Natural Birth Control

Natural Family Planning (NFP), or natural birth control, is an umbrella term for various methods used to postpone or achieve pregnancies. The definition of Natural Family Planning indicates that there are two separate components involved. These are:

• Fertility awareness
• Application of understanding & knowledge of the method

Modern NFP

NFP methods treat each cycle as unique and are based on over 30 years of scientific research on human fertility. The methods are based on the observation of naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phase of the woman's menstrual cycle. There is abstinence from sexual relations during the woman's fertile phase. Couples then use the information to help achieve or avoid pregnancy. No drugs, devices or surgical procedures are used in the practice of NFP.

NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family, promotes openness to life and recognizes the value of every child. NFP enriches the bond between husband and wife. NFP is a natural birth control method and family planning method.

FAQs

1. How can I get more information about NFP services at Birth Choice?
2. Is NFP the old rhythm method?
3. Who can use NFP?
4. Why is NFP unique?
5. How effective is NFP for family planning?
6. Where else can I get information?
7. How do NFP method and artificial contraceptive costs compare?
8. What are the potential problems with various artificial contraceptive methods?

How Do I Get More Information?

For more information about NFP, contact Cindy Meuse, 760.621.3414 ext 102 or send email. Cindy is a Certified Ovulation Method NFP Instructor. The $45 cost includes a book and the class.

NFP is not Rhythm

Some people confuse NFP with the outdated rhythm or calendar method that was practiced more than 50 years ago. It was based on the assumption that ovulation occurred about the same time in every cycle. This method was inaccurate and unreliable because of the unique nature of each woman's cycle.

Who Can Use NFP?

Any married couple can use NFP who is wishing to conceive or postpone pregnancy! A woman need not have "regular cycles". Successful use of NFP is based upon cooperation, shared commitment and communication between a husband and wife.

NFP is Unique

NFP enables its users to work with the body rather than against it. Fertility is viewed as a reality of life that is accepted, instead of a problem to be solved. Couples of all walks of life and faiths are opposed to the risks of common contraception, i.e., intrauterine devices (IUD), hormonal implants, patches, morning-after pills [Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) is the current terminology], injections, and sterilization use!

How Effective Are NFP Methods of Natural Family Planning?

When couples are taught by a competent (specially trained instructor) and follow the rules of the method carefully (couples have made a clear decision to follow the rules and understand the method), NFP is highly successful in achieving their intended family plan. Numerous studies, including one by the U.S. government, have shown that the most common NFP methods are 97-99% effective for avoiding pregnancy.*

By choosing NFP, many health risks and costs are avoided. Fertility is not a disease. It is a normal and healthy part of human nature. Learning to live with fertility rather than waging war against it appeals to many people because it:

• Encourages abstinence / chastity before marriage.
• Does not give false security regarding protection against STD's, HIV and AIDS v. condoms or other barrier methods.
• Has proven itself medically and scientifically valid (97-99% effective) if used correctly.

(* Reference: Contraceptive Technology, 19th Revised edition. Robert A. Hatcher, PDR Network, LLC; 19th edition (May 1, 2008)]

Organizations offering Natural Family Planning Methods

• Billings Ovulations Method Association (OM)
• Family of the Americas Foundation, Inc.
• The Couple to Couple League
• Creighton Model Fertility Care System and Fertility Care Centers of America
• Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction

How Do Potential Costs Associated With Artificial Contraception Compare?

The Pill - $250 to $300 per year
Implanon - $600 to $800 per 5 years
IUD/ParaGard - $200 to $300 per year
     versus
Natural Family Planning (NFP) - Other than $45 for book, it's FREE!

Side Effects and Health Hazards

Potential health problems associated with:

1. Abortion: infertility, pelvic infection, laceration of cervix and bowel, perforated uterus, severe bleeding, shock, death due to hemorrhage or infection, increased risk of breast cancer (especially if first pregnancy is terminated, depression.
2. Depo-Provera: prolonged infertility or unpredictable return of fertility, irregular menses, osteoporosis, decreased libido (sex drive), weight gain, depression.
3. Diaphragm: urinary tract infections, toxic shock syndrome, allergy to latex, vaginal irritation.
4. IUD/ParaGard: severe menstrual cramps, heavy periods, pelvic infections.
5. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) or Morning after pill: nausea, vomiting, headache, breast soreness, fatigue, abdominal pain and dizziness.
6. Implanon Contraceptive Implant: [changed from Norplant] acne, leaking or painful breasts, depression, prolonged, heavy and irregular menses or absence of periods, ovarian cysts, infections where rods are inserted, weight gain.
7. Lunelle: same potential health problems as oral contraceptive.
8. Oral Contraception (the Pill): side-effects and health risks include headaches, depression, weight gain, reduced libido, gall bladder disease, increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar, risk of strokes and blood clots, heart attacks, infertility, liver tumors, cancer of the breast and reproductive organs, death.
9. Mifepristone Abortion PIll (RU486): bleeding, cramping, nausea and/or vomiting may cause an incomplete abortion which requires surgery.
10. Condoms: ineffectiveness is 35-44% failure rate for unmarried women, latex allergy.
11. Gels, Foams & Spermicides: can contribute to toxic shock syndrome, low effectiveness rates, increases incidence of congenital disorders in children conceived during use, vaginal irritations and infections, allergic reactions in men and women & increase risk of STDs.
12. Sterilization & Vasectomy: side effects include auto-immune syndrome, thyroid, joint, heart, diabetes, increased risk of prostate cancer, decreased sex drive and regret.

(* Reference: Contraceptive Technology, 19th Revised edition. Robert A. Hatcher, PDR Network, LLC; 19th edition (May 1, 2008)]

Nothing on this Website should be construed as the giving of advice or the making of a recommendation, and it should not be relied on as the basis for any decision or action. It is important that you rely only on the advice of a healthcare professional to advise you on your specific situation.