IS THERE REALLY AN ALTERNATIVE TO BIRTH CONTROL?
THAT ACTUALLY WORKS?
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
is this Simple:
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1. We take cues our body gives us about our fertility
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2. Determine if they are fertile or infertile
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3. Use that information to help us achieve or avoid pregnancy
NFP is Not a Form of Birth Control and Doesn't Alter Fertility
But when used to avoid pregnancy, NFP has an effectiveness rate of 98-99% - the same as common forms of birth control used today.​
“It was only after a pregnancy and a miscarriage on an IUD that I learned about NFP and have used it both to avoid and achieve pregnancy.”
-Nia
F A Q
DOES NFP REALLY ACTUALLY WORK?
A: The truth is that NFP is as effective or more effective than some contraceptive options (in fact NFP can be 98-99% effective).
Most people think NFP is only for religious zealots that have huge families; ‘They must have so many kids because NFP didn’t work’. Many NFP users have large families not because of an NFP method failure, rather they knowingly embrace the fertile time with the understanding that new life is probable.
ISN'T NFP TOO MUCH WORK?
A: Practicing NFP is like brushing our teeth, it becomes part of our daily routine and not much thought is put into it. After a learning curve, which is natural when doing something new, NFP becomes similar to the ‘auto pilot’ experience we’ve all had while driving. It is a misconception that NFP consumes our days and takes too much time, rather with the advances in technology and method protocols, NFP is efficient and becomes habitual, you know kind of like that cup (or pot!) of coffee we drink in the morning.
IS NFP USABLE FOR NON-RELIGIOUS REASONS?
A: It's true that many people who practice NFP do it because they understand it to be God's call for family planning. However, many people choose NFP for health reasons and for the empowerment that comes forth through fertility awareness. Remember NFP is a healthy, hormone-free and effective alternative to birth control. Regardless of our faith journey, human bodies were all made the same and tracking our fertility is key, like a vital sign, when assessing our wellness.
AREN'T CONTRACEPTIVES AND NFP THE SAME WHEN THE INTENT IS TO AVOID A BABY?
A: The following analogy is a good parallel for this question:
While NFP-practicing couples and contracepting couples may often have the same intent to avoid a pregnancy, it is the route in which they family plan that matters. Think about this:
Two people have the same goal in mind, a fit figure but each one takes a different route:
Route #1: This person exercises regularly, chooses a healthy lifestyle, practices self control and abstains from unhealthy choices.
Route #2: This person also exercises regularly. He or she binges on the food that is pleasing and unhealthy, only to then purge it out.
Which person choose the healthy route to reach the desired outcome?
NFP says, use abstinence during the fertile time when trying to avoid pregnancy. Contraception says, binge on sex rather than abstaining and purge life giving potential.
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(Analogy paraphrased from Jason Evert).
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FERTILITY AWARENESS BASED METHODS (FABM) AND NFP?
A: NFP is categorized under the umbrella of a Fertility Awareness Based Method (FABM). Please take note that NFP is a FABM but FABM’s are not always an NFP method. Couples choosing to utilize barrier/withdraw while following a FABM are not practicing an NFP method.
"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect"
- Romans 12:2