Natural Way to Do Family Planning: A Guide
Natural family planning (NFP) methods are becoming increasingly popular among couples looking to plan their families without using hormonal contraceptives or invasive procedures. These methods rely on tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle and identifying the fertile window when pregnancy is most likely to occur. NFP methods are safe, effective, and can be used by couples who wish to space out or avoid pregnancy altogether. In this guide, we will explore the different NFP methods and how they work.
But before diving into the different NFP methods, it’s important to understand why family planning is important. Family planning refers to the practice of controlling the number and spacing of children a couple has, either through the use of contraception or other methods. Here are some of the reasons why family planning is crucial:
1. Health: Family planning helps prevent unintended pregnancies, which can have adverse health effects on both the mother and child. Women who become pregnant too soon after a previous birth are at a higher risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. By spacing out pregnancies, women have time to recover and replenish their nutritional stores, reducing the risk of complications during childbirth.
2. Education: Family planning allows women to delay pregnancy until they have completed their education and have established their careers. Studies have shown that women who have access to family planning are more likely to stay in school and pursue higher education, leading to better job opportunities and higher incomes.
3. Economic benefits: Family planning can also have economic benefits for families and society as a whole. When couples are able to plan the number and spacing of their children, they can better manage their resources and invest in their children’s education and future. This, in turn, can lead to a more productive workforce and a stronger economy.
Now that we’ve established why family planning is important, let’s explore the different natural family planning methods:
1. The calendar method: This method involves tracking the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle to determine her fertile window. The fertile window is the period of time when a woman is most likely to become pregnant. The calendar method is only effective if a woman’s menstrual cycle is regular, and it requires careful tracking and record-keeping.
2. The basal body temperature method: Basal body temperature method involves taking a woman’s temperature every morning before getting out of bed. A woman’s basal body temperature rises slightly during ovulation, so by tracking her temperature, she can identify her fertile window. This method is most effective when used in combination with the calendar method.
3. The cervical mucus method: This method involves tracking changes in the consistency and amount of cervical mucus throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. Cervical mucus changes in response to hormonal fluctuations, and becomes thinner and more slippery during ovulation. By monitoring these changes, a woman can identify her fertile window.
When using methods that rely on cervical mucus, be aware of any changes in your health or daily routine that could make reading the signs of ovulation difficult. Medications, feminine hygiene products, douching, sexual intercourse, breastfeeding, or having a pelvic exam in which lubrication is used all can change how the cervical mucus appears.
4. Symptothermal method: This method combines the calendar, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus methods to identify a woman’s fertile window. By tracking multiple signs, couples can increase the accuracy of their predictions and avoid unintended pregnancy.
It’s important to note that NFP methods require careful tracking and record-keeping, and are most effective when used consistently and correctly. They also require commitment and communication between partners, as both parties must be invested in the process.
Naijhealth Take
Natural family planning methods are safe, effective, and can be used by couples who wish to plan their families without using hormonal contraceptives or invasive procedures. By understanding the different methods available and their effectiveness, couples can make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family planning. Family planning is important for the health, education, and economic well-being of individuals and society as a whole, and natural family planning methods provide an effective and empowering way to achieve these goals.
