Chapter 10, Part VII: Natural Family Planning (NFP)
“Potential that work in natural family planning? has for the rejuvenation of the family is immense.? The only limitation is our vision!� Thomas W. Hilgers, M.D.
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atural Family Planning is the term used to describe methods for planning a family which do not use chemicals, drugs or devices.? These methods are based on the signs and symptoms of fertility and infertility that occur naturally in the woman’s cycle.
“Is this Rhythm?? No.? Rhythm is an attempt to predict ovulation? by calculations using the lengths of past menstrual cycles.? Rhythm’s effectiveness depends on the regularity of a woman’s cycles.?
“The Ovulation Method? is a method of natural family planning? that was developed in the 1960s by Drs. John and Evelyn Billings? and a team of medical researchers.? It is based on the cervical mucus secretion which is present during the fertile phase of the woman’s cycle and which is essential for conception.? This secretion begins a few days before ovulation and, by the sequence of changes in its physical characteristics over the next several days, indicates that ovulation is approaching and that ovulation has taken place.?
“It works by learning to recognize the presence and changing pattern of this secretion, and by keeping accurate records of her observations during her cycle, a woman can confidently identify the fertile and infertile phases of her cycle.?
“The Ovulation Method? used effectively by women with long or irregular cycles, during premenopause, and even during breast feeding.
“Benefits of the Ovulation Method include:? no harmful side effects, based on sound scientific knowledge, promotes communication between husband and wife and a shared responsibility for family planning, is 97-99% effective, when used by couples who are well instructed and motivated, can be used to achieve or avoid pregnancy, is simple to learn and to use, promotes the woman’s health and her general sense of well-being, does not depend on the regularity of cycles and can be used throughout a woman’s reproductive life - from puberty to menopause.†? [1]?
“What are the signs of fertility and infertility?? The most used signs are a normal discharge of cervical mucus and changes in a woman’s waking temperature.? Other signs include changes in her cervix and a feeling called ‘ovulation pain’.
“Cervical mucus? is nature’s way of helping a man’s sperm reach a woman’s egg.? Her flow of cervical mucus generally starts in a small way several days before she ovulates (releases an egg,) it is a very positive sign that her fertile time has started.? About the time she ovulates, her mucus may be abundant and have a consistency something like raw egg-white.? After ovulation, her mucus normally disappears.
“A woman’s waking temperature is lower before ovulation and rises slightly but distinctly after ovulation.? After it has been well elevated for several days (while her mucus has been disappearing,) it is a very positive sign that she is infertile.†? [2] ?
The following was taken from an article published in the August 8, 1986, issue of Weekly Health Letter, of the City of St. Louis’s Department of Health and Hospitals:
“The Billings Method is the latest development in Natural Family Planning.? It is based on the secretion of a particular type of mucus by the cervical glands of the uterus, in response to the changing levels of Estrogen and Progesterone, the hormones which characterize a woman’s monthly cycle.? It has been shown that women quickly learn to identify this mucus, if it is properly explained to them.? There is no need for internal examination.? A woman becomes conscious in her daily activities of the sensation produced at the vaginal orifice as the mucus leaves her body.? It matters not at all how irregular the woman’s cycles are.? This mucus and the sensation that accompanies it will always let a woman know when an ovum is ripening and conception possible–The World Health Organization? (W.H.O.) did a study of the Billings Ovulation Method? in five countries in 1976.? The countries studied were
Natural Family Planning? is economical since there are no continuing doctor visits, no pills or devices to purchase, and no medical side effects.? The woman is healthier since she is not putting foreign chemicals into her body or compromising her immune system.? See the chapter titled The Pill? and AIDS.
Classes in Natural Family Planning are available at most hospitals for a nominal fee.? The fees of NFP classes may be made available based on income with a sliding scale, and perhaps even free.?
One woman who attended a Natural Family Planning? class provided by Planned Parenthood? was taught the method incorrectly by combining its use with foams as a backup.? Using foams or other chemicals masks the mucus and increases the chances of pregnancy.? Is it possible that such clinics? that teach NFP incorrectly use this opportunity to provide or refer for an abortion?
Be sure to learn NFP from a reputable, life affirming institution rather than one that has a financial interest in abortion.?
Is providing high school students with Fertility Awareness programs such as NFP wise or beneficial?? Some say “yesâ€; others say “no.†Some express a legitimate concern that teaching this method to teens is no different than teaching them about contraceptives? - it sends the mixed message of? “we’re going to provide you with information you’re not supposed to use, but here’s how you use it.â€
I asked this question of our beloved Mother Teresa.? She responded:? “I believe that since high school girls are being taught sex-education in school, that they should not be forgotten–and should be informed that there does exist a form of family planning? approved by the church.? However, it must be stressed at the same time, that it is only to be practiced within the bond of Matrimony.? If they are being taught about contraception? it is all the more vital that we fight this with the teaching of Natural Family Planning–the sanctity and value of marriage should be an essential part of this instruction.†? [4]? I agree.?
Perhaps high school classes on marriage preparation may be the appropriate place for this information in schools.? On the other hand, if the method is not “advertised†and done so within the proper framework of marriage, how will young people know of its existence?? NFP is a well-kept secret among those who write curriculum guidelines for comprehensive school health? classes.
Teens who practice abstinence? have a good foundation in self-control that is necessary to successfully practicing NFP during marriage.? Teens who practice abstinence are well on their way to appreciating the benefits of self-control in all areas of life, as well as those that NFP brings to a marriage.? Such benefits include: “keeping the sexual relationship fresh, improves communication skills, teaches a deeper respect for each other, helps to develop the same strength of character that is necessary for marital fidelity and lifelong marriage.? NFP couples have an extremely low divorce rate.� [5]
Here are some quotes from students following a fertility awareness presentation:? “Fertility Awareness gave us time to discuss how our bodies, minds and feelings develop.? This information helps me to understand my girlfriend better.? This explained some things I used to wonder about myself.? I had no idea about the woman’s cycle except for menstruation. Thanks so much for telling us about Fertility Awareness.? It helped me understand my femininity better too. I totally appreciated your talk–it was not just another biology lesson. I learned a lot–and it made me start paying attention to the signs my body is giving me.†? [6]
[1] “The Ovulation Method Of Natural Family Planning,†Family of the Americas;
P.O. Box 1170; Dunkirk, MD 20754-1170; (301) 627-3346, Fax: (301) 627-0847.
[2] “NFP Safe, Healthy, Effective,†The Couple To Couple League;
[3] Joan M. Goebel, M.D., “Another Option In Fertility Control†Weekly Health Letter, City of St. Louis; Department of Health and Hospitals; Health Division, No. 32; Aug. 8, 1986. (Dr. Goebel is the Medical Consultant to the
[4] Letter from Mother Teresa, M.C.; Missionaries of Charity; 10956 California Ave.; Lynwood, CA 90262; Dec. 23, 1991.
[5] “NFP Safe Healthy Effective,†The Couple to Couple League of
[6] “Fertility Awareness: Knowledge, Communication, Respect, Responsibility,†AWARE Center,
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