Natural Family Planning vs. the Sympto-thermal Method of Fertility Awareness
Natural Family Planning (NFP), much like the commonly-mocked rhythm method, has been confused with just about every natural method of pregnancy prevention, even though it’s not an all-inclusive term.
Natural Family Planning and a method like the sympto-thermal method of fertility awareness have a lot in common, but there are several key differences that I’m going to discuss in this blog post.
How they’re alike
Both the sympto-thermal method and Natural Family Planning fall under the umbrella of fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs or FAMs), which also include methods like the rhythm method, the standard days method, and the Billings method. Practicing the sympto-thermal method or Natural Family Planning requires observations of both basal body temperature and cervical fluid. Because of this, they are highly effective at preventing pregnancy compared to other FABMs and rival hormonal contraceptives in effectiveness when practiced correctly and consistently. Since they both require BBT measurements and cervical fluid, or cervical mucus, observations, it should come as no surprise that they are based on the same principles of reproductive science.
Both methods can provide you with a deep understanding of how your body works and can provide clues about the state of your reproductive health. I’ve talked to tons of women who say that the sympto-thermal method (or Natural Family Planning) has empowered them with an incredible sense of confidence, and I can personally attest to this benefit. Not just that, but many women rave that these methods greatly enhance partner communication and strengthen relationships.
How they’re different
Natural family planning is the only method of pregnancy prevention approved by the Catholic Church, and, as such, it does not allow for the use of barrier methods (like condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps) during the fertile phase or outside of the fertile phase.
This means that for pregnancy prevention, a couple practicing natural family planning must abstain from sex when the woman is fertile. Natural family planning is technically a type of “sympto-thermal” method, but the two terms are typically not used interchangeably. The sympto-thermal method, on the other hand, is a secular method, so unlike natural family planning it does allow for barrier backup use during the fertile phase. The sympto-thermal method is essentially an evolution of Natural Family Planning, so you can thank the Catholic Church for much of the research and science behind the method.
Regardless of your religious convictions or the method you use, the Groove app can help you chart your fertility signs to meet your reproductive goals.
