If you’re using the FAM (or you’re considering it), then you’re in the right spot.

Here are some FAQs to get the Qs rolling; answers brought to you by Bedsider.

Are there certain days in my cycle that I can't get pregnant?

Yes, but they can be tricky to track. The fertility awareness methods use different techniques for tracking your cycle—ideally you’ll use a combination of them to help with accuracy and success. They all involve observing changes in your body and calculating where you are in your menstrual cycle. This takes effort and commitment, so before you decide this is the method for you, be sure you really understand what you'll need to do. Be prepared not to have sex for at least seven days out of every month, or to use a backup method like condoms.

Oops! What if I had sex on the wrong day when using fertility awareness methods?

If it's been 5 days or less since you had sex on the wrong day, take Emergency Contraception. If it was more than 5 days ago, you might want to take a pregnancy test if your next period is late. Either way, if you're having unprotected sex on unsafe days, you might want to consider a lower maintenance method.

Can I use fertility awareness methods if my periods are irregular or unpredictable?

Calculation-based methods like the Calendar Method and the Standard Days Method won't work to prevent pregnancy if you have irregular periods.

What should I do if I want to have sex on my fertile days?

If you're not 100% sure you'll avoid sex on all of your fertile days, you should definitely be using another method in addition to fertility awareness-based methods. If you prefer to avoid hormones, you can use condoms (male or female), a diaphragm or cervical cap with spermicide, or the sponge. Check out the Birth Control: The Scoop guide on your Me page to learn more about these methods.

Do I really have to track my cycle every day if I use the fertility awareness methods?

The short answer is yes, it's a good idea to track your cycle every day if you're using a FAM. To work well, these methods require a real commitment. Today there are tools like thermometers, beads, and even apps (like Glow!) that can help you to track your fertility signs on a regular basis.

More questions? Check out the Birth Control: The Scoop guide on your Me page or ask the Community!

Fertility Awareness Method