[The possibilities of fertility awareness methods in family planning]

Abstract

The so-called restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) tries to help and support infertility couples who want to avoid the assisted reproductive technologies or they are after failed in vitro fertilization. This approach supports the spontaneous fertilization. Fertility awareness methods of natural family planning teach couples about reproductive health. They allow daily monitoring and interpretation of certain physical signs, such as cervical mucus. These changes can reflect hormonal changes in the female fertility cycle, helping to identify the ovulation in paper or electronic cycle calendars (Creighton, Fertility Education and Medical Management, Billings, Sensiplan). Fertility awareness methods can be important not only for those with religious beliefs, but can also be recommended for all motivated, healthy couples, as they can effectively help them conceive. The information obtained from the cycle charts can be used in the work of restorative reproductive medicine to complement the diagnosis of infertility, which is considered a chronic condition, and also to monitor the treatment of each individual. The methods can also be used independently by couples with infertility to determine timed intercourse to achieve pregnancy. To be effective, it is recommended that they are used with the guidance of trained educators. A common aspect of the methods is that they make childbearing a shared responsibility of the couple, emphasizing understanding and communication between husband and wife. Unfortunately, little information is available on the various fertility awareness-based methods in medical education. Restorative reproductive medicine aims to restore normal physiological fertility, using fertility awareness methods in combination with medical and surgical treatments. Cycle charts allow women to track their ovulation cycle by monitoring hormonal-based physical changes, identifying the fertile period. This allows the couple to understand, maintain and improve the woman’s reproductive health and increase their self-awareness. Specialized restorative reproductive medicine clinics are located at the Assisted Reproduction Center of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Semmelweis University and at the Christian Family Center of the Irgalmasrendi Hospital of Buda. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(22): 851–858.

Keywords: fertility awareness; infertility; meddőség; natural family planning; női egészség; reprodukciót helyreállító medicina; restorative reproductive medicine; termékenységtudatosság; természetes családtervezés; women’s health.