Learning NFP – a personal account by Lea, aged 28
Lea is 28 years old, in her final year of medical school and is training to be a gynaecologist. She also shares her knowledge on Instagram via the account @verhütungswissen.
How did you come across NFP?
My mum told me about NFP back then and encouraged me to just give it a go. She’d had very positive experiences with it herself, and I found it exciting to get to know my body better and use a hormone-free method of contraception.
Did you have any concerns at the start that it wouldn’t work or wouldn’t be safe?
Yes, absolutely. At first, I really couldn’t imagine that you could identify so many ‘physical symptoms’. I also had doubts about whether I could interpret them correctly and whether I could really rely on the method. But over time, with the necessary knowledge and experience, my confidence in NFP has grown enormously.
What were the biggest hurdles for you and how did you overcome them?
The biggest hurdle for me was definitely taking my temperature in the morning. It was a new routine that took some getting used to. At some point, I switched to a more modern thermometer, which made the whole process much easier for me.
I also stopped writing everything down on paper after six months and switched to an app – that made my daily life much simpler. My partner was also involved right from the start, which gave me extra reassurance and support.
How do the people around you react when you tell them you’re using NFP?
Many are surprised at first – typical reactions are: “But that’s not reliable” or “You’re too young for that.” These days, however, most people are very interested and ask lots of questions. I often notice that people simply aren’t properly informed and are keen to learn more about the menstrual cycle.
Has your life changed as a result of NFP?
Yes, completely. I have a completely different body awareness now and am much more grateful for my regular cycle. I understand my hormonal phases much better and know how I usually feel during different parts of my cycle – that gives me a sense of security and self-confidence.
What’s your tip for beginners?
“Don’t give up too soon. It’s okay if everything doesn’t go perfectly straight away. Just give it a go, without any pressure. It’s so worth sticking with it – you’ll get to know your body in a completely new way.”