What is the Sympto-Thermal Method?
"The Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) is a natural and healthy fertility awareness based method (FABM) of family planning that makes use of a woman’s observations of her cervical fluid, basal body temperature (waking temperature) and other biological signs (e.g., changes in the cervix) in order to identify the fertile and infertile times of her cycle. Couples can use the method to either achieve or avoid pregnancy. The STM can be used throughout the couple’s reproductive years.
“Sympto” stands for the symptom of cervical fluid, which changes under the influence of the woman’s reproductive hormone, estrogen. “Thermal” stands for the basal body temperature (BBT), which rises after a woman ovulates (when the ovary releases an egg). Research shows that both are reliable signs of fertility. The STM teaches couples to crosscheck the two primary signs to confirm their time of fertility, when a couple will most likely become pregnant if they have sexual relations." - FACTS about Fertility Website
What is the Couple to Couple League?
"The Couple to Couple League (CCL) is an international, Catholic, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and teaching fertility awareness (natural family planning) to married and engaged couples. Essentially, we are a volunteer organization because services are provided by professionally trained volunteers who are supported by a small staff at the international headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Local chapters of the organization consist of certified teaching couples and promoters, along with other supportive members. - Couple to Couple League Website
What is Sympto-Pro?
"No longer “guess work,” SymptoPro™ Fertility Education is an effective, scientifically based method, that treats fertility as a normal, healthy process. SymptoPro is a Sympto-Thermal Method of fertility awareness, based on changes in a woman’s cervical mucus, waking or resting temperature, and cervix. These observable signs change in response to the hormones of the menstrual cycle. It only takes seconds a day for a woman to track her fertility; then the couple interprets the chart and makes a decision based on their family planning intentions. SymptoPro works through periodic abstinence during the method-defined fertile time for couples who are avoiding a pregnancy and can be used effectively throughout a woman’s entire reproductive life. Regular cycles are NOT required. SymptoPro is NOT Calendar Rhythm." - Sympto-Pro Website
What can STM help with?
- Achieving Pregnancy
- Avoiding Pregnancy
- Irregular Cycles
- Avoiding pregnancy during perimenopause
- Avoiding pregnancy while breastfeeding
Can I learn STM Online?
Yes. CCL offers Online courses at ccli.org. Sympto-pro offers courses at symptopro.org.
How can I begin using STM?
We currently have many CCL and Sympto-Pro instructors in our Diocese. Follow the links to learn more about them:
Christina Bruns - Sympto-Pro - Hillsdale (English and Spanish) (Information Coming Soon)
John and Kelly Kopinski - CCL - Washtenaw Area
Darin and Kristine Witkowski - CCL -Lansing Area