American Family Physician, 52(6), 1749-1760, 1995
Abstract
A better understanding of reproductive anatomy and physiology has led to newer methods of natural family planning, including the ovulation method and the symptothermal method. Studies have shown that 1 percent of couples who consistently and correctly use either of these methods conceives during one year of use. However, in the absence of standardized interpretation of study results, use-effectiveness data of these methods vary widely. The lactational amenorrhea method may be used in selected patients during the first six months postpartum, and its effectiveness in avoiding pregnancy is reported to be as high as 98 percent. Advocates of natural family planning promote these methods as inexpensive and safe ways to determine periods of peak fertility and point to the potential benefit of increased communication in a relationship.
Topics
natural family planning ovulation method symptothermal method effectiveness, NFP perfect use effectiveness one percent failure rate, lactational amenorrhea method postpartum natural contraception, Geerling natural family planning review American Family Physician, fertility awareness methods peak fertility identification, natural family planning use effectiveness data variability, ovulation method cervical mucus fertility awareness, symptothermal method basal body temperature cervical mucus, NFP inexpensive safe contraception couples communication, natural family planning standardized interpretation study results
Geerling et al. 1995, Geerling 1995
Cite this article
Geerling, J. H. (1995). Natural family planning. American family physician, 52(6), 1749-1760.
Geerling JH. Natural family planning. Am Fam Physician. 1995;52(6):1749-1760.
Geerling, J. H. "Natural family planning." American family physician, vol. 52, no. 6, 1995, pp. 1749-1760.
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