The term "natural family planning" typically refers to particular techniques of avoiding pregnancy. Some forms of this kind of birth control are known as fertility awareness--based methods. Another form is the lactational amenorrhea method. The Catholic Church promotes the use of natural family planning for Catholic couples in place of alternative contraception. Other couples might choose natural family planning because it is inexpensive, reversible and requires no medication. Although many couples use it successfully, natural family planning does have drawbacks.
Diligence
In fertility awareness--based forms of natural family planning, you rely on your own observations of your body's changes throughout each monthly cycle to determine when you are fertile. You must be diligent in tracking these changes and keep careful records. You must check your basal temperature every morning or regularly monitor the consistency of your cervical mucus. A spike in temperature or certain changes in the characteristics of the mucus indicate ovulation. Many women use both of these methods to determine ovulation. Some women use the calendar, or rhythm, method. With this method, you must keep a daily record of your menstrual cycle to calculate your most fertile period.
Periodic Abstinence
Fertility awareness--based methods of natural family planning also require periodic abstinence from sexual intercourse. After ascertaining when your most fertile period will occur by tracking your temperature, cervical mucus or menstrual cycle, you and your partner must abstain during that time. Some couples choose to use another method of contraception, such as a condom, during the fertile period. The American Pregnancy Association notes that couples using natural family planning must abstain or use backup contraception for approximately one-third of each month.
Lower Effectiveness
Natural family planning methods are less effective than other methods of contraception. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that, on average, 1 in 4 women using natural family planning will become pregnant. In contrast, only 2 to 8 women in 100 using some hormonal methods of contraception will become pregnant each year, according to Planned Parenthood.
Potentially Complicated
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that natural family planning may be inappropriate for certain women. If a physician has advised you not to become pregnant, you should consider more effective methods of contraception. If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, you will have more difficulty accurately determining ovulation and your fertile period. Some medical conditions and medications can change cervical mucus or affect basal body temperature, which can complicate your interpretation of your body's changes.
Limited
The lactational amenorrhea method, which is based on the body's natural anovulation, or lack of ovulation, during breastfeeding, is the most effective form of natural family planning, but it is limited to breast-feeding mothers, and it works only up to six months. You must exclusively breast-feed your baby every four to six hours to suppress ovulation. Although many women use this method successfully, some have difficulty maintaining such a rigorous breast-feeding schedule.
