Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning, also known as ‘fertility awareness’, is a method of contraception that uses the menstrual cycle to predict your most fertile time of the month - that is when you are most likely to become pregnant. Once you have identified your most fertile time, you avoid sex or use a barrier method of contraception during that time period.
How does it work?
Natural family planning works by observing and recording your body’s different natural signs or fertility indicators on each day of your menstrual cycle.The main indicators are:
- Body temperature
- Cervical mucus
- Calculating how long menstrual cycle lasts
The first phase is the first infertile phase, or the first safe period when the woman is unlikely to fall pregnant. This starts on the first day of the woman's period and ends on the earliest date from which sperm could survive long enough to fertilise the ovum. This first safe period is short because sperm can survive for up to 7 days after intercourse and a woman may ovulate early. Therefore, unprotected intercourse during this first phase may result in pregnancy.
The fertile phase is the time when a woman is most likely to fall pregnant. Couples not wishing to become pregnant, should avoid intercourse during this time or use other methods of contraception such as condoms. If pregnancy is desired then this is the time when a woman is most likely to conceive. The fertile phase lasts from the end of the first phase until 24 hours after ovulation.
The second infertile phase or safe period when a woman is less likely to fall pregnant is more predictable than the first phase. This phase lasts from the end of the fertile phase until the beginning of the woman's next period.
How effective is it?
- Effectiveness depends on how old you are, how often you have sex, and if you follow the instructions exactly
- If used according to teaching and instructions the natural family planning method is up to 98% effective
- Some people choose to combine their fertility awareness knowledge with condoms to increase the effectiveness
Are there any side effects?
There are no side effects.Are there any drawbacks?
- Takes 3 to 6 menstrual cycles to learn effectively
- You have to keep daily records
- Some events, such as illness, lifestyles, stress, or travel may effect fertility indicators
- You need to avoid sex or use male or female condoms during fertile time
- Natural methods don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections
What do I do if I want to become pregnant?
The natural family planning method will highlight when your most fertile periods are, this will make it easier for you to be aware when you have a higher chance of becoming pregnant. You can start taking your pre-pregnancy care, including folic acid and stopping smoking at any time.Can anyone use the natural family planning method?1
Most women can us fertility awareness as long as they receive good instructions. It may not be suitable method for some women who do not have periods.Remember: Contact your doctor (or nurse) if you have any specific questions or concerns about a contraceptive method.
