Fertility Awareness Across the Life Course:

What people know, what they dont know, and how it influences attitudes and behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health

Director, Institute for Reproductive Health Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Victoria Jennings

USING EVIDENCE TO EXPAND FAMILY PLANNING CHOICES, ADVANCE GENDER EQUALITY, AND INVOLVE COMMUNITIES.

Definition:

Fertility Awareness
Actionable information about fertility throughout the life course

Ability to apply this knowledge to ones own circumstances and needs

Systematic Literature Review

Published (or grey) 1990-2013 Degree of fertility awareness knowledge Link effect of fertility awareness knowledge to attitudes or behavior

Show effect of fertility awareness intervention on knowledge, attitudes or behavior

Systematic Literature Review

(1990-2013)
83 articles

Systematic Literature Review

(1990-2013)
Methodologies of the included studies

Current Situation
Low levels of fertility awareness globally, over life course Scarce evidence of effect of fertility awareness on family planning use
Impact of interventions is not well known

Adolescents
Lack knowledge of Results in Fear Misunderstanding Puberty Menstruation Teasing/harassment Missing school Early sexual debut Early pregnancy

Adults
Lack knowledge of Results in
Non-use of FP breastfeeding/ post-abortion infrequent sex on fertile days Closely spaced pregnancies

Fertility return postpartum/post-abortion Variable fertility during menstrual cycle Actual pregnancy risk

Unplanned pregnancies

Adolescents and Adults

Lack knowledge of Results in

Non-use of FP

How FP methods work

How they affect health

Discontinuation Incorrect Use

Older Adults
Lack knowledge of Results in

Declining fertility
Menopause

Infertility/sub-fecundity issues Unintended late-life pregnancy

People Know Less Than They Think They Do!

False sense of security Perpetuation of incorrect information Mis-timed/unwanted pregnancy

Limited research on effect of interventions including fertility awareness suggests

Increased knowledge Ability to track cycle, prepare for next menses Fewer days of missed school Increased use of FP or abstinence

Increased couple communication, womens empowerment

Increased FP method continuation

Research Considerations
Clear definition of fertility awareness
Focus on specific target groups

Take life course perspective

Define interventions Consider ecological rather than individual approach

www.irh.org
Fertility Awareness Literature Review
irh.org/resource-library/a-comprehensive-literature-review-fertility-awareness-across-the-life-course/

Fertility Awareness Consultation Report

irh.org/resource-library/meeting-report-lets-talk-about-fertility-awareness/