Natural family planning (NPF) or “periodic abstinence” according the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods rely on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. (-USCCB)

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NFP is based on biology, and has a high degree of reliability when used correctly.  
NFP can help a husband and wife become pregnant within 3-6 months. 

"NFP teaches a husband and wife to identify their "fertile window." This is the time in the wife's menstrual cycle when she is ovulating and therefore more likely to become pregnant if she and her husband have conjugal relations. The fertile window includes information about three biological facts:

• Female ovulation with it corresponding sign of cervical fluid (mucus)
• The life of the female mature egg (12 to 24 hours)
• The life of the male sperm in the female body when cervical fluid is present (up to 6 days)"

("NFP and Effectiveness" - USCCB)

NFP is 99% effective when used to avoid pregnancy. It is also highly effective when used to achieve pregnancy.

 

"Since NFP methods are not contraception, their effectiveness works both ways—for achieving and postponing pregnancy.

Attempting Pregnancy

When couples wish to attempt pregnancy they can time sexual intercourse to the fertile window of the menstrual cycle, thereby optimizing the possibility of becoming pregnant.

Avoiding Pregnancy

When wishing to avoid pregnancy, studies show that couples who follow their NFP method’s guidelines correctly, and all the time, achieve effectiveness rates of 97-99%.

Others, who are unclear about their family planning intention (i.e., spacing or limiting pregnancy) or are less motivated, will not consistently follow the method’s guidelines and have a lower effectiveness rate of 80-90%."

("What is Natural Family Planning?" - USCCB)

Taking a class from an experienced instructor is the best way to learn NFP.
While NFP is easy to learn, you want to follow the guidance and expertise of an instructor. Everyone’s body is unique and everyone’s situation is different. NFP teachers are thoroughly trained. Most practice the method themselves and have taught countless others to do the same.

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The Rhythm method consisted of counting days on a calendar with no room for cycle to cycle variations. Modern methods of NFP are based on daily observance of the bio-markers or signs of fertility and infertility (such as cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and changes in the cervix).
NFP is a scientific and researched based method, whereas the Rhythm Method was mostly guesswork.

Read more from the Natural Womanhood website: https://naturalwomanhood.org/fam-basics-what-is-the-rhythm-method-natural-birth-control/

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The woman observes her fertile signs as she goes about her normal daily routine. She records them on her chart once each evening or even on her iPhone health app. After the initial class, there is no more monetary investment. The spouses can feel peace that it is morally acceptable and there will never be any negative side-effects.

When one learns the basics of NFP, you will be taught to identify the natural patterns of your fertility cycle. If these natural patterns appear irregularly, it would be important for you to connect with a trained NFP instructor or physician. Fertility cycles can point to underlying symptoms which can best be interpreted by a trained NFP instructor or physician.

Every couple, regardless of religion, wants the benefits that NFP provides (greater intimacy, a drug free body, improved communication, etc.)
NFP is for anyone; it is based on the biology of the human body which is the same regardless of religious belief.

NFP is used effectively by millions of people worldwide!

Most women can learn to recognize their signs of fertility within 1 month of learning and become confident within 3 months. NFP is especially important to learn as information obtained through charting can be a valuable diagnostic tool for the woman's physician.

Couples are encouraged to attend an NFP class as early as 4 – 6 months before marriage, but it’s never too late to learn!

Sign up as soon as possible.

With something as serious as family planning, taking a class with an NFP teacher is essential. Your instructor will be a valuable resource both now and for whatever situation you may need assistance with in the future.

Besides selecting from the available NFP classes, contact an NFP teacher near you. Some NFP teachers may be willing to add a class, make special arrangements, provide some follow-up via phone or other formats to accommodate you.

In your initial Natural Family Planning class, expect to learn what NFP is, why it is beneficial, the spiritual and relational aspects of NFP and the science behind it. You will also learn specific signs of fertility and infertility to look for in your body on a daily basis. In addition, you will see example NFP charts and learn how to chart your signs of fertility. You will also learn the guidelines necessary to use the method to achieve or avoid pregnancy.

In subsequent meetings, you will meet one-on-one to review the chart of your actual data. The instructor is trained to assess your ability to interpret your data accurately and are able to identify the fertile days and do not miss any infertile days. Additionally, your instructor will be able to help you and your fiancé/spouse navigate any difficulties you may share.

After the initial class, you will start to recognize the signs of fertility and infertility within your own body. Many couples find it interesting and empowering to begin to notice these signs. In general, follow-up sessions will include further discussion and review of the method and an opportunity to do some practice charting exercises. You will chart your signs between the follow-up sessions and have the opportunity to review your charts with your instructor as well as get help with any questions you may have.

Please contact our Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life Ministries at (920) 272-8315 to inquire further about assistance.