Do I really have to track my cycle every day if I use the fertility awareness methods?

I don't think I can remember to take my temperature, track my cycle, or check my mucus every day.

Oct 13, 2015 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Fertility awareness methods work better at preventing pregnancy if you’re dedicated to using them correctly and consistently to track your signs of fertility every day. There are lots of tools such as apps, thermometers, and cycle beads that can help with cycle tracking.

Still not working?

If you’re not sure you can monitor your fertility signs every day, you might want to check out methods that require less daily effort. An IUD or the implant covers you for years, the shot lasts for months, the ring only gets changed monthly, and you switch the patch once a week.

Want to learn more?

Select one of the related topics to find more.

basal body temperature (BBT) method cervical mucus method birth control fertility awareness standard days method symptothermal method TwoDay method fertility awareness methods FAMs

Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
Fertility awareness methods
Very effective if you use them correctly. Hormone-free, no cost, no side effects.
birth control
Birth control patch
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you only have to worry about it once a week.
birth control
Implant (Nexplanon)
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private.
birth control
Birth control shot
Very effective if you use it correctly. Lasts for months, is private, and is a good hormonal option for those who can't take estrogen.
birth control
Birth control ring
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you don't have to worry about it every day.
birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.