While an increasing number of medical providers are becoming familiar with the science behind modern, evidence-based fertility awareness methods (thanks in no small part to initiatives like FACTS about Fertility’s online elective taught through Georgetown University!), many women don’t yet have access to a primary care physician, midwife, or OB/GYN trained in restorative reproductive medicine (RRM).
If you’ve encountered indifference, skepticism, or outright pushback from your provider about your use of fertility awareness methods (FAM), natural family planning (NFP), or natural birth control, you’re not alone. And if your provider is pushing birth control to treat your teen’s acne, your irregular cycles, or heavy periods, welcome to the club.
While seeking virtual care from a provider trained in RRM makes sense for some women in some cases, we at Natural Womanhood encourage women to have frank, respectful conversations with their local providers first. We believe healthcare professionals want the best for their patients, but they don’t receive exposure to FAMs or RRM in medical school or residency.
Since the menstrual cycle is a fifth vital sign for women, every woman deserves to be cared for by a provider with in-depth knowledge of cycles and fertility.
So how do you ask your family doctor or NP or OB/GYN to look into FAMs?
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