FAQs About NFP

NFP: Questions and Answers

How effective is Natural Family Planning?

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and a World Health Organization study show that the Billings Ovulation Method and the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning are 98.6-99% effective in postponing pregnancy when couples are properly taught and the method is followed correctly.

To view studies:

http://www.woomb.org/bom/trials/index.html

Is the Billings Ovulation Method the same as the "Rhythm Method"?

No. The Billings Ovulation Method is very different from the Calendar Rhythm Method. Rhythm, which was developed in the 1930s, is based on a calculation of a woman's previous menstrual cycle lengths. In the Billings Ovulation Method, which was developed in the1950's, fertile and infertile phases of the cycle are determined by observing the normal changes in cervical mucus secretions which every fertile woman experiences.

Who developed the Billings Ovulation Method?

The Billings Ovulation Method was developed in the 1950's by Drs. John and Lyn Billings of Melbourne, Australia. Dr. John Billings is a neurologist and Dr. Lyn is a pediatrician. They have taught the Billings Method all over the world and today they spend much of their time teaching in China.

What does the Church teach about Natural Family Planning?

Pope John Paul II quoting Humanae Vitae states that "'any action, which either before, at the moment of, or after sexual intercourse, is specifically intended to prevent procreation is morally wrong. If there are reasonable grounds for spacing births, arising from the physical or psychological conditions of husband or wife, or from external circumstances, the Church teaches that then married people may take advantage of the natural cycles imminent in the reproductive system and use their marriage at precisely those times that they are infertile, and in this way control birth without offending moral principles...'" (General Audience of August 8, 1984, quoting Humanae Vitae 16).

What does Natural Family Planning do for a marriage?

Couples have found that NFP has made them more aware of their combined fertility, opened new avenues of communication, and has added an enriching dimension to their marriage. In addition, the divorce rate among couples using NFP is less than two percent.

Are doctors familiar with NFP?

Most physicians are not taught Natural Family Planning methods in medical school. However, a growing number of physicians are embracing Natural Family Planning methods as part of their practice. Contact One More Soul for a directory of NFP-only physicians.

I am currently using the Pill. Can I stop using it at any time?

You can quit your packet at any point during your cycle. You do not need to complete this month's pills. Most women will experience a withdrawal bleed after taking their last pill. Although it can take up to two years for the Birth Control Pill to be completely out of your body, many women will return to normal cycling after three or four months of discontinuing the Pill. And we've heard the remaining pills are good for plants!

Can breastfeeding mothers use NFP?

Yes. During breastfeeding a woman may experience a time of natural infertility. This time, however, is variable for every woman and for every pregnancy. This time of infertility depends upon the inter-relationship of many factors including the baby and mother's needs, and the style and frequency of feeding. The Office of Marriage & Family offers special classes for breastfeeding mothers to help them learn how to use NFP and chart while breastfeeding.

I have heard that light can affect a woman's ability to conceive. Is this true?

Yes! Joy DeFelice, R.N., B.S.N., P.H.N., of Spokane, Washington has identified that the presence of light during a woman's primary sleeping hours can have a powerful effect on the hormones which govern a woman's menstrual cycle.

DeFelice began studying the light factor in 1976. She has discovered that in many cases of infertility, the presence of light has proven to be the fundamental reason for couples being unable to conceive. In addition, women with too much light may have long fertile phases, spotting in the early stages of pregnancy, and irratic basal body temperatures.

To overcome this problem, DeFelice suggests decreasing the light in a bedroom until total darkness is reached. This can include covering all digital lights with a dark washcloth (especially digital clocks) and covering windows with either room darkening shades and/or drapes, or when that is not possible to use a heavy blanket to cover the windows.

Common sources of light include: nightlights, moonlight, streetlight, and lights from computers, cellphones, TVs and VCRs. Any light, whether natural or artificial may have an effect on the cycle. For more information, read the article on the Light Factor.

Who can use Natural Family Planning?

Because the Billings Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning is based on each woman's unique and individual cycles, anyone can use the method.

Whether a woman is discontinuing contraceptive medication, breastfeeding, approaching menopause, has irregular cycles, or the couple simply wants to develop a healthy awareness of fertility, the Billings Ovulation Method can provide valuable information.

Through private or group instruction, couples learn to chart their signs of fertility and infertility. Frequent and confidential follow-up chart reviews allow the couple to gain confidence in the method and assurance of its success in their marriage.

What is the cost for Natural Family Planning?

Natural Family Planning is covered by many health insurance plans. If it is not, a sliding fee scale is used to cover instructions, materials, and follow-up. This fee is based on income and family size and may be waived or reduced if necessary.

Once the Billings Ovulation Method is learned, charts and stamps cost approximately $4 per year.

How can I learn more about Natural Family Planning?

Contact the Office of Marriage & Family at 320-252-4721 or 1-800-624-9019, or email NFP.

How do I begin using Natural Family Planning?

In order to begin using NFP, couples are encouraged to attend instruction as early as four to six months before marriage. Women who are discontinuing use of the Pill or any other contraceptives can begin as soon as they discontinue their use.

Couples are asked to contact an instructor whenever they have questions regarding the use of NFP, especially if their circumstances change.

After the First Instruction, follow-up chart reviews are scheduled at two-week intervals. Second and Third Instruction are approximately one and two months after the initial instruction.

When and where are NFP classes held?

Classes are held throughout the United States and world. In Saint Cloud, classes are held at the Office of Marriage & Family at 305 Seventh Avenue North, Suite 100. Classes are also held in various locations throughout the diocesan 16-county area of Central Minnesota. Several class times and dates are available each month. To see the class times view the calendar.