Psychology as vital as technology in natural family planning
Contraceptive Technology Update 8(7): 85-87
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0274-726X PMID: 12341794 Document Number: 497547
Proponents of natural family planning (NFP) were interviewed to update thinking about these methods. People in general think that NFP means only the Rhythm method, and that it is ineffective. NFP teachers counter that there are many different ways of determining ovulation: basal temperature, cervical mucus, luteinizing hormone assays, salivary estrogen/progesterone level, oral/vaginal electrical resistance among others. Each of these techniques has its own effectiveness rate, which should be determined separately, and not lumped together. It is not valid to combined barrier methods with NFP to derive efficacy statistics, because perfect abstinence during the fertile period is absolutely effective, while all barrier methods are subject to failure. Furthermore, during the learning phase, abstinence should be practiced, so that the presence of vaginal secretions or semen does not obscure cervical symptoms. Good psychological rapport is the key to mastering NFP. Proponents believe that NFP is the best method for both sophisticated western couples and those in developing countries who are concerned about a highly effective and completely safe contraceptive method. The International Federation for Family Life Promotion has produced a 100-page guide for teaching NFP in developing countries.