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Sensiplan, the German symptothermal method
Sensiplan is a natural method for avoiding or planning pregnancy, backed by over 40 years of scientific research into its safety and effectiveness.
The symptothermal method is a form of fertility awareness that combines two fertility signs observed and cross-checked daily to identify fertile and infertile days with a high degree of reliability :
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basal body temperature (BBT)
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cervical mucus (or cervix position)
Several schools of symptothermal practice exist. I'm trained in, and teach, the Sensiplan method specifically, to me, it's the most rigorous, scientifically validated, non-religious, and widely recognised approach available. The WHO references Sensiplan's effectiveness studies when discussing the reliability of fertility awareness methods.
How does it work ?
You need to be off any hormonal birth control and have natural cycles. Following a clear protocol, you'll observe the aspect and sensation of your cervical mucus, as well as track your BBT each morning before getting out of bed.
Day after day, you'll interpret these observations based on Sensiplan's rules. There's no prediction, only observation, which means this method can also be used with irregular cycles. No, it's not "only for women with a 28-day cycle" !
Effectiveness
98.2%
Sensiplan, with certified instruction*
91%
Pill, typical use
99.2%
IUD, typical use
To reach this level of effectiveness, couples learn the Sensiplan method rigorously with a certified instructor (like me!).
It's a one-off instruction: you learn it once, and then you're autonomous and empowered for the rest of your fertile years. Of course, some questions may remain, or your personal circumstances may change (switching your goal to TTC, breastfeeding, postpartum), I'm still here to support you, and we can arrange a one-off 1-hour session.
*Sources :
Frank-Hermann P. et al., Am J Obstet Gynecol 1991;165(6):2052-4
Frank-Hermann P. et al., Adv Contracept 1997;13:179-89
Natural birth control
The symptothermal method combines two fertility signs cross-checked daily to identify your fertile and infertile days with precision. Unlike hormonal contraception, it works with your body's natural rhythm instead of suppressing it: no hormones, no side effects, no adjustment period for your system.
With proper instruction and consistent tracking, it's one of the most reliable natural methods available, but it does require an initial learning phase. That's exactly what certified Sensiplan instruction is for: you learn to read your own signs correctly from day one, rather than guessing.
TTC
Instead of following generic rules like "every other day," Sensiplan's tracking shows you your actual fertile window, which can shift from cycle to cycle. You'll learn to recognize the days leading up to ovulation, not just the day itself, giving you more opportunities to conceive within each cycle.
It also surfaces information a calendar app can't: your luteal phase length, whether ovulation is actually happening, and early signs of cycle irregularities, all useful context to bring to a doctor if conception is taking longer than expected.
Body literacy
This objective isn't about birth control or conception, it's about knowing what's actually happening in your body each month. Tracking your cycle reveals patterns in energy, mood, and physical symptoms that are directly tied to your hormones, not random. It's also valuable if you play sports and want to optimize your training and performance around your cycle.
Body literacy means being proactive instead of surprised, no more periods catching you off guard, no more relying on a predictive app to tell you what your body already knows. Many women only discover how their body actually works once they start trying for a baby in their 30s. This is the chance to learn it long before that.