Natural Family Planning is becoming more and more popular! A few years ago, the pill was used almost exclusively as a hormonal contraceptive. But body awareness has changed considerably. More and more people now want to use contraception without hormones. Many stop taking the pill after years of use. This is because hormonal contraceptive methods influence the hormone balance and can have various side effects. But what safe alternatives are there? Condoms are one popular barrier method. However, if you want an even more natural method, why not try NFP? Natural Family Planning teaches you to interpret various body signals correctly. You then use additional contraceptives only on the fertile days. Here is how:
Natural Family Planning – A contraception without hormones
Natural Family Planning (NFP) includes all contraceptive methods that do not influence hormones or your body in general. Therefore, there are no physical side effects. Although "family planning" is in the name, these hormone-free methods are suitable for both planning and avoiding pregnancy. However, successful application requires practice and time. It also requires strong body awareness and a conscious examination of one's own body. These methods are based on the natural menstrual cycle. They use various criteria to determine when ovulation occurs. This makes it possible to identify both the approximately five to six fertile days and the remaining infertile days in the cycle of a menstruating person. On fertile days, additional barrier methods such as condoms are used if pregnancy is not desired. By consciously observing the cycle, a better understanding of one's own body is developed.
What methods of Natural Family Planning are used?
Hormone-free contraception as part of Natural Family Planning includes the Billings method, the temperature method and the symptothermal method.
1. Billings method
With this method, the change in cervical mucus is observed every day. Shortly before and around ovulation, the consistency of the mucus changes. This allows the fertile days of the cycle to be determined. On fertile days, the cervical mucus tends to be thin and more abundant. This has natural advantages. It acts as a natural lubricant, helping sperm reach the uterus. On infertile days, the cervical mucus tends to be thick, inelastic, or not present at all. It takes practice to correctly categorize the mucus and spot the differences. However, the analysis can be done during a normal visit to the toilet. It becomes natural over time.
2. Temperature method
With this method, the basal body temperature is measured orally every day. The basal temperature is measured for three minutes immediately after waking up, before getting up. The basal body temperature changes during the menstrual cycle. Shortly after ovulation it rises by a few tenths of a degree for at least three days in a row. This allows ovulation and the fertile days to be determined retrospectively. The following infertile days can then be identified as well. Since the change in temperature is very slight, it is important to use a thermometer with two decimal places.
3. Symptothermal method
With this method, both basal body temperature and cervical mucus are documented and interpreted together. It combines the temperature method with the Billings method. Therefore, this mixed method is best suited for Natural Family Planning.
This is how Natural Family Planning works:
How do I keep track of everything? For Natural Family Planning, you must observe various characteristics daily. These include basal body temperature and the composition of the cervical mucus. You also document the first and last day of menstruation. Other parameters, such as mood swings, can be recorded as well. This requires discipline. Only with continuous and conscientious documentation can these methods provide certainty.
The greater the period of time when data is recorded for natural family planning, the greater the certainty of avoiding an unwanted pregnancy.
The analysis and documentation of the data can be done either analog or digital. For example, a menstrual calendar, a cycle app or a cycle computer can be used. However, it is advisable to start by recording the data in a menstrual calendar in the traditional way. This helps you learn to evaluate the characteristics independently.
Learning how to use the Natural Family Planning method
To learn NFP correctly, conscious observation of one's own body is very important. There are trained NFP consultants who can provide individual advice and information. There are also good books on the topic. Here are two recommendations:
- Natural & Safe by the NFP Working Group
- Natürlich verhüten by Dorothee Struck
The right contraception for you is …
Not sure if Natural Family Planning is right for you? No problem. Inform yourself about the different types of contraceptives and choose what suits you and your body best. In addition to hormone-free methods, there is also a selection of hormonal variants. If you have any questions or need advice about contraception, talk to the gynecologist of your choice.
And what kind of contraception are you using?
Feel free to tell us about your personal experiences with different contraceptive methods in the comments or in a private message. What is your favourite method of contraception? What works well for you? And which methods have you already tried? We look forward to hearing from you!
Note: Like hormonal contraceptives, Natural Family Planning methods do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
