Natural family planning

In natural family planning, a woman keeps a diary of her periods for a few months to find out when she is most and least likely to get pregnant. Then she can then avoid having sex or use other contraceptive methods when it's more likely she will get pregnant.

Natural family planning should only be used if you have been taught how to by a specialist teacher. Every woman is different so it needs to be well understood to be effective.  It does NOT mean ‘withdrawal’ (removing the penis before the man cums).

In some women natural family planning may be effective at preventing pregnancy, but only if several indicators are used together. Natural family planning will NOT protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Natural family planning needs time and commitment as it works by the woman observing and recording the different natural signs on each day of her monthly cycle, this includes

• Monitoring temperature
• Cervical secretions (cervical mucus)
• Calculating how long your menstrual cycle is

Changes in these indicators can help identify the time when the woman is most fertile. You can also use fertility monitoring devices available from the chemist.

Where to go for natural family planning advice

Your local Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) clinic can give you advice on natural family planning.