Learning NFP – here’s how
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a method that allows you to consciously avoid or try to achieve pregnancy.
NFP is a symptothermal method. This means that you measure your basal body temperature and also monitor another bodily sign: your cervical mucus or, alternatively, your cervix. This makes the method particularly reliable.
I’d like to learn NFPBuy the right thermometer
To measure your waking temperature, you’ll need a suitable thermometer. This can be either an analogue or a digital thermometer. If you prefer a digital thermometer, make sure it displays two decimal places.
Take your temperature for 3 minutes in the morning before you get out of bed, even if the thermometer beeps before then.
Keep track of your cycle
Start tracking your cycle and record your observations on the NFP cycle chart provided by the NFP Working Group or in the ovolution cycle app. As well as your basal body temperature, you should regularly check your cervical mucus or the opening of your cervix. However, other physical signs – such as your libido, mid-cycle pain, breast tenderness or other symptoms – can also provide additional clues about your cycle. Feel free to record everything.
Learn the method
The symptothermal method (NFP) is the most reliable alternative to the pill, provided you understand the principles and can apply them correctly. So make sure you read up on it and test your knowledge during an NFP consultation. We can recommend the standard reference works and, as certified NFP counsellors, are happy to assist you with a consultation.
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about NFP (Natural Family Planning)
Am I actually always fertile?
No. Quite the opposite, actually. There are only about 6 days in your cycle when you’re potentially fertile.
What is cervical mucus?
Cervical mucus has nothing to do with abnormal discharge. It is produced by oestrogen during the first phase of the menstrual cycle and is a sign of fertility. Why not see if you can spot it? It does sometimes look like quark or egg white.
Do I have to take my temperature at the same time every day?
A resounding NO. You need to find out whether your body reacts differently depending on the time of day you take your measurements. Simply take your measurements every time you wake up and make a note of what time it was.
What is a fault?
Various factors can affect your temperature readings. This means that your temperature may be high even though you are at the low point of your temperature curve. Such factors might include, for example, alcohol consumed the night before, stress or an illness.
What affects my basal body temperature?
There are various factors that can affect your temperature. For example: a cold or illness, drinking alcohol when you’re not used to it, a short or disturbed night’s sleep, stress, or taking your temperature too late.
How safe is NFP?
Natural family planning has a Pearl Index of 0.4, making it just as reliable as the pill. And in fact, user safety is higher than with the pill!
What are the benefits of NFP if I’m planning to have children?
You’ll learn to identify your most fertile days and can choose to have unprotected sex or plan conception. This is particularly helpful if you have irregular cycles. What’s more, you won’t need a pregnancy test – or you can take the test at the right time. And the calculation of your due date is more accurate than your gynaecologist’s.
Does NFP still work if I go out partying at the weekend?
The same applies here: give it a go. Use the first few months to work out whether anything is bothering you, and if so, what exactly. Is it the party, the alcohol or the lack of sleep?
I forgot to take my temperature. Can I still track my cycle?
Yes. Probably. But perhaps a day or two later, depending on which readings are missing. Try to remember to do it as often as possible. After all, the same applies to taking readings: practice makes perfect.
Can I track my period even if I’m on the pill?
No, unfortunately that’s not possible. The pill suppresses your natural cycle. Your body thinks you’re pregnant, so you don’t ovulate.
I’m still on the pill. Can I start using NFP straight away in the first cycle after I stop taking it?
Yes, absolutely! If you stop taking the pill, you can start using NFP straight away in your first cycle! There’s a special rule that applies to you in your first cycle.
Do I always ovulate on the 14th day of my cycle?
Probably not. And only about 14% of people who menstruate have a 28-day cycle. The best way to find out is to take your basal body temperature in the morning.
When do I ovulate?
We never know exactly when we’ll ovulate. However, you can tell when you’ve ovulated by the rise in your temperature.
What happens to the sperm if I’m not fertile?
If you are not fertile (no cervical mucus and the cervix is firm and closed), the sperm will die after about half an hour.
Do you have any more questions?
Please feel free to get in touch and we’ll answer your question.
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