Taking Charge of Your Fertility Review

You should run, not walk, straight to the bookstore and get a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility (TCOYF) by Toni Weschler.

Well, ok...first you should read this review. And then you can order it online if you don't want to go out ;) But my point is this: have this book on your bookshelf, and give a copy to all of your friends.

I have been looking forward to this book for quite some time, but I was completely blown away when I actually read it. I'd heard women say that it should be a staple gift for all young women, and that it's a woman's fertility "bible." But I was still floored by just how great the book is.

TCOYF is subtitled "The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health." That's quite a large claim and TCOFY lives up to it. All women, not just those trying to conceive, will benefit from this book.

The book's main purpose is to teach FAM, or the Fertility Awareness Method. This is the sympto-thermal method of birth control/charting (Natural Family Planning is another name for the method - the difference is that NFP advocates abstinence during the fertile period and FAM accepts the use of barrier methods of birth control during that time.)

Basic Information...

Weschler has done a great job making TCOFY very accessible. The table of contents makes it easy to locate what you want when you want it.

The book begins by explaining just what fertility awareness is, and why it is important to all women. It then dives right into a candid and clear discussion of reproductive anatomy and women's fertility cycles. This information is written in a no-nonsense and fascinating way - Weschler even shares how our reproductive systems form in the womb and how that impacts women.

There are clear explanations and plenty of pictures (including a color insert) that will teach you exactly how to chart your fertility signals. And even though the descriptions are easy to understand, they are still very detailed.

The numerous real-life sample charts throughout the book are simply fascinating. Each one is used to illustrate a point in the text. They clearly demonstrate how to keep track of the three major fertility signals (basal body temperature, cervical fluid, and cervix [optional]). There is also plenty of space in each chart for notes and observations of other body changes during each cycle. There are charts tailored to using FAM for birth control and for trying to conceive.

...and Detailed Information

Detailed chapters will show you just how to use FAM for family planning. You can use it as an effective means of birth control - and the rules given are easy to grasp and implement. An extensive appendix is full of how to decipher cycles that may at first appear confusing.

Weschler has also given plenty of information that will be highly useful for trying to conceive. Your first step in planning for your baby should be to read TCOFYF, and then start charting.

As you will read in the book. FAM will allow you to plan the best time to conceive, and if you're having trouble conceiving it will help you and your doctor figure out why. Weschler has also included a short chapter on increasing your odds for getting the gender you desire.

The book also goes into maintaining gynecological health and understanding PMS. A frank chapter on menopause is a good addition for all women and will empower you with knowledge as you come to the end of your reproductive years.

Final Nuggets

The book closes with extensive appendices. As I already mentioned, one deals with cycle irregularities. There is also an appendix on using FAM in special situations (including breastfeeding!)

Other appendices include the effectiveness of FAM as a contraceptive, frequently asked questions, a summary of the menstrual cycle, drugs that may affect fertility signals, and several amusing and informative appendices on women's health. The book finishes up with a section to give to your doctor or midwife so that he or she can understand more about women's fertility signals.

I could not give this book a higher recommendation. Pick up your copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility now. Get ready to understand your cycles and how the female body works. And you'll learn a completely natural method of birth control - or a completely natural way to maximize your fertility ;)

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