Natural Family Planning (NFP) / Fertility Awareness

NFP Instruction at Planned Parenthood

Instruction consists of two, 1 ½ hour evening classes, and one or more individual follow-up sessions. A thermometer and handouts are provided. Each class builds upon earlier learning and the clients’ experience. The real learning takes place in the actual use of NFP. Due to the intimate nature of the subject matter, information shared during the class is voluntary and is considered confidential.

What is Natural Family Planning?

NFP allows a couple to achieve or avoid pregnancy by daily observation of physical changes that occur in a woman's body during her menstrual cycle. The woman or couple learns to identify days surrounding ovulation when conception is possible. Natural changes that occur in the cervix, cervical mucus, and basal body temperature identify the fertile and infertile phases in each menstrual cycle. A man is considered fertile all of the time, while a woman is fertile only a few days each menstrual cycle. This information enables couples to make responsible and knowledgeable decisions depending on their desire to achieve or avoid pregnancy.

When Can a Woman Use NFP?

Natural Family Planning can be used throughout a woman's reproductive lifetime: during regular or irregular cycles, after childbirth, while breastfeeding, after discontinuing the pill, and by women approaching menopause. changes are observed in the current cycle and NFP can be used successfully in all stages of life. 

Does NFP Work?

NFP is 97-99% effective for avoiding pregnancy when used exclusively. In order to achieve this high degree of effectiveness, a woman or couple must be motivated, willing to abstain during certain times in the cycle, and have a thorough understanding through instruction given by trained, certified instructors. When other contraceptive methods are used (such as diaphragm, condom and/or foam, cervical cap or vaginal sponge) during the fertile time, this is called Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) and its effectiveness varies depending on the method used.

What Are the Advantages of NFP?

* NFP is based on scientific and medical research

* can be used to achieve or avoid pregnancy

* natural and healthy with no side effects

* can be used throughout the child-bearing years

* involves no ongoing cost

* increased awareness and knowledge of a woman's body

* promotes shared responsibility

          * enhances mutual love and respect

The fee for the NFP class is based on a sliding scale. Registration is required as class sizes are limited.

Call (707) 442-5700 for more information or to register for a class.