resources and support, 472–73, 475
responsibility for, 11–14, 16–17
Rhythm Method compared with, xviii, 3, 4, 305
terminology concerns, 8–9
self-esteem through knowledge about your body, 342–44
who it benefits, 395
Fertility clinics, 469–71
Fertility Diet, The (Chavarro, Willett and Skerrett), 147
Fertility monitoring devices, 176, 193
misleading information, 23, 190–92
Fertility preservation, 153–59
current strategies and concerns, 155–56
egg freezing, 157–59
Fertility-related resources, 472–76
Fertility signs. See also Cervical fluid; Cervical position; Charting of fertility signs; Waking temperature
primary, 52–67
secondary, 68–71
Fertility truths, 188–89
Fertility workup
for men, 254–59
for women, 156–57, 230–41
Fetal age, 199n
Fetal alcohol syndrome, 214
Fever, 175, 397, 440, 441
Fibroids, 246, 265, 297, 298, 299, 300
Fifty Shades of Grey (James), 303
Fimbria, 36, 46, 50
Fine needle aspiration (FNA), 257
First 5 Days Rule, 167–68, 168n, 179, 183, 339
Fluid ultrasonography (FUS), 235, 237
Folic acid, 141, 147, 214
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), 46, 47, 233, 239, 241, 247n, 270, 406
Follicular cysts, 127, 130
Follicular phase, 48
Forehead thermometers, 92
Foreplay, 303, 304, 313–14
Fragile X (FMR1), 156
Fraternal twins, 47–48, 48n, 400
Freezing eggs, 157–59
Frequently asked questions (FAQs), 393–404
Friedman, Bruce Jay, 306
FSH. See Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Functional ovarian cysts, 126, 127–29, 130
Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT), 246n
Gender selection, 464–68
Fertility Awareness Method and, 465–68
high-tech alternatives, 468
Shettles method, 464–65, 468
timing intercourse for boy, 466
timing intercourse for girl, 467–68
Genetic miscarriages, 263–64
Gestational age, 199n
Glass basal body thermometers, 92
Glossary, 477–97
Glucophage (Metformin), 142, 252
Glycemic index, 141
Glycerin, 216
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), 407
Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, 136
Gonadotropins, 51, 219, 242, 253, 406
Goodman, Ellen, 332
Goserelin, 136
G-spot, 304, 308, 309
Guaifenesin Extended-Release 600, 218
Gynecological health, 279–92
diagnosis of problems and conditions with FAM, 6–7, 27–28, 279
healthy cervical fluid vs. vaginal infections, 280–82
normal cycle-related pain vs. abnormal pain, 283–84, 292
normal cystic breasts vs. cancerous breast lumps, 286
normal nabothian cysts vs. abnormal cervical polyps, 282
normal vs. abnormal bleeding, 293–300
physical exam record, 289
scheduling best time for physical exams, contraceptive fittings, vaccinations, and surgery, 289
Hamster egg penetration test, 254
Harvard Nurses’ Health Study, 146–47
Headaches, 283
Heart disease, 138, 266, 270, 334
Heil, Kelley, 52
Hepatitis, 264
Herbal supplements, 146, 213, 217
Herpes, 264, 281, 316
Hiccups, 71
Hilgers, Thomas, 219
Hood of clitoris, 38
Hormones, 406–7. See also specific hormones
drugs blocking production of, 242–43
male subfertility, 257
menstrual cycle and, 46, 47, 406–7
miscarriages and, 264–65
natural ways to balance. See Hormone balance, natural
therapy. See Hormone therapy
Hormone balance, natural, 142–52
complementary health practitioner for, 150–51
diet for, 145, 146–47
healthy changes on your own, 146–50
herbal supplements for, 146
Hormone blood tests, 232, 233, 237
Hormone disruptors (xenohormones), 149
Hormone suppression, in IVF, 247
Hormone therapy (HT), 332–34
bibliography, 512–14
controversy surrounding, 332
data on, 334
disruptions following discontinuation of, 104–5
factors to consider, 333
for PMS, 322
risks of, 334
side effects, 334
spotting or bleeding with, 295
treatment with, 334
Horse urine, 332
Hot flashes, 168, 329–30, 334
How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby (Shettles), 464–65
Hubbard, Elbert, 229
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), 51, 210, 219, 242, 407
Hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin), 123, 243
Hyperthyroidism, 378, 379
Hypothalamus, 148, 329, 407
Hypothyroidism, 122, 149, 378, 379
Hysterectomies, 335, 349
Hysterogram, 265
Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy), 236
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), 22, 235–36, 237, 274
Hysteroscopies, 236, 237
Idiopathic infertility, causes of, 268–75
Ignorance, of birth control, 15
I-Just-Know-When-I’m-Fertile Mentality, 184
Illness, and anovulation, 118–19
Immaculate Deception (Arms), 348
Immune system, and miscarriages, 266
Immunoglobulins, 266
Immunological infertility, 275
Implanon, 104, 414
Implantation spotting, 295, 365, 367
Incompetent cervix condition, 265
Infections. See also Vaginal infections miscarriages and, 264
Infertility
definition of, 18
increasing incidence of, 18
misdiagnosis of, reasons for, 19–24
physical and emotional ramifications of, 25
tests and treatments for. See Tests and treatments to achieve pregnancy
Infertility Awareness Association of Canada, Inc., 475
Inhibin B test, 233, 240
Institute for Reproductive Health, 475
Insulin resistance, 138, 141, 142
Intercourse
cervical position and, 66–67
frequency of, 209
frequency of, and pregnancy, 19–20
increasing chance of orgasm during, 307
lovemaking vs. babymaking, 228
for men, 42–43
pain or stinging during, 310, 391
positions during, 216
spotting after, 392
timing to optimize chances, 206–7, 209
for women, 37, 39–40
Intimate sexual rocking position, 308
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), 248, 249, 258
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), 243, 244, 258, 273
Introitus, 38
In vitro fertilization (IVF), 246–51
for endometriosis, 273
for PCOS, 253
preimplantation diagnosis technologies, 248, 250–51
steps for, 247–48
use of donors, 248–49
use of ICSI, 248s, 249
In vitro maturation (IVM), 251
IPD (intrapenal device), 12–13
Iron, 147
&nbs
p; Irregular cycles, 19, 113–24
charting of fertility signs and, 75
common causes of temporary, 118–21
confusing pregnancy with, 331
different phases of, 114–16
medical causes of, 122–24
pregnancy achievement and, 216
as sign of menopause, 328
IVF. See In vitro fertilization
Jewish practice of Niddah, 226–27
Justisse Method, 423
Kaplan, Abraham, 20
Kegel exercises, 83, 309
semen emitting technique, 83, 208, 452
Kharrazian, Datis, 378n
Kitzinger, Sheila, 310
Knowledge about your body, self-esteem through, 342–44
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), 444n
Lactobacillus, 215
Laparoscopies, 135, 136, 236, 237
Law of the Instrument, 20
Letrozole (Femara), 242, 253
LH. See Luteinizing hormone
Lodge, David, 187
Lovemaking vs. babymaking, 228
Lubricants, 216, 305, 307
Lupron, 136
Luteal phase, 23, 44, 47, 48
determining length of, 23, 47, 48, 99, 102, 195
short phases, 150, 191, 196, 218
Luteal phase insufficiencies, 150, 218–19, 271, 296
Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUF), 128, 130, 190, 230, 234, 267, 271, 386
Luteinizing hormone (LH), 46, 47, 190–91, 406
Luteinizing hormone (LH) test, 233, 237
Lymph glands, 68, 70
Lymph node sign, 70
McGoldrick, Kathryn, 325
Magnesium, 320
Male fertility, 203–9, 221–22. See also Sperm count
bibliography, 511–12
Male fertility workup, 254–59
Male infertility treatments, 255–58
Male reproductive anatomy, 35, 40–43
Mammograms, 286, 289
Marijuana, 214, 215
Measles, 264
Medical history review, 230, 254, 289
Medical school education, 5–6
Melatonin, 148
Menopause, 325–41
bibliography, 512–14
birth control with FAM and, 336–39
charting of fertility signs and, 337–39, 340
contraceptive rules, 339
hormone therapy for. See Hormone therapy
hot flashes, 168, 329–30, 334
how to determine, 336
maintaining sanity through, 341
menstrual cycle irregularities, 328
“outing” of, 349
ovulation predictor kits and, 331
premenopause, 116, 326, 461
sexuality and, 335
signs of impending, 327–31
Menstrual cups, 168
Menstrual cycle, 44–51. See also Anovulation; Bleeding; Premenstrual syndrome
bibliography, 502–10
chances of conceiving in any given cycle, 187, 401
conception during period, 168n, 401
conception without menstruation, 117, 402
description of, 46–47
different phases of, 114–16
fertility truths about, 188–89
frequently asked questions, 401–3
hormones and, 46, 47, 406–7
irregular. See Irregular cycles
menopause and, 328
midcycle sexiness, 310
myth of Day 14, 3–4, 15, 18, 19, 26, 113
normal pain vs. abnormal pain, 283–84, 292
ovulation and, 46–48, 399, 400
percent of cycle that is fertile, 401
prediction of length, 97, 98
summary of events through 28-day model, 405–12
typical cycle, 113–14
vaginal dryness, 330–31
Menstruation
clotting during, 296
conception during period, 168n, 401
description of, 407–8
normal vs. abnormal bleeding, 293–96
sex during, 168
spotting after intercourse, 392
Merkin, Sophia, 12–13
Metabolic syndrome, 138
Metformin (glucophage), 142, 252
Method failure rate, 14–16, 414, 414n
Microscopic vasal sperm aspiration (MVSA), 256
Microsort, 468n
Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), 256
Midcycle spotting. See Ovulatory spotting
Milligan, Spike, 163
Miscarriages, 23–24, 260–67
causes of, 263–66
charting of fertility signs and, 75
dropping temperatures after positive pregnancy test, 388
medical response to, 262
pregnancy loss beyond vaginal, 266, 267
preventive treatments, 263–66
recurrent, 263, 265, 266, 267
waking temperature and, 195, 198, 199
warning signs of, 261–62
Missed miscarriages, 267
Missionary sexual position, 216, 308
Mittelschmerz, 70, 283, 338, 399
Molar pregnancy, 267
Mons pubis, 38
Mood stabilizers, 323
Morrow, Skip, 210
Mucinex Expectorant, 218
Mucus. See Cervical fluid
Multiple ovulation, 47–48, 48n, 208, 400
Multiple sclerosis, 275
Multivitamins, 141, 147
Mumps, 257, 264
Mycoplasma, 264
Nabothian cysts, 101, 282, 390
National Women’s Health Information Center, 475
Natural Family Planning (NFP), 5, 7, 413–20. See also Birth control with FAM
abstinence from sex, 396
cervical position and, 419
contraceptive effectiveness, 413–20
effectiveness of, 415–16
motivation and responsibility, 416–17
politics of, 7–8, 11–16
providers, resources, 473
risk continuum and, 418–19
while breastfeeding, 448
Natural killer (NK) cells, 266
Neural tube defects, 214
Neurotransmitters, 323
Nicotine, 214–15, 255
Niddah, 226–27
Night lighting, 148
Night-shift work, and charting waking temperature, 96
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 135
Norepinephrine, 323
Norplant, 13
Nuns’ urine, 247n
Nutrition. See Diet
Obesity, 137, 138, 139
Optivite PMT, 150, 320
Oral sex (cunnilingus), 305, 307
Orgasm, 37, 38, 39–40
difficulty in achieving, 306–7
female ejaculation, 309
how to experience, 302–5
increasing chances during intercourse, 307
man’s role, 313–14
positions best stimulating the clitoris, 308–9
triggering ovulation, 400
Osteoporosis, 123, 270, 327, 334
Our Bodies, Ourselves (book), 347, 351
Ova (ovum), 36, 408
survival time, 312, 403
OvaCue Fertility Monitor, 192
Ovarian cancer, 242n, 285
Ovarian cysts, 119, 125, 126–31, 284
Ovarian drilling, 142, 253
Ovarian reserve, 238–40, 241
Ovarian reserve tests, 237, 240
Ovarian stimulation, in IVF, 247
Ovarian surgery, 126, 131, 157, 226
Ovarian wedge resection, 143, 253
Ovaries, 36
Over-the-counter drugs, for PMS, 321
Ovulation, 48–49, 407–10. See also Anovulation
cervical position and, 66–67
charting cycles, 117, 118
on Day 14 of cycle, 399
delayed.
See Delayed ovulation
disorders of, 271
drugs to stimulate, 23, 242, 243, 251, 253
“feel” of, 399
frequently asked questions, 399–400
menstrual cycle and, 46–48, 399, 400
multiple, 47–48, 48n, 208, 400
sexual arousal and, 400
side on which ovulation occurs, 69–70
signs of, 68–69, 399–400, 455–56
stress and, 121, 173, 223, 373
waking temperature and, 62, 63, 195, 196
Ovulation detection methods, 192–93
Ovulation predictor kits (OPK), 190
birth control with FAM and, 170, 176
menopause and, 331
misleading information, 23, 190–92
ovulation in relation to, 68
Ovulatory drugs, 23, 242, 243, 251, 253
Ovulatory pain. See Mittelschmerz
Ovulatory (midcycle) spotting, 27, 68, 69, 227, 294, 294, 338, 366
OV-Watch Fertility Predictor, 193
Pain. See also Mittelschmerz
during intercourse, 310, 391
at midcycle, 69–70, 283, 338
normal cycle-related vs. abnormal, 283–84, 292
“Palatability,” language of, 8–9
Pap tests, 232, 289, 291
Parlodel, 243
Partial breastfeeding, 444, 449
Parvovirus, 264
Patch Rule, 455, 457, 462, 463
PC muscles, 83
PCOS. See Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Peak Day
anovulatory cycles and, 87
birth control with FAM and, 172–73, 177, 179
determination of, 86–89, 107–8
Patch Day and, 459
pregnancy achievement and, 205, 206, 209
Peak Day Rule, 172–73, 179, 181, 425
Pelvic exams, 230, 289, 291
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), 232, 274, 284, 297, 300
Penis, 41, 306
Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), 256
Percutaneous vas deferens sperm aspiration (PVSA), 256
Pergonal, 247, 247n
Perimenopause, 326
Perineum, 38
Petroleum jelly, 216
Pharmaceutical companies, 7–8, 332
Ph balance, 37, 215
Phthalates, 149
Physical exams, 230, 254, 289
chart, 290, 517
Pill, the, 7, 16
anovulation and, 115, 461
cervical fluid and, 104, 370
charting of fertility signs and, 75, 104–5
disruptions following discontinuation of, 104–5
how it works, 403
method failure and user failure, 14–16, 414, 414n
PCOS and, 140, 142
premenstrual syndrome and, 318
ramifications of, 346–48
Pituitary gland, 104, 223, 241, 406
Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 474
PMS. See Premenstrual syndrome
Point of Change, 53, 55, 79
Politics
of natural birth control, 7–8, 11–16
of pregnancy achievement, 17–24
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), 125, 137–43
Taking Charge of Your Fertility Page 54