The Taking Charge of Your Fertility (TCOYF) method is a fertility awareness approach that is learned through a book written by Toni Weschler. Her book discusses the science and biology of how menstruating bodies work and how women can practice fertility awareness to either achieve or avoid pregnancy.
Founded by Toni Weschler, the TCOYF method was developed in the 1990s and has since become a popular and comprehensive resource for those looking to understand their fertility.
Biomarkers Tracked
Taking Charge of Your Fertility (TCOYF) is based on the use of three natural fertility signs, or biomarkers:
- Cervical Mucus: Changes in the texture and appearance of a woman’s cervical mucus indicate fertile days.
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT): BBT is a woman’s body temperature at rest. A slight temperature increase after ovulation can help confirm which phase of the fertility cycle a woman is in.
- Cervical Position: Due to hormonal shifts, the cervix changes its position, firmness, and openness throughout the cycle, offering a reliable tool for fertility charting.
Optional Biomarker:
- Hormone Levels: Optional tracking through ovulation predictor kits can enhance accuracy when you are first learning the method.
How Taking Charge of Your Fertility Method Works
TCOYF uses a combination of three biomarkers (BBT, Cervical Mucus, and Cervical Position) to open and close the fertile window. Users learn to observe, record, and interpret each of their own biomarkers to identify fertile and infertile phases.
It’s required that a fertility chart (paper chart or app) is maintained daily.
Benefits of Taking Charge of Your Fertility Method
High Efficacy: The specific set of rules and guidelines of TCOYF have not undergone formal clinical studies to determine their effectiveness. However, “perfect use” studies have shown similar methods tracking the same biomarkers to be up to 99.6% effective at preventing pregnancy. TCOYF is also considered to be highly effective for achieving pregnancy. *
Goes Beyond Tracking: This method provides comprehensive knowledge of your body and fertility beyond just tracking biomarkers. For example, it also covers:
- Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones
- Now That You Know: Preserving Your Future Fertility
- Maintaining Your Gynecological Health
Low Cost: Since only a book, a way to chart, and a digital thermometer are required, the costs are very minimal. The book is widely available, and second-hand books are offered in many countries. In addition to fertility tracking apps, downloadable charts are available for free on the TCOYF website or Tempdrop’s website.
Flexible Learning Curve: Since the method is learned from a book and not from an instructor or in a formal class setting, women are free to learn at their own pace.
Accuracy: TCOYF is a ‘double-check’ method. This means that it requires a minimum of two biomarkers to practice it correctly. Therefore, it is more accurate and reliable than using a method with only one fertility marker.
*For contraception and self-teaching, it is EXTREMELY important to thoroughly read all sections of the book. Many of the errors that occur when using a Fertility Awareness-Based Method (FABM) are due to user error.
Disadvantages of Taking Charge of Your Fertility Method
Self-taught: Since the method is learned independently, it does require a high level of diligence, self-motivation, and patience to learn. However, there are online communities that can provide support when getting started.
Room for Error: There can be a higher margin of error in the first few months. Since women learn the method by themselves, it may be challenging in the initial cycles to understand how to open and close the fertile window. This is especially true if you have irregular cycles.
An example of a Tempdrop chart showing the fertile window, ovulation and nightly basal body temperatures
Considerations
The method involves a moderate learning curve, as women must familiarize themselves with observing and interpreting various biomarkers without the guidance of an instructor.
Once the method is learned fully, it can be adapted for all cycles - irregular cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), breastfeeding, and perimenopause. Some additional resources or modifications may be needed at first.
Who It TCOYF Method Best For
The TCOYF method works best for users who would prefer to rely on more than one biomarker to effectively practice fertility awareness.
It’s suitable for individuals or couples who want a natural, informed approach to fertility management, including those looking to avoid or achieve pregnancy. Though it’s particularly well-suited for those with stable routines, travelers and shift workers can adapt the method to meet their needs with some self-determination.
Where to Learn More
- Official Website: Taking Charge of Your Fertility
- Instructional Book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
- Fertility Awareness Instructors: https://www.fertilityawarenessprofessionals.org/
- Community: Online forums, such as Facebook groups and Reddit threads, offer community support for those practicing the TCOYF method.
TCOYF in a Nutshell
- Biomarkers Tracked: Cervical mucus, BBT, and cervical position are the core biomarkers of this method. Optionally you can also choose to add in hormone level tracking.
- Effectiveness: Perfect use studies (practicing FAM and following all the rules) have shown similar methods to be up to 99.6% effective at preventing pregnancy
- Learning Curve: Moderate learning effort
- Ideal For: Women who want to learn a method independently and have a stable routine.
Where to Learn More: Taking Charge of Your Fertility
