Natural Family Planning vs. The Rhythm Method
Choosing an Effective and Healthy Form of Birth Control
Contrary to the common misconception, Natural Family Planning (NFP) is not synonymous with the Rhythm Method. Natural Family Planning is based on the understanding that a woman is only fertile between 100 and 120 hours every month. If properly charted, sexual activity can readily be avoided during this window of fertility. When practiced correctly this method of birth control has proven to be 99% accurate in preventing pregnancy. Likewise, adhering to Natural Family Planning can also aid a couple in achieving a planned pregnancy.
The Rhythm Method
Different than NFP, the Rhythm Method of birth control is calculated based on a woman's previous menstrual cycle. To the Rhythm Method's fault the rigidness of the calendar fails to recognize natural changes in a woman's cycle, despite that fluctuation within a day or so is quite common. Ovulation occurs approximately fourteen days before the onset of menstruation, thus if a woman truly experiences no variation in the lengths of her monthly cycles she may be able to effectively use this method to prevent pregnancy.
Determining the Window of Fertility with NFP
Ovulation, the process by which an egg is released from one of the ovaries, occurs every menstrual cycle. Once released, the egg travels through the fallopian tubes where fertilization may or may not occur. An egg will survive for approximately twelve hours and if it remains unfertilized it will be shed during the woman's subsequent period. Determining precisely when a woman is ovulating is not an exact science, however the body does have several methods of letting a woman and her partner know when she is most apt to conceive.
With a basal body temperature thermometer, a woman should take her temperature every morning before getting out of bed. By daily charting her temperature she will notice a slight increase on the days she is ovulating. In addition to body temperature, mucus consistency should also be observed. The days immediately preceding and following ovulation will be marked by cervical mucus. This mucus differs from normal vaginal discharge in that it is clear and stretchy. Some describe it as resembling an uncooked egg white. Other signs of ovulation are bloating, pain in the area of the ovaries and tenderness of the breasts.
Eliminates the Use of Hormones
Although NFP is a more reliable means of preventing pregnancy than the Rhythm Method, both systems are positive in that they eliminate the use of hormones. Below are some of the reasons why NFP is preferable to oral contraception.
- Most commonly, the negative side effects associated with 'the pill' are weight gain, emotional imbalances, nausea, spotting and breast tenderness.
- Women who are on the pill are at a higher risk for both heart attacks and strokes.
- Many women are advised not to take oral contraceptives due to existing health conditions such as migraines, diabetes, epilepsy, et cetera.
- If unknowingly pregnant continued use of birth control can be harmful to the fetus
Being aware and in control of one's own body is every woman's right and privilege. Natural Family Planning is a safe, reliable and natural option for women who are both planning and preventing pregnancy.
