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Effectiveness
of NFP
Numerous studies including one by the U.S.
Government have shown that the Sympto-Thermal
Method of NFP can be used at the 99% level
of effectiveness for postponing pregnancy.
That’s the same effectiveness as the birth
control pill and better than all other
barrier methods. This method is most
effective when couples are taught by
competent teachers, understand the method,
and are motivated to follow the rules
according to their family planning intention
(achieving or postponing pregnancy). Those
who are strongly motivated to postpone a
pregnancy and follow the method strictly are
very effective in meeting their goal.
Effectiveness rates for
avoiding pregnancy after one year
|
Method
|
Perfect use* (%)
|
Typical use* (%)
|
|
Calendar Rhythm
|
95
|
87
|
|
Temperature only
|
98
|
80
|
|
Cervical Mucus (Ovulation
Method)
|
97
|
78
|
|
Sympto-thermal
|
97–98
|
80–87
|
Source: MayoClinic.com
* Perfect use refers to
couples who are well taught, understand the
method, are clear about their intentions,
and carefully follow the rules. Typical use
refers to couples who occasionally do not
follow all rules for postponing pregnancy;
generally these rates are similar to those
found among couples using barrier methods of
contraception.
“The pregnancy rate of any
group of NFP user couples will depend on the
proportions of risk takers and high
fertility couples in the cohort. We also
know from the studies of Trussell and
others, that if the NFP rules are followed,
if couples are perfect users, the
probability of pregnancy is quite low, less
than 5%. Couples who follow the rules for
abstaining when signs of fertility are
apparent, can use NFP with confidence that
they will not become pregnant” (The
Effectiveness of Natural
Family
Planning methods
for birth spacing: A comprehensive review,
Robert T. Kambic, Department of
Population and
Family
Health
Sciences
The Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and
Public Health, October, 1999). You can
read a scholarly analysis of the
effectiveness rates of natural family
planning methods at: http://www.jhsph.edu/popcenter/publications/pdf/WP99-07.htm
NFP is also effective at achieving
pregnancy. With NFP you will become aware of
the most fertile days in your overall
fertile time, and you will learn how to
maximize your mutual fertility. In addition,
your charted cycles may reveal certain
patterns that can contribute to infertility
and which sometimes can be corrected simply
by better nutrition. Many couples of
marginal fertility are helped by NFP
instruction to achieve much wanted
pregnancies, and the charts of those who may
need medical help can assist the
knowledgeable physician.
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