L5.2.4.1: Natural Family Planning Methods

• Natural Family Planning Methods

  ● Also called Fertility-Awareness-Based Methods (FAB)

  ● Involves determining the following:

  1.. The fertile and infertile periods of a woman by observing body signs and symptoms by utilizing the physiological changes that occur in the menstrual cycle.

  ● Ovulation - The fertile period when a mature egg is released from the ovaries and moves to the fallopian tube to be fertilized. It usually occurs on day 14 of a 28-day cycle.

  2. The timing of sexual intercourse.
• Natural Family Planning Methods

  ● This kind of family planning has the purpose to either avoid or achieve pregnancy.

  ● There are 5 NFP Methods that either fall under:

  1. Symptoms-Based
  2. Calendar-Based
• Advantages

  (1) No one makes money off women who use natural family planning methods

  (2) They are organic and have no side effects

  (3) They foster the partner’s knowledge and respect for the woman’s body and her reproductive system
• Disadvantages

  (1) Difficult to practice abstinence on fertile days

  (2) Will not work without continuing cooperation and commitment of the couple

  (3) Requires consistent and accurate record keeping on body

  (4) Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

  (5) Can become unreliable or inaccurate when:

  ● Menstrual cycle is short, long, or irregular

  ● Fertility signs and symptoms are affected by illness

  ● Users of the method become apprehensive or find difficulties in following instructions