Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning is the most acceptable method by all faiths and cultures.
This is contraception method that shows you at what time
during the month you can have sex without any other contraception method and
with a low risk of pregnancy. You learn how to record fertility signals and
identify when is safer to have sex.
Most women are able to use natural family planning, however
it’s not recommended as your only form of contraception. There are many
circumstances that may affect the natural planning method such as irregular
periods, illness, alcohol or drug intake among others, so it’s best to consult
your medical record with your GP or clinician.
- It doesn’t cause any side effects and is acceptable to all faiths and cultures.
- Once you have learned the techniques by a professional you shouldn’t require any further help.
- It can help increase the feelings of closeness and trust, as it involves your partner in the process.
- It’s less effective if it’s not used according to the instructions.
- Your fertility signals can be affected by illness, stress or travel increasing the risk of mistakes.
- It doesn’t protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) therefore the use of condoms alongside is recommended.
- If you do decide to abstain, there can be sometimes periods of up to 16 days on which you cannot have sex, depending on your cycle.
- You would have to keep a daily record of your fertility signs and it can still be less effective than any other contraception method.
You can’t learn natural family planning from a book, it has to be learned from a specialist. GP and contraception clinics do not often teach it so you may need to find your own teacher, and some charge a fee. Websites such as Fertility UK contain more detailed information.