Natural family planning

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR CYCLE?

Natural family planning – sometimes referred to as fertility awareness – is a non-hormonal birth control technique of tracking exactly which stage of the menstrual cycle you are in, and only having sex on nonfertile days. Due to the planning required with this method, it is best suited for you if you are organized, mindful, and an ‘ahead-of-time’ planner.

To have a better chance of avoiding pregnancy on the days you are ovulating, it is advised that you use a barrier method such as male condoms, female condoms, or a diaphragm. Natural family planning is a popular choice for those who wish to use non-hormonal birth control, and if you do decide to get pregnant in the future, the fertility tracking can be a great help.

Phone and calendar

Explore different methods of natural family planning

CALENDER-BASED

Efficacy with typical use

81-88%

Efficacy with perfect use

UP TO 95%

Record your period days or use your cycle history, to predict your non- fertile days and consciously plan unprotected sex.

Examples: Standard Days Method,
Calendar Rhythm Method

SYMPTOM-BASED

Efficacy with typical use

81-88%

Efficacy with perfect use

94-97%

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Measure your temperature every morning sing a digital thermometer, or one specific for natural family planning. Your temperature will slightly rise (0.2–0.5  C) after your ovulation, which will help you spot your non- fertile days.

Cervical secretions
Monitor changes in the look and feel of
your cervical mucous. The consistency and amount of your cervical mucous will vary at different times in your cycle and will help you spot your non- fertile days.

Examples: TwoDay Method, Billings
Ovulation Method

MULTIPLE INDICATORS

Efficacy with typical use

81-88%

Efficacy with perfect use

UP TO 99%

The most effective natural family planning strategy is monitoring several signs and symptoms at the same time, instead of just one.

Examples: Symptothermal Method,
Marquette Method

    Efficacy with typical use

    81-88%

    Efficacy with perfect use

    UP TO 95%

    Record your period days or use your cycle history, to predict your non- fertile days and consciously plan unprotected sex.

    Examples: Standard Days Method,
    Calendar Rhythm Method

      Efficacy with typical use

      81-88%

      Efficacy with perfect use

      94-97%

      Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
      Measure your temperature every morning sing a digital thermometer, or one specific for natural family planning. Your temperature will slightly rise (0.2–0.5  C) after your ovulation, which will help you spot your non- fertile days.

      Cervical secretions
      Monitor changes in the look and feel of
      your cervical mucous. The consistency and amount of your cervical mucous will vary at different times in your cycle and will help you spot your non- fertile days.

      Examples: TwoDay Method, Billings
      Ovulation Method

        Efficacy with typical use

        81-88%

        Efficacy with perfect use

        UP TO 99%

        The most effective natural family planning strategy is monitoring several signs and symptoms at the same time, instead of just one.

        Examples: Symptothermal Method,
        Marquette Method

        HOW IT MEASURES UP

        HORMONES

        No. Natural family planning is hormone-free.

        EASE OF USE

        Natural family planning methods vary in terms of how much attention they need, but it’s important to be aware of fertile days and to use additional birth control on these days.

        YOUR PERIOD

        Natural family planning has no impact on your period.

        COMPARE METHODS

        HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

        Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.

        WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

        13-18
        DAYS

        The number of days you are likely to be more fertile and should use a different birth control to avoid pregnancy. Learn more

        2–3%

        The percentage of individuals worldwide who use natural family planning as their main contraceptive.

        1

        The number of eggs typically released during ovulation.

        PROS

        • It has no unwanted side effects.
        • Tracking your cycle can help both avoid or plan a pregnancy, and learn what’s normal and not for your body.
        • It’s a non-hormonal birth control, so it’s an option for those who cannot or don’t want to use hormones.
        • It’s accepted in most faiths and cultures.
        • It doesn’t need a doctor or nurse to initiate after you’ve learned it – you and your partner are in control.
        • It doesn’t interfere with other medicines.
        • It’s accepted in most faiths and cultures.
        • It doesn’t need a doctor or nurse to initiate after you’ve learned it – you and your partner are in control.
        • It doesn’t interfere with other medicines.

        CONS

        • It needs abstinence or use of a barrier method during sex to be effective.
        • It can take time and practice – three to six menstrual cycles – and be much less effective than other birth control methods if not followed precisely.
        • It needs two full menstrual cycles before it is effective again if an emergency pill is taken. It may not allow for spontaneity.
        • Even with careful tracking, it does not allow for natural variations of your menstrual cycle caused by stress, travel and lifestyle.
        • It doesn’t protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
        • Even with careful tracking, it does not allow for natural variations of your menstrual cycle caused by stress, travel and lifestyle.
        • It doesn’t protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

        STILL NOT SURE?

        Find out which birth control method may be the best match based on your needs.

        Comparison tool

        NEED MORE ADVICE?

        Get ready to speak to a doctor. Use a 3-step guide to prepare for your next appointment.

        Is It Okay?

        CONSIDER THIS

        The pill should be taken every day at the same time, as a missed pill can compromise efficacy. If taking the pill every day doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it might be worth exploring other contraceptive methods.

        LEARN MORE

        CONSIDER THIS

        The pill should be taken every day at the same time, as a missed pill can compromise efficacy. If taking the pill every day doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it might be worth exploring other contraceptive methods.

        LEARN MORE

        CONSIDER THIS

        The pill should be taken every day at the same time, as a missed pill can compromise efficacy. If taking the pill every day doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it might be worth exploring other contraceptive methods.

        LEARN MORE