Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a method of conception regulation based on
fertility awareness and selective abstinence.
No. Calendar Rhythm,
developed in the 1920s by the Japanese scientist Kyusaku Ogino, is the "Model T"
of NFP. Modern NFP is based on the changes in cervical mucus, changes in the
cervix itself, changes in the basal body temperature, and various secondary
symptoms of fertility.
The Sympto-Thermic
method of NFP is as reliable as the Pill and sterilization, provided that
couples are motivated and properly instructed.
NFP is the only method of family planning that the husband and wife do not
have to stop using to have a child. NFP makes the couple aware of the times of
greatest fertility, thus helping them conceive a child.
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With Modern NFP, the couple can reliably and confidently determine the
boundaries of fertility, even if the woman has very irregular cycles. In fact,
all women have cycles that are somewhat irregular. NFP can also be used after
childbirth, after discontinuing the Pill or IUD, during breastfeeding, and
during the "change of life" (pre-menopause).
Actually, NFP is not hard to learn. Observation of the signs of fertility
takes only a few minutes a day and easily becomes as routine as one's daily
hygiene habits.
Unlike the Pill, IUD, or sterilization, NFP is very ecological and does no
harm to health. NFP requires no drugs or surgery. (Also, the Pill and IUD have
the power to cause early abortions).
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NFP is by far the least expensive method of family planning. Once learned,
NFP can be used for a lifetime at virtually no cost.
Any form of birth control requires motivation. The term "high degree of
motivation" is relative. Success in NFP depends on the same sort of motivation
and commitment required to make a success of marriage itself. Thus, anyone who
is motivated to achieve a successful marriage can learn the art of NFP. In our
experience, average married couples are very successful in practicing NFP.
The man is virtually always fertile; the woman is infertile most of the time.
The amount of abstinence averages about 10 days in an "average" cycle.
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On the contrary, periodic abstinence, often called periodic continence, has
been found to have a rejuvenating effect on marriages.
Also, the time of continence gives the couple opportunities to express love
for each other in non-coital ways. This assures the husband and wife that
neither one is being used by the other. The NFP lifestyle helps to open new
levels of communication and affection.
Definitely not. NFP is a way of living, a way of loving, a way of growing.
When people think of birth control, they generally think of some form of outside
control on their fertility. By contrast, NFP couples regulate conception through
inward control, self-knowledge, and free choices. The NFP lifestyle
implies acceptance of the fertility cycle, whereas unnatural methods --
contraception and sterilization -- imply rejection of fertility.
No. Sexual intercourse should not be used merely as a crutch to prop up an
insecure relationship. Since NFP, by its very nature, compels the couple to
communicate about their relationship, it can open up relational areas that need
attention. Being aware of these areas is a definite advantage.
Source: "What is Natural Family Planning?", The Human Life Center, St. John's
University. 1979.
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| Method |
Effectiveness |
Side Effects |
| Abstinence |
100% |
None |
| Withdrawal Method |
20-40% |
None |
| Spermicide |
64-96% |
Irritation, can cause birth defects |
| Condom or diaphragm |
64-97% |
Irritation |
| The Pill |
98-99% |
Death, stroke, heart attack, stunted height, mental
depression, cancer, high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, excessive
bleeding, rashes, blood clots, sterility, birth defects, loss of interest
in sex |
| IUD (Intrauterine device) |
94-99% |
PID, infection, perforation of uterus and intestines,
sterility, hemorrhage, cramps, pain, ectopic pregnancy, death, may become
embedded in uterus or lost |
| Sympto Thermal (NFP) |
98-99% |
None |
| Vasectomy or Tubal Ligation |
99.99% |
Infections, fever, pain, may not be
reversible |
Note: The Pill and the IUD can
both cause early abortions.
