Natural family planning, or periodic continence, is the practice of achieving or avoiding pregnancy through an informed awareness of the fertile and infertile phases of the woman's cycle. When pregnancy is to be avoided, abstinence is used during the fertile time.
HOW NFP WORKS
During each cycle, a woman naturally becomes fertile as ovulation approaches, then infertile. The male, on the other hand, is always fertile. The woman's body gives her signs which indicate whether she is fertile or infertile.
The primary signs for her are changes in the cervical mucus secretions before ovulation, and the rise in basal body temperature after ovulation.
Couples can learn to observe and record these signs and use the information for family planning purposes.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NFP
A couple's motivation determines how effective NFP will be in helping them to avoid pregnancy, if that is their intention.
Studies have shown that NFP is at least as good as the barrier methods, (condom, diaphragm, etc.) and can be as effective as the pill when used by motivated couples.
THE OVULATION METHOD (OM)
The Ovulation Method teaches a woman to observe her cervical mucus that changes in consistency and sensation several days before ovulation occurs. The mucus changes again around ovulation, so the woman can identify her fertile and infertile time.
THE TEMPERATURE METHOD
A woman's resting temperature changes throughout her menstrual cycle, remaining lower in the time before ovulation, then rising and remaining elevated after ovulation has occurred. Daily temperature readings can confirm that ovulation has occurred.
THE SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (ST)
The Sympto-Thermal Method combines the mucus and temperature methods, along with observations of other fertility signs such as changes in the cervix, abdominal pain, and spotting.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING RESEARCH
Research and improvement of these methods continues, in a dedicated effort to help couples live the Church's teachings on responsible parenthood.
USE OF THE METHODS
For a couple to use NFP successfully, the couple should attend classes together and learn to chart and interpret the woman's cycle.
Because of the need for abstinence when avoiding pregnancy, the cooperation and support of the man is essential. NFP is the only method of family planning that shares the responsibility equally between the husband and wife.
PROGRAMS FOR NFP
Successful use of natural family planning depends on instruction and follow-up by trained instructors.
After their initial instruction, the couple will be asked to participate in follow-up to insure their proper understanding of the methods.
HOW CAN NFP AFFECT MARRIAGE
Couples rarely begin to practice natural family planning out of a desire to improve their marital relationship. However, if they are going to practice NFP harmoniously, they soon find that they have to communicate more fully with each other and practice abstinence creatively.
They do not ignore each other at times when they choose to avoid intercourse; rather, they develop alternative and non-genital ways of expressing their love and affection.
Natural Family Planning must have the cooperation of both spouses. It is not the responsibility of one partner alone.
As a result, couples have reported either a positive gain or no detriment in their marital relationship, although they had no such expectation when they made the decision to use only the natural methods of family planning.
In addition, the use of natural methods of family planning helps develop the same character strengths that are necessary for marital fidelity and life-long marriages.
| Fertility Awareness:
Key to Natural Methods Man is fertile 24 hours a day 365 days a year, until old age Woman's fertility is cyclical from menarche to menopause; fertile for only a short time each cycle Fertility consists of
Sperm + Egg + Cervical Mucus Whenever a woman is fertile, there is a characteristic mucus discharge from the cervix -- Observable at the opening of the vagina. A slight shift in body temperature can be observed once ovulation has occurred and the fertile phase has passed. |
OBJECTIONS TO OTHER FORMS OF FAMILY PLANNING
- Sterilization would violate the physical integrity of the person.
- Withdrawal (to spill the semen) would violate the integrity of the marital act.
- Any mechanical or chemical method - diaphragm, spermicide, condom, intra-uterine device - would not be open to life, and may be an abortifacient.
- Abortion deliberately destroys another life.
For more inforamtion about Natural Family Planning, visit http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/index.shtml
