Natural family planning
natural; family; planning; fertility; contraception; sex; intercourse; pregnancy; baby; ovulation; sexually;
Contents
Natural family planning is a method of fertility management that works by becoming aware of the signs of fertility so you can increase your chances of having a baby, or reduce your chances of pregnancy.
What is it?
Natural family planning is undertaken by committed couples and involves recognising the signs of ovulation (when the egg is released). To avoid pregnancy, sexual intercourse is avoided during the fertile part of a menstrual cycle.
The things that are monitored include:
- changes in cervical mucus
- basal body temperature.
It is called natural family planning because it involves no hormone or barrier methods of contraception.
The natural family planning method can be used during all parts of a woman's reproductive life, including during breast feeding and just before menopause.
Natural family planning does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Studies have found that natural family planning is a very effective way of preventing pregnancy, however it needs to be taught well and the 'rules' need to be stuck to.
For more information have a look at the SHine SA information sheet Natural methods. SHine SA is 'Sexual Health information, networking and education SA' (South Australia).
Resources
South Australia
Australia
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).