Lesson 2: Continuing the Choice
Natural Family Planning and Fertility Awareness Methods

These are the only natural methods of birth control that when used correctly and consistently, can be very effective at preventing pregnancy. For these methods to be most effective, an instructor should teach couples how to use it, and couples must be dedicated to using it. There are several variations on what a couples keeps track of including; cervical fluid changes, basal body temperature, additional body signs, or breastfeeding.

These methods: Natural Family Planning, and Fertility Awareness Methods, work by letting the couple know when the women is most and least likely to conceive. During fertile times, the couples either avoid sex, or use a barrier method to prevent pregnancy. Avoiding sex is the most effective; as the effectiveness of the barrier method, if used, will be relied on to prevent pregnancy.

If used correctly and consistently, after instruction, these methods are up to 97% effective at preventing pregnancy. Usage by couples that do not either fully understand the method, use a barrier method, or are not consistent with usage, the effectiveness can be as low as 76%, so you can see why it is important to understand and be consistent with these methods.

There are many myths and wives tales surrounding FAM. Myth 1. If you use it, you will be pregnant in no time. This is false. If you use the method correctly and consistently, your chances of an accidental pregnancy are very low. Myth 2. The Rhythm method is the same as the Fertility Awareness Method. This is false. The Rhythm method, also known as the calendar method does not rely on anything more than previous cycles, and from that guessing when the woman will be fertile the following cycle. Myth 3. A woman always ovulates on day 14 of her cycle. This is very false. Most women do not ovulate on day 14 of their cycles. Many ovulate much earlier or later than day 14.

There are several pros of using these methods including; cost effectiveness, no side effects unless using a barrier method, can bring couples closer together, both individuals responsible for the method, can be easily learned, fully reversible, and can be used to increase the chances of pregnancy when wanted. Cons of using these methods include; you must be dedicated to using the method, you must either avoid sex or use a barrier method during fertile times, spermicides can interfere with cervical fluid charting, and it can take time to fully understand the woman's bodily changes.