Effectiveness of Natural Family Planning
Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. Like all birth control methods, fertility awareness-based methods are more effective when you use them correctly.
Twenty-four out of every 100 couples who use fertility awareness-based methods each year will have a pregnancy if they don't always use the method correctly or consistently. Always practicing these methods correctly will make them more effective.
How well fertility awareness-based methods work depends on both partners. That's why it is important for both to learn about the methods and support each other in their use.
These methods can work best for you if you
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have received careful instruction
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have only one sex partner and they are as committed to fertility awareness-based methods as you are
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have the discipline you need to check and chart your fertility signs
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don't mind abstaining or using withdrawal, a cervical cap or diaphragm, a sponge, spermicide, or latex or female condoms on your unsafe days
Fertility awareness-based methods are very safe — there are no side effects.