Natural family planning
What is it and how does it work?
Fertility awareness helps you to recognise the fertile times and infertile times during the menstrual cycle, so that you can plan or avoid pregnancy.
The fertile time lasts for about 8-9 days of each menstrual cycle (although the egg only lives for up to 24 hours, sperm can live inside a woman's body for up to 7 days). An egg is released 12-16 days before the next period, and sex as much as 7 days before the egg is released may result in pregnancy.
NFP works by couples noting different fertility indicators to identify the fertile and infertile times of the menstrual cycle.
The main fertility indicators used are:
- body temperature when you wake up
- cervical secretions
and also, but less reliably:
- how long your menstrual cycle lasts.
At fertile times a woman should either abstain from sex or use another form of contraception such as a condom.
What are the advantages of it?
Acceptable to all faiths and cultures. Does not involve chemical agents or physical devices, and there are no physical side effects. You become more aware of your fertility and can help you to communicate about your fertility and sexuality.
Disadvantages
- takes 3-6 cycles to learn effectively
- you have to keep daily records and in order to be successful both you and your partner need to be very committed to the method
- events such as illness, stress and travel make fertility indicators harder to interpret
- you need to avoid intercourse (or use a barrier method such as condoms) during your fertile time
- does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
Who can use it?
As long as they receive good instructions and support, most people can use Natural Family Planning.
It may take longer to recognise your fertility indicators at certain times (e.g. after stopping hormonal contraception such as the pill, whilst breastfeeding, or when you are approaching the menopause).
Where can you get help with NFP?
If you decide to use NFP you need to find somebody who can teach you how to use the method. GPs and family planning clinics often don't teach NFP. Some teachers charge a fee. If you would like further information or help to find your local teacher contact FPA's Helpline on 0845 310 1334 or Fertility UK at www.fertilityuk.org
How effective is it?
For NFP to be effective in avoiding pregnancy, it is best if you are taught by a specialist NFP teacher. If used according to teaching and instructions, NFP methods are up to 98% effective. If NFP methods are not used according to instructions, more women will get pregnant.
Some couples choose to combine their fertility awareness with a barrier method such as a condom.
Fertility devices such as Persona are also available. These predict fertile and infertile times of the menstrual cycle by monitoring changes in temperature, urine and saliva. If used according to instructions Persona is 94% effective.
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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Other forms of contraception:
Adapted from information produced by the FPA - www.fpa.org.uk
