Natural Family Planning (NFP) includes methods for achieving and avoiding pregnancies that are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP methods to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the woman's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.
NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life and the value of the child. By complementing the love-giving and life-giving nature of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. The divorce rate for couples using NFP is virtually nonexistent. (Consistently cited as less than 1%.) Couples using NFP often express an increase in communication, satisfaction, freedom, strength, inner peace, and joy in their marriages.
NFP is not the “Rhythm Method” which relies on counting days to guess when a woman is fertile. NFP methods take into account that women can have irregular cycles but can still effectively identify signs of fertility. NFP has consistently been found to have a 99% effectiveness which is as reliable as common contraceptive options. NFP is completely natural and has no side effects or potential side effects. NFP courses usually have a fee, but ongoing costs are usually $0 or possibly minimal for charting supplies.
Two Major Methods Defined
Ovulation Method (OM)
The observation of cervical mucus to determine fertility and infertility is the basis of the Ovulation Method (OM). This method was first developed by Drs. John and Evelyn Billings of Australia. In the 1970s, the World Health Organization attached the name "Billings" as a synonym to indicate the authentic OM when the system created by the Billings is strictly observed. Today, a variety of approaches to the observation of cervical mucus exists, yet the term "OM" is often used as a popular reference to the natural methods which make use of the observation (seeing and/or sensing) of cervical mucus.
Sympto-Thermal Method (STM)
A multi-indexed method of Natural Family Planning. The Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) charts the primary signs of fertility; waking body temperature (Basal-Body Temperature), and cervical mucus. The secondary signs of fertility (breast tenderness, cervical changes, etc.) are also charted. This methodology is based on work of various scientists including Billings, Doering, Keefe, Prem, Roetzer, and Vollman. Many schools of STM exist.