Periodic continence, that is, the methods of birth regulation based on self-observation and the use of infertile periods, is in conformity with the objective criteria of morality. These methods respect the bodies of the spouses, encourage tenderness between them, and favor the education of an authentic freedom.”

CCC 2370

What is Natural Family Planning?

Natural Family Planning (NFP), also known as Fertility Awareness, is the general title for the scientific and natural methods of family planning that can help married couples achieve or postpone pregnancies. Fertility Awareness also helps women identify unusual patterns in their cycle through charting, which can then be shared with specialized doctors to aid in diagnosing reproductive issues.

When a couple learns to use NFP, they are taught to observe their naturally occurring signs and symptoms of fertility on a day-to-day basis, treating each menstrual cycle as unique—unlike the rhythm (or calendar) method which was based on the theory that ovulation could be determined from previous menstrual cycles. NFP is not the rhythm method.

NFP is up to 99% successful when a couple understands the chosen method and is motivated to follow it as instructed by a certified instructor.

It is important to note that while couples do not need to seek to have a child in every act of intercourse, every act of intercourse must remain open to life and God’s divine plan for their family.

Why Choose NFP?

NFP is good for your marriage
It encourages communication between spouses. During times of periodic sexual abstinence, husband and wife discover non-sexual ways of intimacy to express their love for each other.

NFP is good for reproductive health
Fertility Awareness does not have any negative effects on the male or female reproductive functioning. The natural methods have none of the harmful side effects caused by contraception, especially chemical contraceptives (e.g., pill, injection, etc.). NFP can also help identify underlying issues that may be causing infertility.

NFP is good for our common home
NFP is environmentally friendly, organic, natural, pure, and safe. No chemicals or artificial ingredients are involved in Fertility Awareness.

Fertility Awareness Methods

Natural Family Planning encompasses a variety of methods that allow individuals to monitor and understand their fertility signals to postpone or achieve pregnancy. 

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method

• Requires daily measurement of basal body temperature (BBT) using a special thermometer.
• Identifies ovulation by a slight increase in BBT after ovulation.

Cervical Mucus Method

• Observes changes in cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle.
• Fertile days are identified by the presence of clear, stretchy, egg-white-like mucus.

Hormonal Method

• Monitors hormone levels that can predict fertility using at-home urine tests or Ovulation Predictor Kits.
• Fertile days are identified by a positive result on the OPK or a rise in estrogen levels detected by the fertility monitor.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method

• Utilized by breastfeeding women.
• Relies on the natural postpartum infertility that occurs when a woman is exclusively breastfeeding.

Local NFP Providers and Instructors

View and Download the list.

Online NFP Courses

• Natural Plan
• The Marriage Group
• Catholic Women & Couples (CWCNFP)
• Pearl and Thistle

Natural Procreative Technology (NaPro)

Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology or NaPro) is a holistic, medical approach to women’s reproductive health that aligns with the natural menstrual cycle to diagnose and treat various gynecological issues. Developed by Dr. Thomas Hilgers, NaProTechnology is grounded in the principles of the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, a standardized method of observing and charting biological markers related to fertility. NaProTechnology aims to identify and treat the underlying causes of reproductive issues through natural means with the goal of restoring women’s reproductive health and regulating fertility.

This scientific approach has been successful in treating an array of reproductive issues, such as:

• Infertility
• Endometriosis
• Menstrual pain
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Repetitive miscarriage
• Postpartum depression
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Bleeding disorders
• Chronic discharges
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Premature birth

Church Documents & Teachings

Additional Resources

• My Parish NFP
  My Parish NFP provides education, support, and resources on Natural Family Planning through classes, workshops, and spiritual guidance to help couples practice NFP in accordance with Catholic teachings.
• Fertility Science Institute
  An organization dedicated to providing education, resources, and support for Natural Family Planning (NFP) by integrating the latest scientific research with practical applications to help individuals and couples understand and manage their fertility in line with Catholic teachings.
• FACTS about fertility
  An organization dedicated to educating healthcare professionals and the public about evidence-based fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) for family planning and reproductive health.
• MyCatholicDoctor.com
  A telehealth service that integrates Catholic values into medical care, including support for Natural Family Planning (NFP). The platform connects patients with healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in NFP and can provide guidance, education, and medical support for various fertility awareness-based methods, ensuring that care aligns with Catholic teachings on family planning and reproductive health.
• Pearl and Thistle
  An organization that offers education and support for women and couples on fertility awareness, Natural Family Planning (NFP), and holistic reproductive health. They provide resources, workshops, and personalized guidance to help individuals understand and manage their fertility in a way that aligns with their personal values and health goals.
• Catholic Medical Association
  This organization is the largest association of Catholic individuals in health care. They help our members to grow in faith, maintain ethical integrity, and provide excellent health care in accordance with the teachings of the Church.
• The National Catholic Bioethics Center
  The NCBN provides education, guidance, and resources to the Church and society to uphold the dignity of the human person in health care and biomedical research, thereby sharing in the ministry of Jesus Christ and his Church.
• USCCB NFP Page
• Diocesan NFP Brochure: English | Spanish
• Quick Comparison Chart