Finding out more
Methods of NFP
M
Natural Family Planning involves the woman checking her fertility by observing simple signs such as changes in cervical mucus and temperature on waking. Women can only conceive for a short time each month, so finding out when this phase occurs can enable the couple to avoid or achieve pregnancy.
any people have heard that NFP ‘does not work’ – and indeed, some older methods of NFP, such as the so-called ‘rhythm method’, were sometimes unreliable. However, modern methods of NFP, such as the Billings and symptothermal methods, have a high success-rate and a strong scientific base. More importantly, NFP is good for couples: it promotes love, respect and communication between husband and wife, as well as preparing them to welcome any future children they may have. Couples who would like to hear more about these benefits – whether or not they have been using contraception in the past - should contact the addresses opposite for information on NFP. A decision not to use contraception can only be good for the couple who make it: respect for the meaning of marital sex in God’s plan will be richly rewarded.
Ovulation methods such as the Billings method rely on the observation and sensation of cervical mucus, which becomes clear, wet and stretchy when the woman reaches ovulation. The FertilityCare (Creighton) method is based on the Billings method and also relies on this sign, which is seen as the best indicator of fertility. The woman records her observations on a chart, and is taught patterns marking the fertile and infertile times in her cycle. With Symptothermal methods, the woman takes her temperature every day, as well as observing her cervical mucus and charting her cycle. Symptothermal instructors may also recommend observing other changes in the cervix. Alternatively, there are new technologies available commercially for checking fertility for example, LadyComp, Bioself, Safe and Persona. These vary in their success-rates, but can be helpful for some couples.
For More Information Catechism of the Catholic Church, paras 2360-2379 Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI Evangelium Vitae, Pope John Paul II Familiaris Consortio, Pope John Paul II Key Books to Read Contraception & Chastity - CTS (Ex 14) Gift of Life and Love - CTS (Ex 08) Love and Responsibility, Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) Why Humanae Vitae Was Right: A Reader, Janet Smith Contacts and Websites www.woomb.org www.fertilitycare.co.uk www.linacre.org
www.billingsnaomi.org www.lifefertility.co.uk
Life Health Centre (0151) 2280353 London Fertility Care Centre (020) 74370892 Billings Family Life Centre (020) 77930026 NAOMI (01444) 881744 Fertility Education Trust (029) 20754628 Linacre Centre for Healthcare Ethics (020) 78064088
A wide range of inexpensive publications is available from CTS to help nurture your faith and keep you informed about a wide range of issues. If you would like to receive further information please contact us: CTS, 40-46 Harleyford Road, London SE11 5AY Or visit www.cts-online.org.uk Tel: 020 7640 0042 Fax: 020 7640 0046
Linacre Centre ISBN 978 1 86082 350 3
LF 33
All rights reserved. © 2005 Incorporated Catholic Truth Society. Cover image © Cameron/CORBIS, © Royalty-Free/Getty Images, © RoyaltyFree/Corbis, © Royalty-Free/Corbis.