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Natural Family Planning

Strengthens relationship bond: Couples practicing NFP feel that they have a stronger relationship using NFP. Since communication is a key component of this method, partners enjoy becoming more in tune with one another on a variety of levels -- physically, emotionally and sexually.

Most Popular NFP Methods

The two most popular natural family planning methods are the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) and the Creighton Model FertilityCare System.

The Sympto-Thermal Method (STM)

The Sympto-Thermal Method uses signs of ovulation and temperature shifts. It's generally based on the observation of three key signs of fertility awareness. These include charting changes in:

STM can track other body signals like if you experience a headache, bloating, backache, or breast tenderness.

Creighton Model FertilityCare System

The Creighton Model FertilityCare System observes fertility as a part woman's health. The Creighton Model focuses solely on external cervical mucus, but more in-depth and specific than STM.

Creighton Model users have a "triangle of support" with research, education, and service provided. It presents detailed information which gives terrific insight for fertility awareness and a woman's overall health.

Which Method is Best for Me?

Each method has its pros and cons. What method you choose is not only a personal choice, but should work for your family.

Couples using STM might find that their temperatures are thrown off by a variety of factors such as alcohol use, illness, breastfeeding, and unusual sleep patterns. Most couples still feel empowered by being able to track multiple symptoms to discover shifts in fertility.

Couples who use the Creighton Model typically appreciate the in-depth observation and tracking changes in cervical mucus. This method is more popular with woman who have irregular periods or are breastfeeding or pre or post-menopausal.

For anyone who is concerned about infertility, the Creighton Model is at the center of the highly successful NaProTECHNOLOGY™ which treats infertility as a symptom of an underlying women's health issue.

Other natural family planning methods include: Ecological Breastfeeding, the Billings Method, Kippley-Prem Method (KPM) and the Rhythm Method. As mentioned previously, no method is 100 percent guaranteed.

You can find support in our Getting Pregnant Community. Join the Charting Your BBT and Fertility Cycle Forum and connect with other parents and parents-to-be.

Do you practice NFP? Tell us all about what works for you and your family!

Medical References:
- The NaProTechnology Revolution: Unleashing the Power in a Woman's Cycle (http://www.unleashingthepower.info/) : Includes an introduction to the Creighton Model, scientific information, medical risks of infertility, and more.
- "Effectiveness of the Creighton Model System"
"The effectiveness of a fertility awareness based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple’s sexual behavior during the fertile time: a prospective longitudinal study" 2007 German Study finding Natural Family Planning Method Effectiveness of 99.6%
"NFP & More, Inc. : In-depth information on the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM)"
- Weschler, Toni. "Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health"