What is the Sympto-Thermal Method? Offering Patients an Alternative Birth Control Option

The intrauterine device (IUD) and oral contraceptives are the two most common methods of reversible birth control in the world. Both these methods are associated with side effects, particularly in combination with other medications and tobacco and health complications including mood changes, acne, headaches, breast tenderness, pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, amenorrhea, nausea, weight gain and uncommonly, blood clots. Effective and safe birth control that produces fewer side effects would potentially do less harm to women’s health. This paper offers clinicians one such option-the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM).