Natural Family Planning and the Fertility Awareness Method are similar "natural" methods of birth control, and are highly effective when used correctly. Lets start by looking at my method of choice, Natural Family Planning. In the next article, we will learn more about the Fertility Awareness Method and how it differs from NFP.
I actually "discovered" NFP when I was trying to conceive about five years ago. Age was a factor for my husband and I, so conceiving as quickly as possible was foremost on my mind. I always had a pretty good idea of when I ovulated because I can actually feel it happening 11 months out of 12.
I joined a few discussion boards and all I heard about was this great book "Taking Charge Of Your Fertility", TCOYF for short, written by Toni Weschler. This was a "must have book" and I am on my third copy of it, after loaning my first two copies to friends. Toni explains, in simple terms, everything you need to know to achieve pregnancy or to avoid it, in her book. This method works! I conceived within four months of trying, but sadly suffered a miscarriage just days after having the pregnancy confirmed.
After discussing the possibility of future pregnancies with my husband, we decided that we would be happy with our son, who is now 10 years old. But what method of birth control could we use that would not cause side effects, have possible health risks, or need to be remembered? Why not use the same method that we used to get pregnant in the first place?
I had everything I needed, the book TCOYF, a basal thermometer, and my charts, a total investment of about $30 at the time. The only thing that would need to be replenished would be the charts (copies are only about 15 cents each, so for a year of charts that is only $1.80) and possibly the thermometer if it broke (I used a glass one for a while, and later bought a digital one for only $9.00). What an inexpensive method, but would it work to prevent a pregnancy as well as it had to achieve one?
