Natural Family Planning, also known as the rhythm or fertility-based method, is aform of birth control that relies on timed intercourse or sexual activity. It is important to be able to recognize the signs of ovulation and abstain from intercourse during the “fertile” period or use a backup birth control method.
There are different types of Natural Family Planning. It is essential that you receive proper training for your chosen method by your Oakdale ObGyn provider. These types include:
- Basal body temperature method
- Ovulation/cervical mucus method
- Symptothermal method
- Calendar method
- Lactational amenorrhea
Natural Family Planning is not as effective as some other birth control methods. One out of every four women who use Natural Family Planning becomes pregnant. It is not recommended that you use Natural Family Planning if:
- You are a women should not get pregnant for medical reasons
- Your cycles are irregular
- You are unable to tell when you are ovulating
- Have abnormal bleeding, vaginitis or cervicitis, as these conditions make the cervical mucus method unreliable
- You are on certain medications that may change your vaginal secretions
- You have health problems unrelated to fertility that may cause changes in your body temperature.
To learn if this birth control option is right for you, talk with your Oakdale ObGyn doctor or nurse practitioner.