Natural Family Planning (NFP)

These methods involve finding out when a woman is at her most fertile, so that
she can be extra careful or avoid sex altogether during these times. This can be done by using
techniques such as the woman keeping a daily record of her body temperature using a special
fertility thermometer.

ADVANTAGES
Has no harmful effects on the body
Allows couples to become aware of their combined fertility potential, and can be used to better
plan or avoid pregnancy.
Promotes autonomy or independence for couples who wish to assume responsibility for their
own fertility.
Promotes couple involvement mutual cooperation, communication and responsibility, and
Is the method of choice for persons who seek natural control of their fertility
DISADVANTAGES
Requires instruction and follow up by a competent instructor in pinpointing the exact dates of
ovulation, on which determine of safe and unsafe days for intercourse hinges; requires
knowledge and skill.
Requires motivation as sexual abstinence on certain days may be difficult for some couples;
Pregnancy is possible if abstinence is not observed during the fertile days of the menstrual cycle;
and
If couple involvement is not a commitment, women may not be able to utilize NFP effectively.
Socio cultural reasons for non-use of contraception
Having experienced or fear of side effect
Widespread perceptions and beliefs about potential hazards
Sexual modesty of women is offended by the medical examination and consultation required for
the use of modern contraceptives
Buying, storing, and getting rid of condoms and diaphragms are also an embarrassment in many
countries.
The historical association that the condom is a mans protection against general disease when
consorting with prostitutes.

Nature of contraceptive methods of family planning
The general principle behind all family planning methods is to prevent the male sperm from
uniting with the egg cell.
There is no one method that suits every couple.
The different methods have different degrees of efficacy.
They are safe and have generally no ill effects.
Some methods are more difficult or less convenient than others.
They are within the reach of the average family and can be given free to couples who are unable
to pay anything for supplies and medical service in family planning clinics or centers.


Contraception
It comes from the latin word contra which means to opposed to and concepto meaning
conceive.
It is the prevention of the fusion of the sperm and egg cell during sexual activity.
It is the intentional prevention of conception by artificial or natural means.
Implications in the use of Contraceptive method
1. BIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS.
Methods of contraception which do not involve hormones (e.g barrier methods, etc) do
not really have any biological implications. However, there are many biological implications
when using the estrogen/progesterone pill.
Side effects and possible risks:
Some women may develop nausea and headaches
Tiredness and mood changes
Rise in blood pressure
May cause stroke or blood clot in the lungs.
Small increased risk of breast cancer.
2. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS.
In many parts of the world, the use of contraception is reffered to as Family Planning
Moral cases against contraception
Contraception is inherently wrong
It is anti life
It is un natural
Contraception brings bad consequences
It carries health risks
Contraception leads to immoral behavior
It makes easier for people to have sex outside marriage.
It leads to widespread sexual immortality
It allows people to have sex purely for enjoyment.
Factors to consider in choosing a Contraceptive Method
Effectiveness
Permanence
Availability/access
Cost
Side effects
Protection against sexually transmitted disease
Health risks
Partner involvement
PREPARED BY:
ROSCYN C. DATUL