What is Natural Family Planning (NFP)?
Natural family planning refers to methods of birth control which are approved by some protestant denominations and the Catholic Church. The method utilizes the body’s natural physiological changes and some symptoms in order to identify the fertile window and infertile phase of the menstrual cycle. Although these methods can be effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy, they depend on the awareness and the capability of the couple to identify these phases effectively. Natural family planning methods also call for cooperation to abstain from or engage in sexual intercourse dependent on whether the couple is trying to achieve or avoid pregnancy. The types of NFP methods include; periodic abstinence, lactational amenorrhea method, and coitus interruptus. NFP is advantageous for women who cannot use artificial contraception methods due to myths, religion or fears. In addition, NFP is disadvantageous in that it is unreliable in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy since it takes time to practice and use them properly and neither do they protect individuals against contracting STIs.
Describe the 3 Primary ovulation symptoms.
The signs of ovulation differ among women. Some may not even experience ovulation symptoms. Chances of getting pregnant among women are all superimposed on ovulation and thus it is very important to ensure that one is familiar with ovulation symptoms and its working. There are some primary symptoms of ovulation that occur in most women. The three primary signs include; changes in cervical fluid commonly to egg white, fluctuations in the basal metabolic body temperature. There is usually a slight decline and a sharp increase in basal body temperature before and after ovulation respectively. Thirdly is the change in the cervical position. The cervix becomes high, soft, wet and more open during ovulation.
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Describe the 7 Secondary ovulation symptoms.
Apart from the primary symptoms which are used to track ovulation in a more accurate manner, there are other signs which women may experience but they are not consistent for all women. These are called the secondary symptoms and learning to track them helps to understand one's time of ovulation in a more pronounced way. Secondary signs of ovulation include; light spotting, abdominal bloating, tenderness of the breasts, increased sex drive, a heightened sense of smell and taste, slight cramping and back pains.
Describe the various protocols and methods available today.
There are several protocols and methods available under NFP. Some of these methods include the calendar calculation which involves the prediction of the fertile phase through menstrual dating. Lactational amenorrhea maximizes the suppression of ovulation during breastfeeding which is limited to six months of postpartum. Thirdly is the basal body temperature charting which identifies the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and also the cervical mucus monitoring which identifies the beginning and end of the fertile period based on cervical secretions.
Describe some ways in which NFP is healthier than contraception.
NFP is healthier for women’s health. This is because of the uncountable side effects of contraception. Some of the side effects of contraception include; breast cancer for oral contraceptives, stroke risks, heart attack due to faster plaque of arteries among others. Secondly, NFP permits the growth of true love since contraception takes away the intrinsic meaning of union and procreation which are gifts from God. NFP embraces the unitive and procreative meaning of marital intimacy. NFP promotes healthier relationships by reducing rates of infidelity, boosting levels of morality, re-gaining of the womanish respect, etc. Therefore, the NFP is a healthier protocol of naturally regulating birth rates without having to betray one's conscience and religious affiliations.
