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NFP : Methods Last Updated: Jan 3rd, 2010 - 00:09:53


Too Many Choices!
Answered by: Sheila St. John
Aug 30, 2006, 22:32

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Question

I have a bad experience with the pill. Don't want to take nothing with possible side effect. I would like to be in a natural birth control method. Can you recommend me one? So many I am comfused now! I would like to know the days IO ovulate. I have irregular periods.Which devices you recommend? Clear blue,Lady Comp, or which other one?
Thank You,
Ely

Answer

I actually recommend you learn to recognize and monitor the signs your body boldly produces, which will, with great accuracy, allow you to identify precisely the days of fertility and infertility in your cycle.

The Ovulation methods of Natural Family Planning are systems that rely on the observation and tracking of the cervical mucus. When a woman is fertile, she produces a characteristic mucus discharge, which she can easily learn to observe and interpret.

The Sympto-Thermal Methods of Natural Family Planning teach the woman to monitor not only these cervical mucus changes, but other, secondary symptoms as well, such as temperature changes, and shifts in the position of the cervix.

These modern methods of NFP are 96-99% effective when used to avoid pregnancy, which surpasses the effectiveness of the pill, whose side effects you wisely are choosing to avoid! In addition, they are highly effective in achieving pregnancy, when intercourse is timed during fertile days.

Some methods are taught in group classes, and others are taught through private, individualized sessions. Costs vary. Often, a new NFP user selects a particular method based on what is offered in their geographic location. If more than one method is offered, I would suggest calling the providers and asking about the service they provide.

CANFP has a directory of NFP Providers on our website, at www.canfp.org. The method offered is listed along with the contact information. The Professionals listed would be happy to explain the method they teach, and the services provided.

The discontinuation rate of oral contraceptives is very high. This would indicate to me a high rate of dissatisfaction with the pill by users. By contrast, the continuation rate of NFP is very high. I encourage you to pursue competent instruction in one of the modern methods of Natural Family Planning to discover for yourself why NFP users are so happy with this form of family planning!

Sheila St. John


Sheila St. John

Sheila St. John, CFCP, is a Certified Fertility Care Practitioner, actively teaching in hospital, parish, and private settings in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties since the early 1980’s. She is the Executive Director of the California Association of Natural Family Planning.


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The information on this page and web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment by a physician.

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