Natural family planning.

The term natural family planning (NFP) covers any method women can use to accurately identify the fertile period of the menstrual cycle. They can use it either to control births by abstaining from sexual intercourse during the fertile period or to plan a pregnancy. The rhythm method assumes ovulation occurs on day 14 of a regular 28 day cycle but most women experience some albeit small variation in the cycle. The hormones that are linked to a maturing egg stimulate production of cervical mucus. This mucus allows sperm to survive for 3-5 days so they can fertilize the egg when released. Cervical mucus ceases after ovulation. The fertilized egg implants in the uterus. The embryo secretes hormones that maintain the endometrium. If fertilization does not occur the uterine lining detaches and menstruation begins. Couples using NFP are taught the observable signs of ovulation: cervical mucus and slight temperature increase. The three NFP methods are cervical mucus basal body temperature and sympto-thermal. NFP is a reliable method when used accurately and consistently. Its effectiveness depends on the couples motivation. The leading advantage of NFP is no adverse physical side effects. Other advantages are: its effectiveness depends only on motivation rather than on a potentially faulty device poor fit or wrong dosages; no waiting period before attempting a pregnancy; no risk to the fetus should unplanned pregnancy occur; not age dependent; not dependent on stage of a womans life cycle; and incurs no costs. Couples must be aware that barrier methods have relatively high failure rates so using them during the fertile period places them at risk of pregnancy. Medical assistants can provide information on the NFP choice to clients who have problems with current contraceptive method who are concerned about pregnancy who are experiencing infertility and who want general advice on birth control.