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Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain
methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods are based on
observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and
infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle.
NFP is not "Rhythm." The Rhythm (or Calendar) method was
developed more than 50 years ago. It was based on the scientific theory that
ovulation could be predicted by calculating from previous menstrual cycles. This
method was inaccurate because it did not take account of the unique nature of a
woman's menstrual cycle. Today's methods of NFP do take account of such
variations. Based on observable signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile
phases of the menstrual cycle, NFP methods track the changes associated with
ovulation and treat each cycle as unique. The accuracy of women's observations
has been validated by scientific research.*
NFP is a holistic approach to family planning. Both husband and wife understand
their fertility, emotions, and family planning intention (whether to have a
baby or not). Its successful use to avoid pregnancy relies upon a couple's
following what they know about the method and one another. Successful use of NFP
requires a couple to communicate. In the daily charting of their fertility
signs, couples quickly appreciate their shared responsibility for family
planning. Husbands are encouraged to "tune into" their wives' cycles,
and both spouses are encouraged to speak openly to each other about their sexual
desires and their ideas on family size.
Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse and genital
contact when the woman is fertile and can conceive. The total days of abstinence
will vary from woman to woman and even from cycle to cycle. For example, if a
woman experiences a 28 day cycle, she may have up to eight days of abstinence
(not counting menses). Or, if a woman has a 37 day cycle, she may have up to ten
days of abstinence. Whatever the length of the fertile phase, no barriers or
chemicals are used at any time to avoid pregnancy. To achieve pregnancy couples
have intercourse during the fertile time of the cycle. NFP is not a
contraceptive. It does nothing to suppress or block conception. Instead, couples
adjust their behavior according to their family planning intention using the
naturally occurring signs and symptoms of a woman's cycle.
NFP promotes openness to the transmission of human life and recognizes the value
of children. Sexual relations are understood as love-giving as well as
life-giving. It is true family planning. Because NFP respects the two-fold
nature of sexual intercourse, it can enrich the bond between husband and wife.
For these reasons it is an acceptable form of family planning for people of
various religious and philosophical beliefs.
*See Richard Fehring, DNSc., RN & Robert Kambic, MSH, Natural Family
Planning Bibliography. (Washington, D.C.: Diocesan Development Program for NFP,
1995).
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