ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A METHOD OF FAMILY PLANNING THAT IS …

Then NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING may be what you are looking for!

What is Natural Family Planning?

Natural Family planning refers to the use of knowledge of the woman’s menstrual cycle to guide the couple’s decision to time intercourse according to their plan to achieve or postpone a pregnancy.

To Prevent Pregnancy:

Natural Family Planning, when used competently to prevent pregnancy, is comparable to that of the IUD and contraceptive pill, but without the side effects. It is more effective than the condom, the diaphragm, the cervical cap and spermicides.

To Conceive:

When is comes to achieving a pregnancy, couples who use NFP have a high chance (assuming no major fertility issues) of conceiving if they time intercourse to the most fertile days of the month, which Natural Family Planning can help them to identify.

What happens if my situation changes such as by the birth of a child or onset of perimenopause? Can I still use NFP?

NFP can be effective even if your situation changes.  Whether you are breastfeeding or have reached perimenopause NFP can work for you, however the rules of the methods differ during these times so you need to learn the new set of rules that go with these changes.

What is required to use Natural Family Planning Effectively?

To be effective, Natural Family Planning requires a good knowledge of the signs of fertility and infertility present during the menstrual cycle. They help the couple to make informed choices about their sexual behavior depending on whether they wish to achieve or avoid pregnancy. Natural Family Planning requires communication between the couple. Both partners need to be motivated to learn and follow the rules that come with the method. To be practiced effectively all Natural Family Planning methods require abstinence to be used during fertile days when pregnancy is not desired.

Periodic Abstinence difficult… but worth it!!!

At first glance this period of abstinence looks like a drawback to NFP. Despite this, many have found the pattern of abstinence and sexual expression of love inherent in the method, a great benefit. So how can we explain this apparent contradiction?

One reason is very simple. Just as food tastes better when we are hungry, so a little abstinence makes the eventual union sweeter. Similarly couples, who know that a period of abstaining is coming, are more likely to make time now to come together while they can. Studies show little difference between couples using NFP and couples who are using contraception, in how often they have intercourse.

Less obvious are the benefits of sexual tension. Commonly this is a time of increased awareness of your partner’s sexual attractiveness. This can translate into increased attentiveness and desire for intimacy. Many couples report more communication during this uniquely romantic time. They find it provides opportunities to grow in love.

Still, despite these potential advantages, this period will sometimes be difficult. At these times it is worth reflecting that self-discipline is a necessary part to love. It tells your partner that she or he is worth waiting for. After all, periods of separation or illness come to most relationships and we all have to learn how to handle them.

Is cheating a good idea? Can we break the rules?

NO! Couples might be tempted to use barrier contraceptives such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, spermicides, or withdrawal during the fertile time to avoid having to practice abstinence. Does this practice contribute to the effectiveness of the method?

Studies show that this practice does not increase effectiveness. All barrier methods are less effective than abstinence, so using them during the most fertile time reduces the effectiveness to that of the barrier or chemical method used.

Also by using other methods and trying to avoid the period of abstinence some of the psychological benefits of this period of waiting lovingly will be lost.

Why choose this way of life?

Natural Family Planning is a natural choice which is not only effective, but also brings personal satisfaction. It gives the benefit of self-knowledge, an admiration for nature, is cost effective and ecological. It has no negative side effects and is very user-friendly once the couple has become familiar with the method. It leads to harmony between the couple, deepens intimacy, renews romance and enriches the family life.

Note: The use of a Natural Family Planning Method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections.