Fertility Awareness Techniques Encompassed by Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a contraceptive method that avoids drugs or devices by tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility signals. This method, which has no side effects or health risks, is gaining popularity among couples who have religious restrictions related to contraception.

NFP involves recording fertility indicators daily to determine safe days for intercourse without protection or conception attempts. The first task in NFP is to find the pattern of ovulation by keeping a record of three or four menstrual cycles.

The calendar (rhythm) method, standard days method (SDM), and cervical mucus method (Billings Method) are examples of NFP methods. The cervical mucus method involves observing and tracking changes in cervical mucus to predict ovulation.

To measure body temperature, a basal body thermometer is needed. The body temperature changes slightly throughout the menstrual cycle and can be detected by a special ovulation thermometer. The BBT usually rises by 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 0.2 degrees Celsius during ovulation and stays high for over a week. To use the BBT method effectively, take temperature readings just after waking up for several months before engaging in any activity, eating, or drinking.

The mucus that appears just after periods is thick, sticky, and cloudy. As ovulation approaches, the mucus increases, becomes thinner, and clearer. Before ovulation, it may stretch up to 2.5 cm before breaking. To get pregnant, have sexual intercourse from the days when the mucus becomes clear and stretchy until the day it becomes sticky and cloudy. To avoid pregnancy, use other forms of birth control during the days when the mucus is clear and stretchy.

NFP can also be used to predict ovulation, allowing couples to either conceive or avoid pregnancy. The combined method uses multiple methods at once to predict the most fertile days in a cycle. It involves checking the basal body temperature, changes in cervical mucus, and a hormone test. If the results converge toward ovulation, watch for secondary signs such as breast tenderness, abdomen pain, and mood swings.

Hormone monitoring methods use ovulation predictor kits, saliva or "ferning" microscopes, or fertility monitors to measure the surge in hormones such as Luteinizing hormone and oestrogen during ovulation. Ovulation predictor kits can tell the surges in the hormone that occur 12 to 36 hours before ovulation and are more than 90% accurate. The Ferning microscopes can predict ovulation up to a 24-72 hour window, while fertility monitors can predict 6 or 7 days of potential fertility.

NFP works better when multiple methods are used together and guidance is sought from a counsellor, doctor, or nurse. However, it requires both partners to be diligent and about a third of the month goes into periods that require abstinence or a backup contraception. The effectiveness of NFP depends on the couple's understanding of the methods and consistent use.

While NFP is effective birth control when used correctly and consistently, it may not work well for women with irregular menstrual cycles or those who do not track their fertility signs regularly. Fertility awareness methods can be challenging for women who have irregular cycles and demand accurate and consistent record-keeping of the menstrual cycle.

In conclusion, Natural Family Planning is a reliable and natural method of birth control that, when used correctly, can be as effective as other contraceptive methods. It requires a commitment to understanding the menstrual cycle and consistent record-keeping, but can be a rewarding choice for those seeking a drug-free and hormone-free method of family planning.