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Related Experiment Videos

Breastfeeding and the symptothermal method

K I Kennedy1, B A Gross, S Parenteau-Carreau

  • 1Contraceptive Use and Epidemiology Division, Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.

Studies in Family Planning
|March 1, 1995
PubMed
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This study on fertility awareness during breastfeeding found that the Symptothermal Method (STM) accurately identifies fertile days. However, it also suggests abstinence on many non-fertile days, indicating high sensitivity but low specificity.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive endocrinology
  • Family planning
  • Natural family planning

Background:

  • Breastfeeding can affect the timing of ovulation and fertility.
  • Periodic abstinence methods require accurate identification of fertile windows.
  • Understanding the correlation between natural fertility signs and hormonal changes during postpartum is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the relationship between laboratory-confirmed ovulation and natural fertility symptoms in breastfeeding women.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the Symptothermal Method (STM) during the postpartum period.
  • To assess the accuracy of STM rules in identifying fertile days during lactation.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving experienced users of periodic abstinence methods.
Keywords:
AmericasAustraliaBiologyBreast FeedingCanadaDeveloped CountriesEnglandEuropeFamily PlanningFamily Planning, Behavioral MethodsHealthInfant NutritionLactationMaternal PhysiologyNatural Family PlanningNorth AmericaNorthern AmericaNorthern EuropeNutritionOceaniaPhysiologyPostpartum AbstinenceProspective StudiesResearch MethodologyResearch ReportSexual AbstinenceStudiesSympto-thermal MethodUnited Kingdom

Related Experiment Videos

  • Daily urinary estrogen and pregnanediol glucuronide assays to estimate ovulation and fertile days.
  • Application of standard Symptothermal Method (STM) rules to daily records.

    • Main Results:

    • The Symptothermal Method (STM) rules accurately identified 77-94% of women's potentially fertile days.
    • Abstinence was recommended on approximately 50% of non-fertile days.
    • The integrated STM rules demonstrated high sensitivity but low specificity for screening ovulation.

    Conclusions:

    • The Symptothermal Method (STM) is a sensitive tool for identifying fertile periods during breastfeeding.
    • The specificity of STM during lactation is limited, leading to potentially unnecessary abstinence.
    • Further refinement of STM rules may improve accuracy for breastfeeding mothers seeking to manage fertility naturally.