A guide to Natural family planning (NFP)

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My first conversation on Natural family planning (NFP) was with my mum when I was in my third year of the university, I don't remember what led to the conversation but it was had -thank you mummy-. As I grew older, one thing I knew for certain was that I wouldn't want to be put on the pill or any other family planning method in general. On one hand, this decision was influenced by by religion -catholic- but on the other hand, I had heard enough complains about the side effects from people who were on it, and while this may not apply to everyone -every man to his own- these two reasons were enough for me to rule out the use of any birth control pills or method.

However, this decision was quickly faced with a very obvious question, one any woman would immediately think of when braced with such thoughts, 'Does that mean I do not get to determine the number and space between my kids?'. The thought of having more mouths than I can feed became scarier than the symptoms I might have to deal with -which were still under probability-. Soon I gave up on worrying about it, because for one I still had pharmacy school to think of and marriage was still a much later goal.

My interest In natural family planning resurfaced after I came across one of my favorite faith-based YouTube channel 'Ascension presents' where the presenter had explained in details the different methods of family planning. While I shoved the thoughts away, newer and much more precise methods of natural family planning were being developed, we had moved from the Rhythm method being the least reliable method, to other methods such as the Sympthothermal method, Fertility awareness method, Standard day method, Billings and Creighton method to mention a few and the Marquette model which I recently just came across.

Before delving into a brief explanation on some of the currently available methods, I would like to address some thoughts and misconceptions I had about the use of contraceptives which may be familiar to some of you.

1. The side effects associated with contraceptives does not include infertility, if anything it has been proved to aid in fertility as it is one of the medication given to women who have PCOS.

2. Although there are side effects accompanying the use of contraceptives, we must remember that side effects are common in all medications, although more severe in some than others.

3. It is advised that you visit a specialist to discuss all the possible methods of family planning in order to use what is best for you. Also, if you do notice any reactions or unbearable side effects, do report back to your doctor or specialist.
   

If you are interested in any methods of natural family planning it will be well advised to read extensively on each method to get a good background knowledge or you can seek the aid of an instructor or specialist -of which I am neither-.

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METHODS OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

Fertility awareness method (FAM)

This was the first method of family planning I read extensively on and even practiced for sometime to see if I could better understand my cycle. The book, TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR FERTILITY helped in building my understanding of how to chart your cycle using basal body temperature which is taken first thing in the morning before getting down from the bed as it is reported that there is a rise in temperature towards the end of the fertile period of a woman's cycle. Other things to be charted includes cervical mucus which changes consistency at different stages of the menstrual cycle and the presence of a transparent, stretchy fluid indicates fertile period. Also cervical positioning is also recorded as well as other physical and emotional symptoms to give a more accurate result. The downside to this method -speaking from experience also- is that it is tedious and would require extensive training to ensure effective use to achieve desired outcome, be it to achieve or prevent pregnancy.

Billings and Creighton method

These two methods employ the observation of the cervical mucus several times a day for an accurate result. as stated earlier the cervical mucus takes up different consistencies at different stages of the cycle. The cervical mucus should not be mistaken with other vaginal secretions' as a result of arousal or discharge from infections. This method is also tedious and would require instruction sessions to aid in recognizing and interpreting secretions adequately.

Standard day method

this method is the first method that comes to mind when anybody hears about NFP -atleatst for me...initailly- . It can also be refered to as the calender method, and utilizes the belief that ovulation occurs between the 12th to 16th day of a regular circle. Hence, if ones aim is to avoid pregnacy, one should abstain or avoid unprotected sex from about 3 days to the day of suspected ovulation. Although this method does not require any training at all it is by far the most unreliable method as not everyone has a regular circle and every cycle may be differerent in a single insividiaal. For example in the past year, I have recorded a 25-day, 28-day, 30-day and even an 18-day cycle.

Marquette Model

Hearing about this method for the first time this year made me realize the effort being put into NFP to produce more accurate, less stressful and a more reliable method. Now while each method is good and not only helps you in preventing or achieving pregnancy -as the case may be-, they also help in creating awareness to our body as women. This model employs the use of an electronic device to access fertility and determine their fertile period by measuring levels of estrogen and luteinizing hormones in the urine (if you have questions about this hormone click here to view my previous post). The only downside to this method may be the cost of the device (ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor), however , it is a one time purchase and would only require to purchase the strips subsequently -just like a glucometer-. It is also easy to use and is reported to be 99% effective.

The methods of natural family planning are numerous and finding one that works for you would be greatly advised. Keep in mind the knowledge it instills in one as an added benefit, while it may seem easier to pop a pill and not have to worry about all this calculations and observations, becoming aware of your fertility is seen as a big plus in life. Another added benefit of NFP is that it also gives your spouse or partner the privilege of being part of the family planning process, you both learn, contribute and sacrifice while practicing this method, as opposed to one party suffering the side effects or discomfort alone.

Some women who are believed to be infertile may just be as a result of lack of awareness, women aren't in tune with their fertility and their body because they believe it is the job of the doctors and as a result, several problems that could have been avoided or identified at its beginning phase are being brought to light.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of your week and God bless.

Happy valentine!!!

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