So you've heard about Natural Family Planing and it sound great (hey, we're all trying to do things naturally these days ), but you're also a bit nervous. You've herd some people say that it can't be trusted and you might end up with an unexpected pregnancy. But what does the research say? Is it really any less effective then hormonal, or other methods of birth control? Take a look at an article published by the BBC to clear up some popular myths and get the facts.
A natural family planning method is as effective as the contraceptive pill, German research suggests.
The symptothermal method (STM) assesses fertility levels during the monthly cycle by measuring body temperature, and observing cervical secretions.
The Human Reproduction study found using STM correctly led to a rate of 0.4 pregnancies per 100 women per year.
UK experts said natural family planning was effective - provided it was taught properly and carried out correctly.
A University of Heidelberg team assessed STM in a study of 900 women.
The lowest pregnancy rate was found among women who abstained from sex during their most fertile period, as defined by STM.
Among those who used a barrier method during this time, such as a condom, the pregnancy rate rose to 0.6 pregnancies per 100 women per year.
Even among those women who had unprotected sex during the fertile period, the pregnancy rate was only 7.5 pregnancies per 100 women per year - around a quarter of the rate one would usually expect.
The researchers believe this was because the women probably only had unprotected sex around the boundaries of their most fertile period.
For a contraceptive method to be rated as highly effective it should lead to less than one pregnancy per 100 women per year when used correctly.
Effective alternative
Lead researcher Dr Petra Frank-Herrmann said: "We maintain that the effectiveness of STM is comparable to the effectiveness of modern contraceptive methods such as oral contraceptives, and is an effective and acceptable method of family planning."
STM is governed by a precise set of rules, which do take some time to learn.
Some studies have suggested that a woman's libido is higher during her fertile period, and this could be one of the reasons why natural family planning methods have had a reputation for being less effective than other methods of family planning.
However, Prof Frank-Herrmann said: "There are studies that suggest that this is only the case for a small proportion of women, and that, in fact, women also identify other parts of their cycle with increased sexual desire."
Toni Belfield, of the Family Planning Association (FPA), said: "Natural family planning when taught properly and carried out correctly is a highly effective method of family planning.
"Research has always shown that combining two or more fertility indicators is more effective than relying on a single fertility indicator.
Bet you are pleasantly surprised by the findings of the study. Ask you doctor about their feelings on the Symto-Thermal Method, you might be surprised once again. With such a high level of reliability, it is really just a matter of doing a bit of research before you are well on you way to a safe, natural, and extremely effective method of birth control.
Take a look at Cyclotest, a simple cycle computer that takes the complexity out of the Symto-Thermal Method. Just use the device to take your temperature in the morning, and the rest is done for you.
It will tell you when you are most fertile, those days each cycle when intercourse might lead to pregnancy. Once you know that information you can decide what precautions to take if you wish to avoid becoming pregnant. On your non fertile days, you can be feel free to be intimate without worrying about birth control. The science of the system means that it is extreemly uncommon to concive durring those days.
Simple, remarkably reliable, and one-hundred precent hormone free. And the best thing is, when you are ready to become pregnant, unlike hormonal methods of birth control, this method will enhance, not hinder, your efforts. Take control of your body and your love life now!
Read original article here: http://ethicalfamilyplanning.com/bbc-online-report-on-natural-contraception
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