It is always a shock to find out your world will suddenly change forever by a new addition to your life. An unexpected pregnancy can be viewed as a surprise and a blessing. Many couples are shocked because they were taking precautionary measures to avoid such surprises and blessings. Some forms of "precautionary measures" seem to be more effective than others. How does the Natural Family Planning Method, also known as Fertility Awareness, line up with the rest? Can this method be solely relied on for protection for any couple?
What Natural Family Planning Is
Natural Family Planning, (NFP), is a collection of methods used to determine the days of the month a woman is most fertile and likely to conceive. Natural Family Planning has been used for many years. It is the oldest form of birth control, and is used in many cultures, although it only became known as NFP in the last century. The methods involved are not medical or chemical, and can be used by combining the calendar/rhythm method, the basal body temperature method, and the cervical mucus method. These methods can be used as a way to help a couple become pregnant and also to prevent pregnancy by letting a woman know when she is most fertile.
Calendar/Rhythm Method
The Calendar/Rhythm method is a part of NFP. It involves a woman determining which days of the month she will be ovulating, and abstaining from intercourse on those days. If a woman is not sure when she will ovulate next, she will need to use an ovulation calendar. Some people feel the need to use more than just the calendar to keep track of ovulation, and feel it is necessary to combine the other methods of NFP in order to avoid or encourage pregnancy.
Basal Body Temperature
Some women choose to check their basal body temperature in order to determine when they will be ovulating. It is important to use a basal body thermometer in order to determine your temperature, because it may only rise a very small amount around ovulation. You will get the best and most accurate reading first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed. Writing the temperature down will help you get an idea of when you ovulate.
Cervical Mucus Changes
Around the time of ovulation, a woman may notice a slight change in the fluids of her vagina. During this time, a slippery, "egg-whites" discharge may be noticed. The days this fluid is noticed are known as peak days, meaning those are the best days to have a chance at conceiving. Checking the fluid involves inserting a finger into the vaginal opening and feeling the mucus. If it is different, or if a woman notices any discharge in her underpants, it is important to record that. Other changes to the body during ovulation can include:
- Experience a change in the cervix
- Have a slight one-sided pain in the area of an ovary
- Softening of the cervix
- Breast tenderness
Chances of Pregnancy Occurring While Using NFP
Natural Family Planning is effective approximately 90 percent of the time when diligent tracking of ovulation is being done. Average use, meaning a typical couple, has a 25 percent failure rate while using NFP to avoid becoming pregnant. The chances of becoming pregnant are dramatically increased if a couple engages in intercourse 3 days before ovulation, as sperm can live in the vagina for a few days.
Who Should Not Rely on NFP For Birth Control
Women who do not have a regular or predictable cycle should not rely on Natural Family Planning as a form of birth control. It is difficult for these women to determine when they will ovulate, and they may become pregnant easily. Couples who do not wish to abstain from intercourse will also not benefit from this method, as there are days of the month that they must not have sex.
Who Will Benefit From Natural Family Planning
Many couples who are trying to become pregnant find great success with using NFP, as they become aware of the most fertile days. Couples who are also determined to make it work will benefit from NFP.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources
- Fertility Awareness. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/preventingpregnancy/fertilityawarenessNFP.html. September 17, 2011.
- Ovulation Calendar. http://www.livestrong.com/tools/ovulation-calendar/. September 17, 2011.
- How to Use the Rhythm Method of Birth Control. http://www.livestrong.com/article/26196-use-rhythm-method-birth-control/ September 17, 2011.
Renae Sevigny - Renae Sevigny has been writing for Suite101 since 2011. Her written works range from nonfiction articles to her work-in-progress novel.
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