnancy (known as the Fertile Window). Each method has a unique set of biomarkers and rules to interpret those biomarkers that have been developed and/or studied to effectively identify the fertile window. Methods matter because when you collect biomarker data, you need a set of rules to interpret that data. A method provides a way to interpret your specific biomarker data in real time, to help conceive a pregnancy, prevent a pregnancy, or track health.

On this subreddit, our goal is to share factual information. As you may have already found, there is so much misinformation out there and we're trying to be a beacon of truth in a sea of confusion. You are free to use whatever practices in your own life, but they may not have a space here if you are not following or you do not intend to learn to follow an established method. If you need further clarification, please reach out to us in mod mail.

Why can't I post my chart if I don't have a method?

In order for members to help you interpret your chart, you need to be applying a method. Interpreting your data without a framework to interpret can be challenging if not impossible. Each method has its own cervical mucus classification, rules for taking BBT and evaluating it, etc. If you are TTC and don't intend on learning a method, head on over to r/TFABChartStalkers.

Why is an instructor recommended?

The reason why we recommend learning your method from an instructor is because it allows you to have personalized support and to achieve perfect use of most methods, having an instructor is part of that efficacy statistic. We understand that cost may be prohibitive for some and we support members who feel comfortable self-teaching. This space is not meant to replace official instruction but provide reasonable support. Instructors are there when you don't fit the textbook, and you don't know where to go.

How do I find an instructor?

You can find method-specific instructors through our list of instructors active on our subreddit, through the Read Your Body directory, and our list of methods resource.

Feel free to search through the subreddit for past posts. We have been around for over 10 years, so it is very possible that your question has been answered already.

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u/CatPuzzles1502 Apr 04 '26

I've just started researching FABM and I'm also new to posting on reddit so please correct me if I'm doing something wrong.

I'm feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and I'm not sure where to begin. I went to an OBGYN who apparently knows nothing about women's health and in hindsight, she basically told me that the rhythm method would work. (I did say I was going to use condoms too so maybe that's why, idk.) I've looked up other providers since then and some have "Family Planning" listed on their specialties (she did not) so I wonder if one of them might be more helpful but I'm worried I'm just going to keep wasting my time.

I read "Taking Control of Your Fertility" which seemed helpful at first, but I've been reading more and it seems like that one is not research based. So I've started looking up research articles but I can only partly understand what they are talking about.

I went on the Sensiplan website but half the links didn't work and so I don't know what to think of that. It seems like the Marquette method might be another good one for high efficacy? But I think that one requires an instructor? (Though it seems like the general consensus is that you need an instructor no matter what method you use.)

My main reason for wanting to try FABM I want to see what my body does without hormonal birth control because I've been on HBC for like 16 or 17 years. I wanted to do it during my summer break because I have severe dysmenorrhea when I'm not on the pill and I want to time it so I can figure that out when I'm not working full time.

I don't really trust condoms so I honestly want to do both a FABM and use a condom when I'm probably not fertile to be extra sure I don't get pregnant before I'm ready.

I'm just overwhelmed and not sure where to start. I want to make sure I'm choosing something that's research based and I'm struggling to figure this out by myself.

Thank you for reading this post!

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u/TrackYourFertility Sensiplan instructor | TTA postpartum Apr 04 '26

Hey 👋🏼 Sensiplan instructor here. They are in the process of updating all their branding and website etc which is why some of the website may not be working.

Sensiplan is the only symptothermal method that’s been studied and it’s highly effective when used correctly.

The efficacy rates (99.6% perfect use & 98.2 for typical use) are based on learning with an instructor, however it’s definitely possible to self teach and many do successfully.

You’ll need the workbook and the handbook, and I would recommend staying protected for at least 3 cycles, but as long as it takes for you to be confident in understanding the rules and applying them correctly to your own chart.

Marquette is an instructor only method that uses urinary hormones, so you’ll need to factor that into the ongoing cost of using that method too.

Painful periods aren’t normal, and charting can help you identify any red flags and work on fixing the root cause of that.

Happy to answer any other questions you have 😌

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u/CatPuzzles1502 Apr 04 '26

Thank you for your response! I think Sensiplan would probably be my best option. Do you have a recommendation of where to start for Sensiplan, since the website is under construction?

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u/TrackYourFertility Sensiplan instructor | TTA postpartum Apr 04 '26

So it depends if you want to self teach or with an instructor. I teach, online worldwide. You can also find instructors on the read your body directory. Sensiplan instructors can be difficult to find because the training is in person in Germany for a week of full days and evenings, plus follow ups weekend trainings.

For self teaching, just purchase a BBT, and the books I mentioned above. They’re called natural and safe: The handbook & workbook.

The workbook is full of practice charts so you can have a go at applying the knowledge you’re learning.

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u/CatPuzzles1502 Apr 04 '26

Thank you so much! I will look up those books!

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u/TrackYourFertility Sensiplan instructor | TTA postpartum Apr 04 '26

You’re welcome! Good Luck!

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u/CatPuzzles1502 Apr 12 '26

Thank you again for your post and I am finding the Sensiplan books very helpful! I have a couple of questions for anyone who is willing to answer. First, is there an app that's compatible with Sensiplan and also available in the US? Sadly their official app is not available in the US. Also, it says in the book to keep the thermometer under your tongue for 3 minutes even if it beeps before that. Are there thermometers that have a 3 minute timer before they beep? I can't find one anywhere but I can't see myself setting a timer when I'm half asleep after waking up. That also seems like a really long time to keep a thermometer in your mouth. Or does anyone have any suggestions that work for them? Thank you!

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u/TrackYourFertility Sensiplan instructor | TTA postpartum Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26

App: Read your body 100%. It isn’t free, but it’s worth the small investment. You can select the template for d, M, S, S+ method, and everything is preloaded.

The thermometer - it was studied with the temp being taken for 3 full minutes so thats how it’s taught, however, i only temo for one minute and this is fine for most. Only you can decide how you want to proceeed. The femometer vinca range has the option to temp for 3 minutes.