Natural family planning (NFP) is a method that many couples use to control fertility or plan a pregnancy. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 25 percent of women who use NFP as a sole method of birth control will become pregnant. Although the pregnancy rate is higher than other types of contraception, couples that do not wish to use other forms of birth control may choose NFP as an option.
Identification
Natural family planning is a method of monitoring a woman’s fertile time to achieve or prevent pregnancy. Couples learn to follow the patterns of the woman’s menstrual cycle to predict ovulation. If used as a form of birth control, couples then abstain from intercourse or genital contact during a fertile period to prevent pregnancy. Couples trying to conceive are aware of a woman’s fertile time and can then attempt pregnancy.
Considerations
Natural family planning promotes communication between couples because partners work together to plan or prevent pregnancy. Some people should not use NFP as a method of birth control, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These include women for whom pregnancy would pose a health risk, women who have atypical menstrual bleeding or highly irregular cycles, and women that have an illness that would change basal body temperature.
Methods
There are several different types of NFP methods a couple may use, and each is best practiced after receiving training to learn specific instructions. The basal body temperature method requires a woman to check her temperature each morning and record the results. A woman’s temperature will change just before ovulation, and couples can look for this as a sign of a fertile time. A woman can also check her cervical mucus for changes in consistency, which will indicate impending ovulation. The sympto-thermal method of NFP involves using a combination of these approaches to determine a woman’s most fertile time.
Training
Training is available for couples that wish to learn about natural family planning. Some organizations, such as those affiliated with the Catholic church, provide training for couples to learn the signs of fertility by participating in a series of classes. Couples may also learn about NFP through books or online classes if they want to retain privacy. Classes consist of learning signs of ovulation, methods of checking temperature and cervical mucus, and what to do in unusual situations.
Teaching
People who would like to teach natural family planning methods to couples may become instructors by taking educational courses and achieving certification. Teachers of the method must know the specific information about NFP in order to teach others and answer questions. In addition, teachers should have a comprehensive knowledge of the reproductive process; possess sensitivity to couples’ backgrounds and reasons for choosing NFP; and be able to answer questions about situations specific to any couple.
