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Natural Family Planning

From Tracee Cornforth, for About.com

Updated: February 25, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Natural family planning (NFP) is a natural method of contraception or conception planning. Some women use NFP for religious reasons, while others don’t want to use a hormonal method for birth control. The pregnancy rate for perfect users ranges from 2-5% in the first year and for typical users ranges from 12-22%. Women desiring pregnancy can use NFP to achieve pregnancy.

Several types of NFP include the Billings method, the ovulation method, the calendar method, and the mucus method, as well as the basal body temperature method.

Also Known As: fertility awareness, calendar method, Billings method, ovulation method, mucus method
Examples: Natural family planning is not just a way to prevent pregnancy. Women who desire pregnancy can use NFP to achieve pregnancy.
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