FAB methods help people understand how to prevent a pregnancy by not having sex during the fertile time. There are many different methods (like the Standard Days Method®, Calendar Rhythm Method, Cervical Mucous, Basal Body Temperature, TwoDay Method®, and Symptothermal Method).
With FAB methods, a person:
identifies the most likely time to get pregnant (fertile time)
must not have sex (abstain) or use another method of birth control during the fertile time
needs one-to-one training to know how to use the methods the right way
How well do FAB methods work to prevent pregnancy?
There’s about an 85% chance of getting pregnant after 1 year of having unprotected sex.
How well FAB methods work is hard to estimate. With typical use (not following exact directions) the pregnancy rate is about 24% after 1 year.
FAB methods don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
Use a condom
every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, anal) to lower your risk of STIs and HIV.
FAB methods may
not work and aren’t recommended if you:
have periods that aren’t regular
have recently had a baby
have conditions or factors that affect body temperature (like fever, trouble sleeping, and shift work)
have just started having periods
are breastfeeding
are getting close to menopause
have recently stopped a hormonal method of birth control
have a lot of vaginal infections, which makes it hard to track your cervical mucous
Don’t use FAB methods if a pregnancy would:
be hard for you
put your health at risk because of a medical problem
Talk to your health care provider to decide if FAB methods are right for you.
What are the benefits of FAB methods?
There are no added hormones.
You don’t need any birth control supplies except a basal thermometer and a way to keep track of your information (like monthly charts or a calendar). FAB methods may work well if you have certain personal, religious, or cultural beliefs about birth control.
What are the disadvantages of FAB methods?
You have to keep track
every day so you know exactly where you’re at in your cycle.
To use these FAB methods you need to have good communication with your partner. You’ll need to talk about being abstinent or using a barrier method of birth control (like a condom) during fertile times.
Where can I get more information?
If you’re interested in FAB methods, contact the organizations below for teaching and support:
Get emergency contraceptionas soon as possible to help prevent pregnancy if you think you haven't followed FAB methods correctly.
Fertility monitors (like ovulation predictor kits and electronic hormonal fertility monitors) can be used to improve FAB methods.
FAB methods can also be used to help you get pregnant.
What else is important to know about consent, sexual activity, and birth control?
You have the right to decide to have sex or not. Talk with your partner or partners about consent.
There’s an 85% chance of becoming pregnant within one year, if no birth control is used for vaginal sex.
Use a condom or barrier every time you have sex (oral, vaginal, anal). Condoms help prevent pregnancy, STIs, and HIV.
You can lower your risk of HIV by taking an HIV prevention pill every day. Many Albertans can get it for free. Visit
HIV PrEP to find out more.
Transgender and gender diverse people who have a uterus can use hormonal birth control. It can help prevent pregnancy and make periods lighter and less painful.
Where can I find more information?
If you have questions, need to find a sexual health clinic near you, or want more information, call Health Link at 811 anytime, day or night, to talk to a registered nurse.
