Your Ultimate Glossary of FAM Acronyms and Abbreviations

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute health advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding contraception and health decisions. Review the full Disclaimer for more information.

When reading through online forums or social media groups on the topic of fertility awareness or natural family planning, I often take for granted that I’m already aware of what many of the acronyms or expressions mean. For a beginner however, it can be confusing and overwhelming.

In this post, I want to break down the most common acronyms and their meanings so you can join the conversation with confidence!

Section 1: General Terms & Foundational Methods

These are the fundamental terms used to describe the practice itself.

Acronym	Explanation	Definition
FAM	Fertility Awareness Method	The general practice of tracking fertility signs to prevent or achieve pregnancy.
NFP	Natural Family Planning	Usually, the difference between FAM and NFP is that NFP is often associated with individuals practicing certain religions and therefore may not be allowed the use of barrier methods during the fertile window.
FABM	Fertility Awareness Based Method	This is the umbrella statement someone might make if they know someone practices fertility awareness but they’re not sure which method specifically.
HBC / BC	Hormonal Birth Control / Birth Control	Refers to pharmacological methods of contraception.

Specific Methods & Resources

Acronym	Explanation	Definition
STM	Sympto-Thermal Method	A method that involves tracking both temperature and cervical fluid/mucus.
TCOYF	Taking Charge of your Fertility	A book by Toni Weschler which many people start out with when first coming to a fertility awareness-based method.
GOTM	Grace of the Moon	This particular school is now known as The Well. They teach a method of fertility awareness.
BCC	Boston Cross Check	A specific set of rules for charting.
CCL	Couple to Couple League	An organisation teaching a specific method of fertility awareness, usually with a religious affiliation.
BOM	Billings Ovulation Method	A mucus-only method of charting.

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Section 2: Personal Circumstances & Goals

Acronym	Explanation	Definition
TTA	Trying To Avoid (Pregnancy)	The user’s goal is to prevent a pregnancy.
TTC	Trying To Conceive (a Pregnancy)	The user’s goal is to achieve a pregnancy.
TTW	Trying To Whatever	Someone referring to themselves as this may not mind either way if they do or don’t get pregnant at this time.
NTNP	Not Trying Not Preventing	Similar to TTW.
CFH	Charting For Health	Pregnancy avoidance or achievement isn’t on this person’s mind. They or their partner may have received a permanent solution such as a tubal or vasectomy, they may be in a same-sex relationship or single.
PCOS	Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome	Someone may disclose this within a group if it is relevant to their charting experience, as it can affect cycle patterns.

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Section 3: Cycle Tracking & Charting Language

Acronym	Explanation	Definition
CD	Cycle Day	Used to denote the current day of the menstrual cycle (e.g., CD 14).
Ov	Ovulation	The release of an egg from the ovary.
AF	Aunt Flo	A term for periods (menstruation).
FW	Fertile Window	The span of days during which intercourse could result in pregnancy.
FP	Follicular Phase	The first part of the cycle, from the start of the period up to ovulation.
LP	Luteal Phase	The second part of the cycle, from after ovulation until the next period.
DPO	Days Post Ovulation	Often used in the context of people asking when a good time would be to take a pregnancy test or just referring to different parts of the luteal phase.
Cycle 0	–	The first cycle after giving birth.

Charting Signs & Markers

Acronym	Explanation	Definition
PK	Peak	A term used in fertility awareness method rules when marking a chart.
TS	Temp Shift	Similar to above, a term used when marking up a chart against method rules where temperature is used.
CM	Cervical Mucus	A key fertility sign to track.
CF	Cervical Fluid	The same thing as cervical mucus.

Intercourse Terms

Acronym	Explanation	Definition
BD	Baby Dance	A term often used by couples who are TTC to refer to instances of intercourse.
DTD	Did The Deed	Similar to BD, but I’ve personally seen this term used by those TTA too.
UP	Unprotected Intercourse	Intercourse without the use of barrier methods.

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I hope these explanations help you. Please comment below if you think I should add anything or need further clarification on any of the acronyms!