Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning: A review of effectiveness for avoiding pregnancy using SORT

Manhart, Michael D.; Duane, Marguerite; Lind, April; Sinaï, Irit; Golden-Tevald, Jean

doi:10.1016/j.osfp.2012.09.002

Cited by 49 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Of those, we excluded 55 apps because they either had a disclaimer prohibiting use for avoiding pregnancy or did not claim to use an evidence-based FABM as described in Manhart et al 3 The rating system was developed based on criteria used by Family Practice Management to evaluate medical apps. 7 We rated each app for 10 clearly defined criteria (each on a 5-point scale), which were weighted based on their level of importance for avoiding pregnancy (Table 1).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For each cycle, evidencebased fertile days (FDs) were determined by applying specific guidelines for each FABM, as evaluated in peer-reviewed studies. 3 The accuracy of each app was determined by comparing evidence-based FDs to the fertile days of each cycle as identified by the app, called the app-defined FDs (Figure 1). …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For each evidence-based method (Billings, Creighton, two-day, symptothermal, symptohormonal, standard days, and lactational amenorrhea methods), there are Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy level 1 studies that demonstrate that these methods, when used correctly, have rates of effectiveness similar to those of commonly used forms of hormonal birth control. [3][4][5][6] The effectiveness of FABMs depends on women observing and recording fertility biomarkers and following evidence-based guidelines. Apps offer a convenient way to track fertility biomarkers, but only some use evidence-based FABMs.…”

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confidence: 99%

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The Performance of Fertility Awareness-based Method Apps Marketed to Avoid Pregnancy

Duane

Contreras

Jensen

et al. 2016

The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine

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Introduction:In recent years there has been an explosion in the development of medical apps, with more than 40,000 apps now available. Nearly 100 apps allow women to track their fertility and menstrual cycles and can be used to avoid or achieve pregnancy. Apps offer a convenient way to track fertility biomarkers. However, only some use evidence-based fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs), which with ideal use have rates of effectiveness similar to those of commonly used forms of hormonal birth control. Since having a baby or preventing a pregnancy are important responsibilities, it is critical that women and couples have access to reliable, evidence-based apps that allow them to accurately track their fertility.Methods: We developed a tool to evaluate and rate fertility apps. This tool is specifically designed to help couples avoid pregnancy.Results: Results showed that the majority of fertility apps are not based on evidence-based FABMs or include a disclaimer discouraging use for avoiding pregnancy. However, at least 1 app in each FABM category (except symptohormonal methods) had a perfect score on accuracy.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Performance of Fertility Awareness-based Method Apps Marketed to Avoid Pregnancy

Duane

Contreras

Jensen

et al. 2016

The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine

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“…1 They can provide a valid option for women for whom other methods are not desirable because of medical contraindications or environmental, philosophical, or religious conflicts.…”

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confidence: 99%

Use of Ovulation Predictor Kits as Adjuncts When Using Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs): A Pilot Study

Leiva

Burhan

Kyrillos

et al. 2014

The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine

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Purpose: Difficult clinical signs such as confusing cervical mucus or erratic basal body temperature can make the use of fertility awareness methods (FAMs) difficult in some cases. The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility of using a cheap urinary luteinizing hormone (LH)-surge identification kit as an adjunct to identify the infertile phase after ovulation when facing these scenarios.Methods: The study used a block-allocation, crossover, 2-arm methodology (LH kit/FAM vs FAM only). Comparison of the 2 arms was done with regard to the accuracy of identification (yes/no) of the luteal phase in each cycle as confirmed by serum progesterone concentrations.Results: We recruited 23 Canadian women currently using FAM, aged 18 to 48 years, who have had menstrual cycles 25 to 35 days long for the past 3 months and perceive themselves to have difficulty with identifying the infertile phase after ovulation. LH kits identified 100% of the luteal phases, whereas FAM indentified 87% (statistically significant). In those identified cycles, LH kits provided a mean of 10.3 days of infertility, and FAM only provided 10 days of infertility (not statistically significant).Conclusions :

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“…In one study, one in five women in the United States expressed interest in using FABMs when informed about such options (5). In another study, 23% of family medicine residents said patients had inquired about FABMs (9).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medical Students’ Knowledge of Fertility Awareness-Based Methods of Family Planning

2017

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ObjectiveTraditional medical school curricula have not addressed fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning. The objective of this study was to assess (1) 3-year medical students’ knowledge of FABMs of family planning, (2) their confidence in utilizing that knowledge in patient care, and (3) to implement focused education on FABMs to improve knowledge and confidence.MethodsThird-year medical students at one institution in the United States were given a 10-question assessment at the beginning of their OB-GYN rotation. Two lectures about FABMs and their clinical applications were given during the rotation. Students were given the same questions at the end of the rotation. Each questionnaire consisted of eight questions to assess a student’s knowledge of FABMs and two questions to assess the student’s confidence in sharing and utilizing that information in a clinical setting. McNemar’s test was used to analyze the data.ResultsTwo hundred seventy-seven students completed a pretest questionnaire and 196 students completed the posttest questionnaire. Medical knowledge improved from an initial test score of 38.99% to final test score of 53.57% (p < 0.05). Confidence in sharing FABM information with patients (0 = very uncomfortable; 5 = very comfortable) improved from 1.51 to 3.00 (p < 0.05). Confidence in utilizing FABM to diagnose and treat gynecologic/reproductive problems (0 = not very confident and 5 = very confident) improved from 1.01 to 3.15 (p < 0.05).ConclusionMedical schools may not include FABMs in OB-GYN curriculum; however, to patients, these methods remain a sought after and valid form of family planning. This study shows that brief, focused education can increase medical students’ knowledge of and confidence with FABMs of family planning.

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Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning: A review of effectiveness for avoiding pregnancy using SORT

Cited by 49 publications

References 26 publications

The Performance of Fertility Awareness-based Method Apps Marketed to Avoid Pregnancy

The Performance of Fertility Awareness-based Method Apps Marketed to Avoid Pregnancy

Use of Ovulation Predictor Kits as Adjuncts When Using Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs): A Pilot Study

Medical Students’ Knowledge of Fertility Awareness-Based Methods of Family Planning

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