First things first, this is not a mommy diary. No shade, but this is still a contraceptive-focused journey. I decided that I wanted to go a more natural route for birth control, and also commit to really learning my body for the long-term. I’m very new to this, so I have by no means perfected this. I just want to share my story. Let’s get into it.

Background

I started birth control (BC) in my late twenties to remain baby-free. Fortunately, I have pretty predictable cycles. I experience pain and discomfort that I’ve just managed since day one with OTC medicines. I was on my BC for almost two years and I didn’t notice any real issues, but also didn’t get much cycle relief. Everything was chill until those final few months before I quit the first time. I noticed that I was experiencing more frequently allergic reactions and unexplained inflammation than I had before. One reaction was so bad that I needed to rush to urgent care in the wee hours of the morning because I was in so much pain. I also had begun experiencing more serious issues with my vision. Come to find out I had retinal detachment, but things had definitely accelerated in a short span of months. That was it, I was over it. I stopped wearing my patches cold turkey (in the midst of a celibate engagement).

Fast forward, I decided to give it another go because unfortunately I’m not really wowed by the other longer-term options available, and daily anything is not for me. My inflammation came back more than I had experienced since stopping the first time. I wasn’t playing with it.

That led me to explore more about cycle tracking. I had heard a little bit about the fertility awareness method (FAM) in the past, but again, didn’t trust my own discipline at the time. Faced with no other options medically I felt comfortable with, I started buying books. Here’s my current list of FAM / menstrual cycle reads:

Not only have these books opened my eyes about a new form of birth control, but honestly have highlighted how little I knew previously about my own reproductive system. I didn’t fail health class or even college-level human biology, but it’s clear not enough time is spent on educating ovary-owners about what is happening. And also, what is very much in our control. We do not have to just sit around every month and just take it.

I recommend starting with the first book and buying her companion workbook to start tracking.* Even if you’re not ready to stop your BC yet, you can use it to get more acquainted with the factory down there. I’ve realized that I’m probably missing key nutrients. It’s past time to look into pelvic floor therapy. Plus, tracking what’s going on there is not that hard or disruptive to daily life. The book points out we’re conditioned to fear getting pregnant the whole month when it’s normally only a weeklong chance. We also neglect how the other stages of our cycle impact or are impacted by our daily living.

The Journey So Far…

I’m one full cycle into tracking (period to period), and I’m not pregnant. (LOL) No, but really, I’m paying a lot better attention to how my body feels throughout the month and what that might mean. Am I hydrated enough? Do I need to adjust my vitamins/supplements? Am I getting enough sleep? Which ovary is ovulating this month? Do we need to put a pause on bedroom activities? I’m still battling random inflammation, so this is the first step to determining what’s wrong and getting my body back in balance. I’m just grateful that I have a better idea of what the heck is going on and the nerd me actually thinks it’s pretty cool. I’m eager to even looking more into productivity planning and my cycle. More on this through one of my go to IG accounts @Berrionlberry.*

I’ll keep y’all posted, but first step is to buy and read at least one of those books. Then, start tracking what you notice even if you need your BC to help with other symptoms right now. I cannot give medical advice, but stopping cold when you’re using it for multiple purposes could backfire. Start with your doctor, even if they may not be team FAM. Also, for those considering using this as BC, emergency contraceptives and non-hormonal options exist. Don’t play yourself please! (LOL)

Get in the flow!

*This post is not endorsed by or affiliated with this business/coach/author just something I’ve found on the journey.