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Some couples choose to allow nature to take its course when it comes to the number and spacing of their children. Other couples want more control over the number of children and when they are going to have their children. Values and religious beliefs affect what is considered natural, right, pleasing, and acceptable for family planning. There are a few methods for family planning that can increase the knowledge of one's cycle and determine when, during a cycle, a woman is fertile. A couple can decide which method, if any, they want to use.
One method, natural family planning, is about 80 percent effective, when used for 6 months. It uses the signs from the woman's body to tell when pregnancy will most likely occur. The dates of her periods, basal body temperature charts, and cervical mucous patterns give clues. So do her menstrual pains, mood, and sexual desire. All the information and record keeping allow a woman to become good at predicting her fertile times. Barrier methods, such as condoms, or alternative approaches to sexual fulfillment, like mutual masturbation, are added during the fertile time. The ADVANTAGES of the natural family planning method are that it: - is safe
- costs nothing, except for books or counselling about the method
- is helpful for learning about a woman's body cycle and changes
- is helpful for both planning and preventing pregnancies
- encourages partners to work together and
- is acceptable to most religions
The DISADVANTAGES of the natural family planning method are that it: - requires a complete understanding of the method
- needs record keeping for several cycles before it can be used, as well as detailed records during the use of the natural planning method
- may restrict spontaneous sex
- retains a 20 percent risk for having an unwanted pregnancy and
- cannot be used by all women, especially those with an irregular cycle or by mothers who are breastfeeding
Article #4535 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
