Natural Family Planning can be used to plan, space and avoid a pregnancy; there are books available, but it is recommended that the method is learned with suitable instruction from a qualified Natural Family Planning teacher. In the UK, Natural Family Planning IS available on the NHS, although not generally promoted, please see the links below for information on how to find a practitioner in the UK.
When used to avoid pregnancy and where the method has been well taught and followed with commitment, the effectiveness of the method compares favourably with other forms of contraception.
“For couples who are well taught and well motivated to keep the rules, the Natural Family Planning double check method is 98% effective when used to avoid pregnancy” European Multicentre Study of Natural Family Planning 1993
For couples planning to conceive, it provides a reliable indicator of the most fertile times when pregnancy is most likely to be achieved.
Once learned, the method can be used throughout a woman’s reproductive years and avoids the medical risks of ingesting dangerous drugs or using intrusive devices. Unlike the now outdated rhythm method, it uses a variety of daily observations which are charted and interpreted to establish fertile days; the period of time in which sexual intercourse should be avoided can be under a week.
The Dangers & Side Effects of Contraception
Contraceptive Pill – A chemical substance that interferes with the natural functioning of hormones and reproductive system; the Pill has been linked to cancer of the cervix, breast cancer, blood clots, birth defects and infertility and strokes, it has even been specifically blamed for the deaths of teenagers given the pill at a young age. Scientists are currently working on a male version of the pill.
The Coil (IUD) – A chemically coated device that is placed directly into the womb, side effects can include hormonal problems, an increased risk of ovarian cysts, bleeding problems and pelvic infections; there is also a risk of ectopic pregnancies with the coil.
Norplants – Several silicone rods are inserted under the skin for a period of five years, they alter hormonal balance and can be very difficult to remove; there have been thousands of law suits taken against the makers of this contraceptive due to the numerous side effects.
Male and female condoms - protect against sexually transmitted disease, but are unsuitable for those with a latex allergy, are not always reliable and in long term relationships can detract from the intimacy for a committed couple.
International Natural Family Planning Organisations
The National Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning Services
Offer education, information and counselling to couples about natural family planning and fertility awareness. The site has a database of qualified natural family planning teachers in the UK.
44 Park Street, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1DF
0115 877 8310
http://www.fertilityuk.org/
The National Association of Natural Family Planning Teachers (UK)
Birmingham Women’s Health Care (NHS Trust) Hospital
Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TG
0121 627 2698
National Association of the Ovulation Method of Ireland
Founded in 1971 to help Woman in Ireland understand and appreciate their fertility, N.A.O.M.I. teaches the Billings Ovulation Method (B.O.M.). N.A.O.M.I. is a charitable organisation so no fees will be charged for teaching, however donations may be given to cover the costs of materials etc. supplied.
http://www.naomi.ie/
The Couple to Couple League in Great Britain (CCL-GB)
This is the British arm of the Couple to Couple League International. The main purpose of CCL is to provide reliable information about Natural Family Planning within the context of the traditional Christian teaching in the area of married sexuality. They teach as couples, and invite married and engaged couples to join courses and also offer a home study programme.
http://www.cclgb.org.uk/
Official World Organisation Ovulation Method Billings (WOOMB)
An international organisation, literature available in at least 22 languages. Natural Family Planning teachers and centres all over the world.
http://www.woomb.org/
Natural Family Planning Books
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"The Billings Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning" by Dr. Evelyn L. Billings and Ann Westmore. ISBN: 091922517
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"Your Fertility Signals" by Merryl Winstein ISBN 0-9619401-0-
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"The Fertility Awareness Handbook" by Barbara Kass-Annese and Hal C. Danzer ISBN 0-89793-096-
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