Family planning is not a modern concept. Back in the 16th century, the Djenne people of West Africa began spacing apart their pregnancies by three years. Today, families have many more options and advanced technology that make family planning much easier.
Some families choose to go the natural family planning (NFP) route. This route avoids the use of pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, or surgery. The best part about natural family planning is that everyone involved will learn more about fertility and reading the body’s natural fertility signals.
To learn more about natural family planning and what it entails, keep reading below.
1. Monitor Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus is the professional term for vaginal discharge. Having no cervical mucus is normal when your period ends. At this time, pregnancy is less likely.
As the female reproductive system approaches ovulation, the discharge should be sticky and cloudy or appear more white. The volume will increase as well.
Then, the discharge will become more translucent and slippery. This is the most fertile time in a woman’s cycle. This is the time when pregnancy is most likely and families who are not having children should use contraception.
2. Check Basal Body Temperature
A basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature. It is typically achieved during sleep. Women following a natural family plan should take their basal body temperature right after they awaken.
During ovulation, a woman’s body temperature rises slightly. The difference is so small that women need a special thermometer to track it. It can be inserted into the mouth, anus, or vagina, but it must be placed in the same area every time.
Make sure to take the basal body temperature every day and record it. It can help estimate when ovulation occurs.
3. Your Partner Is Essential
Natural family planning involves becoming deeply familiar with a woman’s reproductive system. This is a very intimate process, and it requires love, trust, and communication between partners.
When following the natural family planning route, contraceptives are not used. That makes it crucial that partners are monogamous so as to reduce the risk of spreading a sexually transmitted disease.
4. Factors that Affect NFP
There are times when it may be difficult to follow through with natural family planning. Keep these situations in mind as you begin your journey.
Women with irregular menstrual cycles will have difficulty tracking their periods. This may also signal a hormonal imbalance, which is best investigated by a family planning specialist. Sometimes, however, an irregular period can be caused by lifestyle factors, like stress or excessive exercise.
Additionally, illness can affect natural family planning. Fevers in particular will affect the basal body temperature reading.
Assistance with Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning is an intimate, educational process that can bring healthy families closer together. However, finding a family planning specialist to assist with the process can improve the results. They can provide an expert source of support and add medical insight that the family may not have.
For professional medical guidance on natural family planning, contact Women’s Health Associates to have all your questions answered.
