For many years, natural family planning was the only source of birth control available. Modern couples choose to use natural family planning as a means to avoid pregnancy without using artificial birth control contraceptives. Natural family planning is a low-cost way to chart your fertility patterns and learn about your body's cycles. When implementing natural family planning into your relationship, take the time to educate yourself on the techniques to give you and your partner the best chance for success to either become pregnant or avoiding pregnancy.
Step 1
Chart two to three monthly cycles using a fertility chart or an online website. Begin by taking your temperature first thing each morning while you are still lying in bed. Record your temperature on your chart. Toni Weschler, MPH and author of the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" recommends using a digital basal body thermometer for accuracy. Use the charts to learn your cycle fluctuations.
Step 2
Monitor your cervical fluid after your menstrual cycle has ended. Look for changing mucus patterns to ascertain when you are approaching ovulation. After menstruation ends, your cervical fluid is dry. Watch for it to change to creamy, then stretchy and finally clear, slippery and like raw egg-whites in texture.
Have intercourse when your mucus turns creamy if you are trying to achieve pregnancy, as this fluid signals impending ovulation. Continue having regular intercourse until your fluid dries up and your body temperature rises at least 0.2 degrees.
Step 3
Use an ovulation predictor kit to anticipate when ovulation will most likely occur. Buy such a kit from your local drugstore or through an Internet site. Subtract 17 from your average cycle length to determine the day to start testing.
According to the National Institutes of Health, if your normal cycles are 28 days, begin testing on cycle day 11. Read the package directions carefully to determine what a positive result looks like. Most tests are positive when the test line is the same or darker than the control line.
Step 4
Examine your past charts to see your own personal ovulation pattern. Your ovulation date may vary due to stress or illness, but the luteal phase, or time from ovulation to your next monthly cycle beginning should be relatively stable. Consult a doctor if your luteal phase is under 10 days as this could cause a problem with an implanting embryo if you were to become pregnant.
Step 5
Use the information to help you achieve your goals. Avoid pregnancy by abstaining from intercourse during the most fertile periods of your cycle. Although an ovulation predictor kit does signal impending ovulation, sperm can live in a woman's body for several days. If you have intercourse prior to ovulation, you may become pregnant. Have frequent intercourse during your fertile days if you desire to achieve pregnancy.
Tips and Warnings
- Show your chart to your midwife or OB/GYN. For best results, do all of the following: Take your temperature, monitor cervical fluid and use ovulation predictor kits. As a general rule, avoid intercourse three or four days before ovulation and two days after ovulation to avoid pregnancy. Take a good multi-vitamin to ensure adequate levels of folic acid in the event of pregnancy.
- Check with your doctor if you have any concerns about your fertility cycle.
Things You'll Need
- Fertility chart
- Basal thermometer
- Ovulation predictor kit
References
- "Taking Charge of Your Fertility"; Toni Weschler, MPH; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Identifying Your Fertile Days
- National Institutes of Health: LH Urine Test---Home Test
- GYN[OB].com: Luteal Phase Defect
- Columbia University: Go Ask Alice!: Free From Pregnancy Worries
