Natural family planning - how it works

Fed up with pills, devices and gadgets? The Family Planning Association on natural methods to prevent (or plan) a pregnancy

It used to be known as the ‘safe period’ – a somewhat unreliable and haphazard approach to contraception – but natural family planning (NFP) methods have been refined and improved and, if you follow instructions, they’re up to 98% effective. Nature has, in fact, provided women with a highly effective ‘built in’ system of fertility regulation to avoid or, alternatively, plan a pregnancy. So, as well as being a good form of contraception, natural family planning can help couples find their fertile time during the month, if they want to conceive.

Knowing your menstrual cycle is important in understanding how NFP works

In each normal menstrual cycle an egg develops and is released (ovulation), and the lining of the womb is prepared for a possible pregnancy. The lining of the womb is then shed if you don’t get pregnant.This is your period.

Women’s menstrual cycles vary in length, but are usually in the range of 23 to 35 days. Essentially, fertility awareness means becoming aware of the feelings, emotions and bodily changes that characterise the fertile and infertile times in the menstrual cycle. It’s easy to learn and use, and it’s highly effective.

What does it involve?

Being taught by a specialist NFP teacher (see contacts below) to learn to observe and record the different natural signs or indicators, each day of your menstrual cycle. These include:
Changes in your body temperature
Changes in your vaginal/cervical secretions
The length of your menstrual cycles.

What are the advantages of NFP?

You can use fertility awareness to plan a pregnancy or avoid a pregnancy
You don’t use any chemical agents or physical devices
There are no physical side effects
It’s effective
You become more aware of your fertility.