Methods of natural family planning

Proven content

Natural family planning is a method of contraception in which a woman monitors and records various fertility signals during the menstrual cycle. This way, she can see when she could potentially become pregnant.

The fertility cycle

The fertility cycle in women can be divided into three phases.

1. Phase I begins on the first day of menstrual bleeding. It usually covers several days of infertile days after menstruation.
2. Phase II begins when the woman’s daily observations reveal signs of fertility. Usually it takes up to 12 days.
3. Phase III is the time of infertility, after ovulation. It is usually the last phase of a healthy woman’s cycle.

The three phases mentioned above are the result of the interaction of four key hormones: estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). They are also responsible for the symptoms of fertility.

Thermal method

It helps to identify the temperature change that occurs after ovulation and remains elevated until your next period. By looking at graphs over several cycles, your temperatures can create a pattern from which you can predict ovulation. See what to do, step by step.

1. Take your temperature in your mouth, vagina or rectum each morning before getting out of bed.
2. Use an ovulation thermometer that can recognize slight fluctuations in temperature.
3. Record the result on your fertile days calendar every day.

If you do this daily you will find that your temperature is rather constant before ovulation. As you get closer to ovulating, you may notice a slight decrease. However, after ovulation, there will be a sharp rise in temperature. However, you must remember that there are many other factors that influence the temperature, such as:

1. disease,
2. travels,
3. drinking alcohol,
4. lack of sleep.

Cervical mucus method

Helps you predict when you will ovulate. You need to track changes in your cervical mucus (vaginal discharge) throughout your menstrual cycle.

The hormones that control the menstrual cycle also cause the cervix to produce mucus. It changes color, texture and quantity during the cycle (especially around ovulation). Therefore, be sure to check it every day. Record your results on the chart. Changes in your mucus help you determine when you are going to ovulate and are able to become pregnant.

Do not rely on this method until you have charted your mucus for at least several months. Remember that it is more effective if you combine it with the temperature method.

How to check cervical mucus?

There are 3 ways to do this:

1. Wipe the vaginal opening (before urinating) with white toilet paper or a tissue. Check the color and texture of the mucus.
2. See what color and texture the discharge on the underwear has.
3. Put clean fingers in the vagina. Then check the color of the mucus on your fingers. Remember to also pay attention to its consistency.

Record all mucus-related information daily: menstruation, dry days, wet days, sticky days, no mucus, slippery days. Ovulation usually occurs within 1-2 days when the mucus is cleanest, slippery, and most stretchy.

1. Also read: Fertile and infertile mucus – observation and chances of fertilization

Calendar method

This is a calculation-based approach in which previous menstrual cycles are used to predict the first and last fertile days for future menstrual cycles. It requires a good understanding of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. It is based on the assumption that ovulation takes place 12-16 days before the onset of menstruation.

1. Also read: Fertile days calendar. How to calculate fertile and infertile days?

What should we remember?

To track your menstrual cycle and determine your expected ovulation window, do the following:

1. Plan to track your menstrual cycle for 8-12 months.
2. Day 1 will be the first day of your period.
3. Choose the longest and shortest cycle in the observation period.
4. The first day of fertility is determined by subtracting 18 days from the length of the shortest cycle. If your shortest menstrual cycle was 26 days, subtract 18 from 26. This is 8. This means the fertility phase begins on the 8th day of the cycle.
5. The last day of fertility is determined by subtracting 11 from the length of the longest cycle. If your longest cycle was 32 days, subtract 11 from 32 for you 21. This means the fertility phase ends on day 21 of the cycle.
6. The time in between is considered the fertility window. In the above case, it will last from day 8 to day 21 of the cycle. Ovulation is most likely to occur within this timeframe.

Symptothermal method

It uses a combination of the three techniques above, making it the most accurate form of natural family planning.

Take the Home Ovulation Test – LH Test, which will help you find out when is the best time to fertilize.

Why is it worth using natural pregnancy planning methods?

These methods are completely natural. This means that they do not cause any side effects. Women get to know their body’s reactions and become more aware of their cycles. This can be an important advantage when you decide to become pregnant.

Natural family planning requires no medication. It is inexpensive. Fits most cultural and religious beliefs.

What are the disadvantages of natural pregnancy planning?

1. Women must be strongly motivated to use this method correctly.
2. It requires careful instructions and many steps to accurately predict ovulation and the fertile phase.
3. It can lead to sexual frustration during periods of abstinence.
4. It can be difficult to accurately predict your fertile days. The length of your menstrual cycles and the day of ovulation may change each month.
5. Natural family planning may not be suitable for women who have irregular periods or are approaching the menopause.
6. Certain fertility indicators may be abnormal by disease and stress.

There are many smartphone apps available to help you track your cycles. However, before using the application and other devices, consult your doctor.

Before pregnancy, it is worth doing tests that will help you plan it properly, taking care of your and your future baby’s health. Prepare for pregnancy package – blood tests for the expectant mother can be safely and conveniently purchased at Medonet Market.