Definition: Natural family planning (NFP) or fertility awareness is a natural birth control method, and an approach to use when planning a family when trying to become pregnant. NFP contraceptive methods do not require medication, physical devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. NFP relies on a woman’s fertility awareness of her body's natural functioning to determine the timing of her ovulation and her fertile period. NFP methods include monitoring and tracking certain changes that occur in a woman’s body in order to try to predict her most fertile time.
Fertility awareness methods require training, commitment, discipline, and determination in order to be effective. Cooperation is necessary by both partners who should be in a stable, monogamous relationship. Some couples choose NFP for religious reasons while others may be allergic to latex options like condoms (although there are latex-free condoms) and diaphragms. Also, woman may prefer this option because they cannot tolerate hormonal contraceptive options. The average effectiveness rate of all the various fertility awareness methods:
- Typical use: 77-88% effective
- Perfect use: 95-98% effective
- Of every 100 women who use one of the NFP methods, 12-23 will become pregnant within the first year (with typical use) and 2-5 will become pregnant with perfect use.
Also Known As: fertility awareness, natural birth control, periodic abstinence and natural pregnancy prevention
Methods Include: standard days method, calendar method, Billings method, ovulation method, cervical mucus, basal body temperature and symptothermal method
Examples: Couples who do not wish to use birth control devices or medications can choose natural family planning as a way to prevent pregnancy. Women can also use NFP when trying to maximize their chances of becoming pregnant.
