Glossary > Healthcare > Reproductive Health Services > Family Planning

Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning (NFP) is a method of birth control that involves tracking a person's menstrual cycle to determine when they are most fertile and avoiding sexual intercourse or using alternative methods of contraception during those times.

Example #1

For example, a couple using natural family planning might chart the woman's menstrual cycle to identify fertile days and then abstain from intercourse during that period to prevent pregnancy.

Example #2

Another example could involve using physical signs like cervical mucus changes or basal body temperature to estimate fertility and plan accordingly.

Misuse

Misuse of natural family planning could occur if someone relies solely on this method without fully understanding its effectiveness or without proper education about tracking fertility signs accurately. This is important to protect against because inadequate use can lead to unintended pregnancies and undermine the method's reliability.

Benefits

One of the benefits of natural family planning is that it does not involve the use of hormones or devices, making it a non-invasive and cost-effective birth control option. Additionally, it can help individuals better understand their own reproductive health.

Conclusion

Natural family planning can be a suitable choice for individuals seeking a hormone-free, natural contraceptive method. However, it requires commitment, education, and accurate tracking to be effective. It's important for consumers to weigh the benefits and limitations carefully before choosing this method.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024