Guest Speaking by Allison
Baby Pro Podcast (Sep 5, 2021): Periods and fertility: What do you need to know?
Carpe Diem Living podcast (May 19, 2021): Episode 41: Going with the flow, literally
The Fiercely Holistic Podcast (Apr 16, 2021): Fertility awareness, body literacy, and cycle charting
The Anti-Kale Health Coach (Apr 15, 2021): Busting myths about your period
The Mom Babes podcast (Nov 12, 2020): Episode 26: “Are you regular?” Talking all things menstrual health with Allison Macbeth
Mommonality Podcast (Oct 12, 2020): Natural birth control
Addicted to Healthy podcast (Sep 27, 2019): Episode 57: Using the Fertility Awareness Method to improve menstrual health
Fertility Friday podcast (Jan 16, 2015): Episode 5: Using Fertility Awareness when trying to conceive
Urgent Problem? Condom Broke?
If you have had unprotected sex recently (the condom broke, you forgot to use one, or you miscalculated your fertile window) here’s what you need to know.
- Pregnancy: if it has been less than 72 hours (some clinics prescribe it up to 120 hours/5 days) you can get medication that helps prevent pregnancy. This is available in many countries over-the-counter from pharmacies, from your GP, from hospitals, or from sexual health clinics. Information on emergency contraception is here and a website to help you find it is here). One benefit of practicing the Fertility Awareness Method is that you will know exactly when you might be able to get pregnant and when you cannot. Ask me for more information.
- HIV: If it has been less than 72 hours since unprotected sex you can get medication that helps prevent transmission of HIV. You can get this from hospital emergency departments or sexual health clinics. It is up to the doctor whether or not you need it based on their risk assessment. Information on this medical treatment called PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is here. Some countries have this readily available, and some don’t, so check with your local hospital or telephone helpline about what your options are. In Vancouver PEP is available in six central locations (find the one closest to you here).
- STIs: If you live in Vancouver or anywhere in British Columbia, and you don’t want to go to your family doctor, you can access this list of clinics and find out where STI testing is available near you.
Useful Links
Fertility Awareness
Justisse College International – Justisse trains Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioners (like me!) and has an online app for menstrual cycle charting.
Association of Fertility Awareness Professionals – Professional membership organization of Fertility Awareness Educators, and educates the public about the benefits of Fertility Awareness.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility, by Toni Weschler – great book, considered to be the ‘bible’ of fertility awareness
The Fifth Vital Sign, by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack – a fellow Justisse College-trained educator, awesome book on menstrual cycle health and charting.
Charting apps
Justisse Method – use an app that speaks your language! The Justisse College-specific charting web-based program. All proceeds go to the non-profit organization and back into the app and teacher training.
Read Your Body – Non-profit organization the Body Literacy Collective, totally customizable to any charting method, created by Fertility Awareness Educators, and don’t use your data in any way. The perfect charting app. Also have a list of Fertility Awareness Educators available here. If you sign up to one of my programs you will get a period of free access when you first sign up.
Holistic Fertility
Dr. Sam Bowen (Naturopath) – Based out of Vancouver and able to work with anyone in British Columbia, specializing in menstrual cycle health and fertility.
Yinstill Reproductive Wellness – Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fertility and reproductive health clinic in Vancouver BC with TCM doctors, acupuncture, and naturopathic doctors
Sex Education
Options for Sexual Health – Based in British Columbia, Options for Sexual Health is Canada’s largest non-profit provider of sexual health services through clinics, education programs, and the 1-800 SEX SENSE information and referral line. Part of the Planned Parenthood family.
International Planned Parenthood Federation – The parent organization of all worldwide affiliated groups.
Marie Stopes – Providing choices in reproductive healthcare
Professional Networks and Education
Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Science (FACTS)
Association of Fertility Awareness Professionals (AFAP)
Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN)
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS)
Australian Society of Sexuality Educators, Researchers, and Therapists (ASSERT)