Natural Family Planning (NFP)

What is Natural family planning?

• Natural family planning (NFP) includes a variety of methods that help to detect the fertile days of the menstrual cycle.

• You must practice abstinence from sex during fertile days ("unsafe days").

How does it work?

• Users abstain from sex on fertile days to prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.

• Fertilization does not occur.

How is it used?

• Instruction from a qualified NFP instructor or clinician is recommended.

• You observe and chart daily signs of fertility or ovulation (release of the egg).

• In the basal body temperature (BBT) method, the temperature is taken and charted each day.

• In the cervical mucus method, the cervical mucus is evaluated for signs of ovulation.

• The symptothermal method combines the BBT and cervical mucus methods, along with checking position of the cervix.

How well does it work?

• With inconsistent use, there is an 81 percent success rate.

• With perfect use, there is a 91 percent to 99 percent success rate.

Does it reduce the risk for HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

• NFP does not reduce risk for HIV/AIDS or STDs.

• Using a male, latex condom reduces the risk.

What are the advantages?

• There are no health risks or side effects caused by the NFP method.

• It is accepted by most religions.

• It can be used to determined fertile days when pregnancy is desired.

• Responsibility for birth control can be shared by the couple.

What are the disadvantages?

• You have to abstain from intercourse on fertile days. (Back-up methods can be used on fertile days if couple chooses not to abstain.)

• Temptation to take risks may occur.

• Care is needed to keep records and observe signs.

• Fertility signs and symptoms may be difficult for some women to identify.

What if I have sex and don't use birth control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.

If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of help are free.

The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website. Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.

Copyright � 2005 North Dakota Department of Health

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