What is NFP?
An umbrella term for methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. The methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the woman’s cycle. No drugs, devices or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.
Why use NFP?
NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of
marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognises the
value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving
natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.
Who uses NFP?
Any married couple can use NFP. A woman need not have “regular” cycles.
NFP education helps couples to fully understand their combined
fertility, thereby helping them to either achieve or avoid a pregnancy.
The key to the successful use of NFP is cooperation and communication between husband and wife – a shared commitment.
What are the benefits of using NFP?
Both spouses are taught to understand the nature of fertility and work
with it, either to plan a pregnancy or to avoid a pregnancy.
Couples who use NFP soon learn that they have a shared responsibility
for family planning. Husbands are encouraged to “tune into” their wives’
cycles and both spouses are encouraged to speak openly and frankly
about their sexual desires and their ideas on family size.
Other benefits include:
l Low cost.
l No harmful side effects.
l Effective in spacing or limiting
pregnancy.
l Can be used throughout the
reproductive life cycle.
l Marriage enrichment and mutu
al understanding.
l Appreciation for the value of
children.
l Fosters respect for and accept
ance of the total person.
l Moral acceptability.
How effective is NFP?
When couples understand the methods and are motivated to follow them,
NFP is up to 99 percent successful in spacing or limiting births.
— From the US Bishops’ website