Natural family planning is a way to help a couple plan their family by avoiding intercourse on the most fertile periods of woman’s cycle.  There are concrete biological signs that occur every month when a woman is fertile.  During each menstrual cycle, one of a woman's ovaries releases an egg. This process is called ovulation. The egg moves toward the uterus through the fallopian tubes, where fertilization may take place. An unfertilized egg may live for 12 to 24 hours. The egg will be shed later during the menstrual period if it isn't fertilized. A woman is most likely to become pregnant if sexual intercourse takes place just before or after ovulation.

Two methods of natural family planning are currently taught. The first is the ovulation method. In this method, the days just before and just after ovulation are determined by checking the woman's cervical mucus. When a woman is most likely to become pregnant, the cervical mucus is stretchy, clear and slick. Some people say that the cervical mucus during this time looks and feels much like an uncooked egg white.

The second method is called the symptothermal method. With this method, the woman takes her temperature each day with a thermometer and writes it down on a chart. At the time of ovulation, a woman's temperature will rise slightly. The woman also checks the consistency of her cervical mucus. She may also notice other changes, such as pain in the area of the ovaries, bloating, low backache and breast tenderness.

In both methods, couples use a special chart to keep track of the changes in the woman's body.

There are several organizations that provide training, books and charts.  It is important to be properly trained before starting.  A woman does not ovulate the same day each cycle.  It can be day 12, day 20 etc.  So checking for fertility signs on a daily basis is mandatory.  Once she gets in the habit, it becomes no chore at all.

The advantage of NFP is that invasive pills and devices can be avoided.  It is 100% “all-natural.”  Since many women suffer from side effects on contraceptives, this is a great alternative.  I believe NFP provides a 99% success rate when done correctly.  Two Million couples nation-wide use this successfully.