FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton
FERN Rising is a women’s health and fertility podcast focused on hormonal balance, strength training, nutrition, and cyclical wellness, hosted by Dr. Ashley Burton. This show is the evolution of The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast and reflects the growth of a holistic movement rooted in evidence-based care and body literacy.
Dr. Ashley Burton is a chiropractor and fertility nutrition coach who helps women restore their health naturally by supporting hormones, optimizing metabolism, and building strong, resilient bodies. Each episode explores practical strategies for improving fertility, regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing for pregnancy, supporting postpartum recovery, and creating long-term hormonal health.
Topics include fertility awareness, cycle tracking, metabolic health, prenatal and postnatal fitness, real food nutrition, stress physiology, and modern women’s health through a functional and cyclical lens. Whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or simply seeking to understand your body better, this podcast offers grounded education and actionable tools for every stage of womanhood.
FERN Rising is your space to build strength, reclaim trust in your body, and rise into your most vital season of health.
FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton
73: Why LH Strips Are NOT a Form of Contraception
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LH strips and cycle-tracking apps are often marketed as tools for understanding fertility — but they are increasingly being misused as a form of contraception, with real consequences.
In this episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton explains why LH ovulation strips are not a reliable or safe method for preventing pregnancy. Using real clinical experience and reproductive physiology, she breaks down what LH strips actually measure, why they do not confirm ovulation, and why they cannot define “safe days.” This episode also addresses why LH strips are especially unreliable for women with PCOS, where frequent or elevated LH surges can occur without ovulation.
You’ll learn why apps and LH strips lack the cross-checking required for fertility awareness, how misunderstandings about cervical mucus lead to accidental pregnancies, and why so-called “non-peak” fertile mucus is not safer than peak mucus. Dr. Burton also explains sperm survival, why every cycle must be evaluated on its own, and what distinguishes true fertility awareness methods from guesswork.
This episode is essential listening for anyone using — or considering using — fertility awareness for contraception, and for women who want body literacy rooted in physiology, not assumptions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.