
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.

Explore different methods of natural family planning
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.

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.
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.