Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fertility Awareness?

Fertility Awareness is a practice of learning about and understand the body’s cyclical fertility signals. Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs) are specific methods used to observe, record, and interpret biomarkers (e.g. cervical mucus, basal body temperature) of the menstrual cycle that can be used to prevent pregnancy, increase chances of conception when desired, and provide information about hormonal balance and reproductive health.

Most AFAP accredited educators are trained in a SSymptothermal Method (STM) of Fertility Awareness. This refers to types of FABMs that are based on direct observations of fertility “symptoms” AND basal body temperature. Symptoms can include secretions from the cervix (“cervical mucus” or “cervical fluid”) and the position, openness and texture of the cervix itself. Observations are recorded daily and are interpreted to confirm when and whether ovulation occurs and to identify the days in the cycle when conception is possible, according to the rules of the specific method. To prevent conception, users avoid exposure to semen on their fertile days.

As methods of contraception, FABMs can be highly effective when taught and implemented correctly. Our FAEs help individuals carefully weigh the pros and cons of using fertility awareness to prevent pregnancy.
For conception, FABMs help people time intercourse or insemination and can reveal hormonal imbalances and other issues impacting the chances of conception.

A Fertility Awareness practice can provide valuable health information, improve self awareness and build body literacy. It empowers anyone with the capacity to cycle, including cisgender women and transmasculine and gender non-conforming people, with vital knowledge of their reproductive health.

Although the terms Natural Family Planning (NFP) and Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences. They are both based on the same biological scientific evidence and share similarities in observational routines and data interpretation. The main differences lie in the context in which they are taught and practiced, and in the guidelines for sexual behavior during the fertile window.

Historically, NFP referred to methods that were taught in a Catholic context. Most NFP methods advocate chaste abstinence (refraining from all sexual activity) during the fertile phase of the cycle if a couple wishes to avoid pregnancy. NFP often does not condone sexual activity outside of marriage and often restricts instruction to heterosexual, engaged, or married couples. It often follows Catholic or Christian ideological principles, which may include advocating against other forms of birth control, abortion, or assisted reproductive technologies.

Secular Fertility Awareness places no restrictions on who may learn or use the method, and supports clients in the full range of reproductive options, including sexual activity that does not involve genital to genital contact, the use of barrier methods during the fertile phase of the cycle, abortion, and assisted reproductive technology and other options as they align with client desires, beliefs, and values..
Fertility Awareness and NFP teachers alike advocate for knowing how our bodies work (body literacy), for the cooperation between partners that these methods invite, and for fertility management.

Working with a trained educator leads to higher success rates for all user intentions and greatly increases user confidence. Evidence-based studies demonstrating high FABM contraceptive efficacy involved standardized training and follow-up from experienced instructors, not self-taught methods.

While books, apps, and peer support are valuable, they can’t replace personalized instruction tailored to your unique cycles, gynecological history, and lifestyle. AFAP accredited educators have completed rigorous training and can provide you with the deep, practical understanding needed to meet your individual fertility goals successfully.

These are a few questions to ask any FAE you’re considering working with:

  • What training program did you attend? 
  • Who has accredited or certified you to teach? 
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • Do you offer full-spectrum reproductive support? 
  • Can you advise me on the use of emergency contraception/abortion/IVF/IUI/HRT (or whatever your area of interest might be)?
  • Can you help me decide if Fertility Awareness is the best or an appropriate contraceptive option for me, and if not will you be able to help me choose another option?

 

These are a few questions to ask yourself:

  • Do I prefer in-person or virtual instruction?
  • Do I prefer group or individual instruction?
  • Do I want someone with many years of experience, or would I consider working with a supervised student-in-training (whose fees may be lower)? 

In many countries, highly qualified instruction in a non-religious context may be challenging to find locally, but many of our educators offer services online.

Find an AFAP accredited educator

That’s easy! You can find our AFAP Educator Directory here.

AFAP is an international organization, and we strive to make Fertility Awareness education accessible worldwide. AFAP has accredited programs in the US, Canada, France, and Israel. These programs have also graduated educators in Latin America, Italy, Sweden, and other countries. Our directory allows users to search by country and language.

Access the AFAP Directory

Yes, AFAP accredited FAEs are trained to provide full-spectrum, unbiased, evidence-based education. This includes information on abortion, emergency contraception, and the use of additional contraceptive methods alongside Fertility Awareness Based Methods. Educators support informed choice and patient autonomy.
The icon indicates the instructor has graduated from one of our accredited training programs. This means they’re comprehensively trained, highly qualified, and recognized by peers in the Fertility Awareness field, so you can feel confident in their expertise. Note that instructors may begin teaching during advanced training, but can only display the icon after graduation.

There are no universally recognized licensing or certification requirements for becoming a FAE. This means that anyone can call themselves an FAE, regardless of the training (if any) they’ve received.

A certified-FAE is likely an individual who has gone through a program or organization and been certified through them. It’s important to ask them about their education and certification. If they do not list that they are AFAP-accredited, they have not trained through one of our accredited institutions.

AFAP-accredited FAEs have completed a course of study that has met or exceeded the educational and professional standards outlined here. AFAP-certified FAEs have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of reproductive anatomy and physiology, the methodology of the symptothermal method of fertility awareness, and ethical, culturally sensitive teaching practice. Competencies include scientific literacy and the ability to evaluate and interpret research published in scientific and medical journals. Educators are required to periodically complete professional development courses and benefit from a thriving, international network of FAEs, medical practitioners and researchers who participate in peer reviews and other collaborations. As a result, AFAP-certified educators have professional credibility with the public and health care professionals alike.

AFAP only accredits FAEs who have completed training through one of our accredited institutions, which you can learn more about here. If you are already teaching Fertility Awareness but have not completed a formal training program, we highly recommend it. Formal training programs give you a depth of knowledge, experience, and guidance that cannot be attained through self-study. If financial concerns are preventing you from joining one of our accredited institutions, we encourage you to apply for our scholarship.

If you seek AFAP accreditation for your Fertility Awareness Educator training program, you can learn more about our requirements here [link to Accreditation page].

Learn more about becoming an AFAP accredited educator here.

AFAP is not just for our accredited FAEs or FAEs-in-training! Our “Supporter” membership option is for all those passionate about Fertility Awareness, body literacy, and the belief that all people deserve the knowledge and power to make informed decisions about their fertility, sexuality, and reproductive health You can join AFAP even if you are trained by a non-AFAP accredited program. We also welcome healthcare providers, public health educators, reproductive justice advocates, and anyone sincerely interested in advancing our mission. Learn more about membership here. Please note: our AFAP accreditation icon can only be displayed by graduates of our accredited training programs.

Not all apps are created equal and no app can replace a solid Fertility Awareness education. AFAP endorses the Read Your Body (RYB) app and community. RYB is a female-led non profit organization collaboratively created by a trained Fertility Awareness Educator and a creative team in close consult with hundreds of people who have a sophisticated Fertility Awareness practice. Their ethical leadership and emphasis on the empowerment of people with the capacity to menstruate earn our respect. RYB does not harvest your personal data and is designed to foster body literacy. Beware of apps that claim they can tell you when you are fertile based solely on when you get your period. Even apps that allow you to record other biomarkers such as cervical fluid might purport to tell you when you are going to be fertile based on averages and algorithms – NOT on your daily observations and interpretations of fertility signs. This might seem high-tech, but we believe these “predictive” apps are rooted in old-fashioned, rhythm method thinking. Their opaque processes may disempower us. RYB is one of the few non-predictive apps on the market. In other words, it does not use an algorithm to predict or define your fertile window for you, but rather it lets you determine your fertility status daily based on your personal observations and interpretations. Some app companies have been successfully prosecuted for harvesting user data. With the RYB app, only you can decide who sees your data. RYB offers an encrypted backup, but they cannot read the data and do not sell data to any third parties. AFAP takes this very seriously, given the current political and social climate and the criminalization of abortion access in some places. Importantly, RYB is inclusive of all charting goals, values, and FABMs. We have found this app to be very user-friendly. Unique among the hundreds of apps we are aware of, it allows detailed customization so that you can track a variety of cyclical signals and symptoms as well as health initiatives such as diet and lifestyle changes. RYB has collaborated with most of our accredited schools to create templates users can download so the app’s function, language and design is tailored to the Fertility Awareness method they have learned. Many educators provide free trials of the RYB App, so make sure to ask if you are interested in this option.
You can confidently refer patients through our AFAP Accredited Educator Directory, where every listed educator has met our training standards and completed an accredited program. There are a wide variety of patients who may benefit from working with an accredited Fertility Awareness Educator:
  • Patients who express interest in hormone-free birth control or indicate they are using an app for contraception
  • Patients who are hoping to conceive in the next year or are actively trying and need additional support, as well as those who are struggling to become pregnant.
  • Patients with irregular menstrual cycles due to PCOS, breastfeeding, postpartum, or perimenopause.
  • Patients who want to learn more about their hormonal health or menstrual cycles.
Our accredited Fertility Awareness Educators provide thorough, unbiased, client-centered support. Educators welcome clinical collaboration with patient consent. Our Directory lists over 100 members across the globe, who speak a variety of languages and represent numerous cultures.

Referral is helpful for any patient who:

  • Expresses an interest in a deeper understanding of their menstrual cycles and reproductive health.
  • Has heard about Fertility Awareness and wants to know more
  • Wants to use a fertility awareness based method for contraception
  • Has irregular cycles due to PCOS or other hormonal imbalances
  • Are navigating reproductive transitions such as postpartum, breastfeeding, and perimenopause

Referral can be crucial for patients who:

  • Say they are using FAM, but have learned from a book, social media, or other unaccredited source.
  • Have irregular cycles, difficulty conceiving, PMDD or other cyclical symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and mood swings and express desire for additional support.

Referring patients to a qualified fertility awareness educator can improve patient outcomes and achievement of their reproductive goals. Collaboration between FAEs and medical providers increases patient satisfaction.

This varies depending upon the educator and the geographical location. Generally, in the US, you can pay for sessions and classes using your Health Savings Account (HSA). You may also request reimbursement for contraception counseling and Family Planning services through your insurance provider. Please reach out to a specific educator to inquire further.

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