What Is Natural Family Planning?
May 26, 2018
Have you heard of Natural Family Planning (NFP)?
It’s a Fertility Awareness Method that can be used either to prevent pregnancy or to achieve pregnancy. With NFP, you observe the signs or symptoms of fertility and then you avoid sexual activity during that time if you want to avoid pregnancy, or you have sexual intercourse during that time if you want to achieve pregnancy.
What sort of fertility signs do you look for?
- Basal body temperature. Your body temperature rises slightly when you ovulate. So to use this method, you take your body temperature every morning when you first wake up. Then you plot the daily temperature on a graph. As you do this, you will see patterns in your body temperature throughout your monthly menstrual cycle. You can predict when you are ovulating based on your body temperature and avoid sexual activity during those days.
- Cervical mucus changes. Cervical mucus changes in texture, color, and amount throughout your menstrual cycle. To use this method, you feel and look at your cervical mucus every day and chart a description of the mucus. You’ll need to chart the mucus every day for a month or two before you can rely on this method to prevent pregnancy. A medical professional or NFP counselor can help you know what your cervical mucus looks like when you are most fertile in your cycle.
- Cycle length. This is also called “The Calendar Method.” You keep track of your menstrual cycle on the calendar and count the days in each cycle. For this method to be effective, you need to count the days for at least 6 cycles (or 6 periods). After you know how many days each cycle is, you can use a mathematical equation to figure out which days you’re most likely to be fertile. Then you can avoid sexual activity on those days if you don’t want to get pregnant or have sexual intercourse on those days if you do want to become pregnant.
Some people keep track of only one of these signs of fertility. But to be most effective, you would need to track all three signs of fertility.
How effective is this in preventing pregnancy? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), out of every 100 instances of people using NFP, there are approximately 24 unintended pregnancies each year. So that makes NFP about 76% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Does NFP prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)? No. NFP can only be used to help prevent or achieve pregnancy. The only way to 100% prevent contracting an STD is to be in a mutually monogamous relationship. This means both you and your partner know for certain you do not have an STD and you both only have any type of sexual activity with each other.
Can I do NFP on my own? NFP is most effective if you do this under the guidance of a medical professional — a doctor, nurse, or counselor who knows NFP very well. This person can help you understand the information you chart (your temperature, the description of the cervical mucus, and your cycle lengths) and interpret the signs of fertility.
Observing and keeping track of all your signs of fertility can be effective in preventing a pregnancy or in helping you get pregnant. Other than the cost of the thermometer and the charts you track all the information on, NFP doesn’t cost anything. But it does require a little bit of daily work, dedication and the decision to abstain from any sexual activity during the days you could be fertile.
If you want more information about NFP or if you want to talk about whether or not you are at risk for becoming pregnant, call us and we’ll schedule an appointment at no cost to you.
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.
Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.
If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.
