NFP Tucson

Any married couple can use NFP! 

A woman need not have “regular” cycles. NFP education helps couples to fully understand and interpret their combined fertility, so that they can discern when to postpone or attempt pregnancy. The key to the successful use of NFP is cooperation and communication between husband and wife—a shared commitment.

Each NFP method is focused on one or more signs of female fertility. They can be grouped into three categories:

1. Cervical Mucus Methods (CMM)
   The methods that observe cervical mucus are commonly called the “Ovulation Method” or “OM.” In NFP education, a woman learns how to identify the normal, healthy, cervical mucus which indicates the days that sexual intercourse is most likely to result in pregnancy. A number of NFP providers teach a variety of approaches to the observation and charting of cervical mucus (e.g., Billings Ovulation Method Association—USA, Creighton Model FertilityCare™ Centers, Family of the Americas, etc.). 
2. Sympto-Thermal Methods (STM)  
   The methods that observe several signs of fertility and cross-check two or more of the signs to pinpoint ovulation are commonly called the “Sympto-Thermal Method” or “STM.” STM typically combines charting of the Basal Body Temperature (BBT) and cervical mucus with other optional indicators, such as changes in the cervix and secondary fertility signs. A number of NFP providers teach a variety of approaches to the observation and charting of these signs (e.g., Couple to Couple League, Northwest Family Services, various diocesan programs, etc.). 
3. Sympto-Hormonal Method (SHM)
   The method that observes several signs of fertility and adds the use of an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) or fertility monitor is called the “Sympto-Hormonal Method” or “SHM.” Similar to the STM, this approach adds the self-detection of reproductive hormones in the urine with the assistance of an OPK or fertility monitor. Various diocesan NFP programs make use of the SHM as well as Marquette University’s Institute for NFP (Marquette Model).

While in her fertile years, a woman’s body provides several basic ways to identify the fertile and infertile times of her menstrual cycle. The rise and fall of reproductive hormones is responsible for these signs. Recognizing the pattern of those physical signs forms the basis for all methods of NFP.

Around the time of ovulation, a fluid or “mucus” is released from the woman’s cervix (the opening of the uterus). When cervical mucus is present, it has the ability to keep sperm alive in the woman’s body for several days.

Another sign of fertility that can be observed is a woman’s daily waking temperature or “basal body temperature” (BBT). The BBT is taken after several hours of uninterrupted sleep. A woman’s BBT is lower prior to ovulation and will rise .4 to .6 degrees Fahrenheit and stay elevated after ovulation. The higher elevated temperature signals the end of the fertile time.

An additional sign is a change in the shape or texture of the cervix itself. During the infertile time of the menstrual cycle, the cervix is low, closed and firm. Around the time of ovulation the cervix is high, open and soft.

With the development of ovulation prediction kits (or OPKs), the rise of certain reproductive hormones such as estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) can be observed. Finally, other optional signs, such as breast tenderness or minor abdominal pain at the time of ovulation, can also be observed by the woman.

NFP instruction helps married couples learn how to observe, interpret and chart the wife’s signs of fertility. This enables husband and wife to identify the fertile and infertile phases of the wife’s menstrual cycle.

When husband and wife wish to attempt pregnancy, they will understand that intercourse during the fertile phase of the wife’s menstrual cycle will likely result in pregnancy. When wishing to postpone a pregnancy, husband and wife would abstain from sexual intercourse and any genital contact during the fertile time. No artificial methods are used during the fertile time.

NFP is unique among methods of family planning because it enables its users to work with the body rather than against it.Fertility is viewed as a gift and a reality to live, not a problem to be solved. The methods of Natural Family Planning respect God’s design for married love!

NFP represents a unique approach to responsible parenthood because it

• calls for shared responsibility by husband and wife
• is based on scientific research about the signs of fertility
• treats each menstrual cycle as unique
• teaches husband and wife to daily observe the signs of fertility
• has no harmful side effects
• maximizes the possibility of achieving pregnancy when intercourse takes place during the fertile phase of the wife’s menstrual cycle
• is effective for postponing pregnancy when intercourse takes place during the infertile phase of the wife’s menstrual cycle
• respects the unitive and procreative nature of conjugal love

In NFP both husband and wife are taught to understand and live God’s design for married love—this will give them countless blessings! NFP methods promote a holistic approach to family planning which both respects procreation and has the potential to deepen the intimacy of husband and wife.

NFP methods support reproductive health. They are good for the body. The natural methods have none of the harmful side effects caused by contraception, especially chemical contraceptives (e.g., pill, injection, etc.). For the woman, NFP charting can even assist in the diagnosis of underlying medical problems. And, if a couple find they are having trouble conceiving, NFP information can help them pinpoint the most fertile time of the wife’s cycle.

NFP methods can be marriage strengthening. NFP relies on couple communication and behavior change. NFP methods require husband and wife to cooperate with each other in the most intimate area of their lives. During times of periodic sexual abstinence, husband and wife live a renewed courtship as they discover non-sexual ways to express their love for each other. On a practical level, husbands are encouraged to “tune into” their wives’ cycles, and both spouses are encouraged to speak openly and frankly about their sexual desires, hopes for number of children, and prayerful discernment of God’s will for their marriage.

When living the NFP lifestyle, husband and wife learn that they have a shared responsibility for safeguarding God’s gifts of human sexuality, marriage and family. They also grow in their understanding of God’s will for their family size. NFP has the potential to make good marriages great!

NFP is good for marriage!

• Supports reproductive health
• Has no harmful side effects
• Is environmentally friendly
• Is inexpensive
• Cooperates with a couple’s combined fertility
• Is useful to either achieve or avoid pregnancy
• Can be used throughout the reproductive life cycle
• Requires shared responsibility and cooperation by husband and wife
• Fosters mutual communication between husband and wife
• Encourages respect for and acceptance of the total person
• Promotes marital chastity
• Values the child
• Honors God’s design for married love!