Your Fertility Signals: Using Them to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy Naturally

by Merryl Winstein

Presented in question-and-answer format, one of the most straightforward self-help books on fertility aims to help couples achieve or prevent pregnancy without using contraceptives. It advocates not the outdated rhythm method, but quick, daily examinations of cervical mucus and body temperature to ascertain when the few days of fertility occur. Winstein also covers the practical aspects of sexual abstinence during the fertile period, breastfeeding's role in fertility, returning to normal cycles after using the pill, and how ovulation occurs. Assuming normal fertility, she yet includes an explanatory, alphabetical list of infertility problems. An accurate, lovingly illustrated handbook that does much to dispel the mystery and imagined difficulty centered around birth control. Further information, readings list, references, glossary, index.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Parenting

159 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

Reviews

[Marianne Ogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book changed my life. Every woman in the whole world should read it. I wish that I had started using that method of birth control when I first got married. Things would have been so much better. It is also great for improving communication and understanding in an intimate relationship.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

To AVOID! To AVOID pregnancy!!

The book was fine, I do think I enjoyed Taking Charge of Your Fertility a bit better, but this book was easier to understand.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is way easier to digest than TCOYF, so I often suggest it to those who are new to the idea of NFP or FAM. The one big reason it is not 5 stars is that it is not very appealing to today's young women. it hasn't had a facelift in a while. I must have let my copy go because I was explaining charting to my daughter and wanted to show her these charts. Then I couldn't find my copy. Easily found a new one and she liked the chart and explanations. She still won't need the parts on achieving or avoiding pregnancy, but this is a gentle intro and she will surely have the info when she is ready. This is a classic that will always be in my library.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, combined with other modern books on the subject I successfully avoided pregnancy and conceived when I wanted to (3 times) with no accidents. Hormonal birth control was a horrible experience for me and the copper coil was not for me. You just have to apply the rules strictly.

[Dawsey Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great overview of fertility signals and women's health. It was published in 1997, so a few things are outdated, but the majority is very helpful and informative.

[Radiolab]

Radiolab asked listeners for their sex ed recommendations.

Amanda, a Radiolab listener, says, "The illustrations are priceless and extremely informative. Take a look at the sperm in the beach chair munching on glucose waiting for an egg to drop."

[Leani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explains the fertility signals of a woman in easy-to-understand language, while also addressing some of the emotional aspects of using NFP / FAM. It contains many useful ideas and illustrations that will help couples understand their fertility better. I am already familiar with NFP / FAM, but found several parts particularly insightful - especially the chapter on infertility. My major criticism lies in her application of the ovulation method, which is not as rigorous as Billings - but therein, too, lies its strength. She does not overcomplicate or spend too much time defining things; for more complicated cases she refers the reader to a teacher. Overall, very readable and interesting.

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives instructions for charting temperature and checking cervical mucus in order for a woman to know if she is fertile. Knowing when she is fertile allows a woman to avoid or achieve pregnancy. The instructions given are clear and easy to follow.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found my old reading records from the time I was studying midwifery.
Good resource for natural birth control and fertility. Gives women confidence to understand fertility. A bit goofy with some pictures and a bit redundant at times.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me so much over the last 7 years. I wrote a longer review here: http://www.thethiers.com/2008/07/this...

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how simply it explained everything. Not a complete overview of fertility, but a good starter.

[Brynna Schiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is OK. It is not the best on the topic but if you are looking for a religious perspective this one is fine. I didn't think it was as clear as other texts.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned sooo much from this book, I recommend it to every woman.

[Sarah Kosar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for research on my play "EGG" about sex, youth, and fertility.