Natural family planning, also known as fertility awareness, is a birth control method where no devices or pills are used. In this, a woman tracks her fertility, which is the time when she is likely to conceive, to avoid or achieve pregnancy. It is increasingly becoming popular among couples who want a natural, hormone-free contraception option with no side effects. But the question is, is it reliable like the other tried and tested contraceptives? Read to explore the types, effectiveness, challenges and more.
What is Natural Family Planning?
Fertility awareness or natural family planning is a natural birth control method that does not use devices or drugs. It is done by recording fertility signs to determine when you may get pregnant, and then avoid intercourse or use contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is sometimes less effective when compared to other contraception methods, as dedication, self-control and mutual agreement are needed for success, and it does not prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections). However, it is highly effective if followed diligently. The effectiveness of this method is dependent on a combination of fertility indicators, such as:
● Length of menstrual cycle
● Daily basal body temperature readings
● Cervical changes, especially mucus secretions
The combination of these indicators tells you when you are most fertile. When you get familiar with your fertile window and ovulation, you can abstain from intercourse or use a barrier method to prevent pregnancy.
Types of Natural Family Planning Methods
Rhythm or the Calendar Method
The Rhythm or the Calendar Method is one of the oldest natural family planning methods, and is based on your menstrual calendar. A typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 to 32 days, with ovulation usually occurring 14 days before the next period. The fertile window spans approximately 10 days,. Couples who follow this method track their specific menstrual cycle length to identify their fertile window and avoid intercourse during that time to prevent pregnancy.
Ovulation or Cervical Mucus Method
Cervical mucus changes throughout your period.
● After your period, the mucus is dry
● During ovulation, it is clear, elastic and watery
● After ovulation, it is thick, cloudy and sticky
Knowledge of these changes helps identify your ovulation period. Avoid sexual intercourse until you have three or more dry days.
Basal Body Temperature Method
Your body temperature increases by 0.5-1°F (0.3-0.6°C) when you ovulate and remains elevated until you get your next period. To use this method, take your body temperature first thing every morning. If it has increased from your normal body temperature, you are ovulating. It is very tedious and has now accuracy if used alone
Symptothermal Method
It is a combination of cervical mucus and the basal body temperature method, which together give a clearer picture of your bodily changes.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
It is a natural, temporary method for new mothers who are breastfeeding. When the baby breastfeeds, the ovaries do not produce eggs due to high prolactin in the body, and it is called lactational amenorrhea. When you stop breastfeeding or taper, the fertility cycle usually begins again. It is not always effective
Natural family planning is effective only when you check fertility signs. You can use apps, fertility charts, monitors or other digital tools to record information and track your menstrual cycle and estimate the fertile period.
How Natural Family Planning Works
Eggs are released by the ovaries roughly the same time every menstrual cycle, and this process is called ovulation. This unfertilised egg travels from the ovaries to the uterus via the fallopian tubes and can live for up to 24 hours. There are 6 days of the fertile window in a month, 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. Natural family planning is based on the fertility signs, and couples should plan using this window. Remember that natural fertility planning works only when it is practised correctly and consistently.
Effectiveness of Natural Family Planning
The effectiveness of natural family planning ranges from 77% to 98%. The method is more effective when used correctly by tracking fertility signs daily, using barrier protection, or avoiding intercourse on fertile days. According to statistics, among 100 women who use it perfectly, 1-5 conceive. Inconsistent or incorrect use of this method increases the conception rate to 12-24 per 100 couples. Compared to other birth control methods like IUDs, birth control pills, etc, this is the least effective as you depend on fertility signs, regular menstrual cycle, proper tracking, and partner cooperation. Additionally, it does not protect against STIs.
Benefits of Natural Family Planning
● Supports reproductive health
● Has no side effects
● Is inexpensive
● Environmental friendly
● A couple make combined decisions
● Fosters communication between partners
● Encourages acceptance and respect
● Supports cultural and religious beliefs
Limitations and Challenges
Limitations and Challenges
● It is a process in which both partners must agree.
● The contraceptive effectiveness of IUDs, hormonal pills, etc, is high compared to natural family planning.
● It does not protect from STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
● Couples need training, careful observation and accurate recording for a few months before it can be used reliably.
● It becomes a challenge with irregular cycles.
● Time and effort are needed to track and record indicators.
● Alternative protection or abstinence during fertile days.
● If both partners are not committed, it strains the relationship.
● If the woman is stressed, has an illness, or is on medication, the cycles may be impacted, reducing the accuracy of the reading.
Who Can Benefit Most from Natural Family Planning
● Couples who want a hormone-free and natural family planning method.
● Couples with good communication and a solid relationship.
● Women with a regular menstrual cycle.
● Those who are diligent in tracking and recording their daily cycles.
It is not ideal for women with conditions like PCOS or irregular cycles. Couples who cannot track daily should consider using alternative methods of contraception that are more reliable.
Tips to Improve Effectiveness
● Awareness, clarity and education are essential for success. Tracking inaccuracies can lead to errors in identifying fertile and infertile phases.
● It takes about 3 to 6 months to learn to track effectively and rely on it, and during that period, alternative contraception should be considered to prevent pregnancy.
● Monitor your mucus, temperature and other symptoms daily.
● Avoid unprotected intercourse during the fertile window.
● Always consult a doctor before using natural family planning.
● Use apps or digital tools to track and avoid errors.
Conclusion
Natural family planning is a natural, hormone-free method and is empowering, as there are no side effects, but it needs precision, dedication and self-control. Its effectiveness depends on the motivation and commitment of both partners. This option is feasible for women with consistent menstrual cycles who actively track their cycles, and for both partners who are adequately motivated and committed to utilising it. Consult a doctor if you are unsure whether this option is suitable for you.