Deciding if and when to have a baby is a big decision.
Thevast majority of birth control optionshave the potential for some side effects.
What exactly is natural family planning, and what happens if you decide to try it?
I spoke to several women who have used it to find out.
What is natural family planning?
Natural family planning is not reserved only for birth control.
In fact, some couples use it to help them get pregnant.
As a form of birth control, the idea is to avoid intercourse during this window.
Natural family planning methods are also referred to asfertility awareness methods.
By knowing your most fertile window, you might either avoid pregnancy or plan for it.
This involves tracking the changes to your body throughout the month in very concrete and specific ways.
“Natural family planning helps you build confidence and trust in your physical body,” she said.
“It’s like a private conversation with yourself.
‘Taking Charge of Your Fertility’
Hormonal birth control doesn’t give you freedom.
Knowledge gives you freedom.
Learn about your body.
There’s always a pharmaceutical company making money by convincing you to buy what they’re selling.
These changes are impacted by hormone levels that also change throughout your cycle.
This means if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, this is probably not the time to have sex.
On the other hand, if you want a baby, this might be your most fertile window.
For Trethaway, this was the most annoying part of natural family planning.
Home ovulation tests
Research has shown that home ovulation tests areeffective at detecting ovulationduring peak fertility.
Still, depending on your goals, combining methods may be most effective.
In fact, there are several.
Still, these are just a few of the apps out there.
How effective is natural family planning?
Lyndie Giles, who used natural family planning to get pregnant, is one.
“I have mild cramping and I start having moderate mucus discharge.
I also have a slightly stronger sex drive during that three to four day period.”
“It’s not 100 percent effective for preventing pregnancy,” she said.
Is natural family planning right for you?
Giles told me that she would absolutely recommend natural family planning for couples trying to get pregnant.
