Whether you are engaged or married, looking to become pregnant or avoid pregnancy, hoping to improve your health or treat cycle-related symptoms such as cysts, heavy bleeding, cramping, irregular cycles, or infertility, NFP can help. Below is an excellent overview from the St. Louis Archdiocese of the four principle NFP methods promoted by the church: 

Billings Ovulation Method 

http://www.boma-usa.com/
Women observe the external mucus that is produced when estrogen is alerting them to approaching ovulation. When progesterone is high, cervical crypts produce a thick mucus that is very difficult for sperm to penetrate and usually not visible externally.  


Fertility Care Creighton Model

http://www.fertilitycare.org/                                                                                    

Women observe the external mucus that is produced when estrogen alerts them to approaching ovulation. When progesterone is high, cervical crypts produce a thick mucus that is very difficult for sperm to penetrate and usually is not visible externally.  The standardization of this model has expanded its use to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of many gynecologic conditions, including PMS, endometriosis, infertility, poly-cystic ovary disease, etc.  Classes include an introductory session, training, and a series of follow-ups with your instructor. 

Sympto-Thermal/Couple to Couple (CCL) 

http://ccli.org
Couples are taught to observe mucus and cervix signs, which signal the approach of ovulation, and the temperature sign and other signs which typically accompanies ovulation.  Group sessions are presented usually in parishes by a volunteer teaching couple. This method demonstrates a 97-99% efficacy rate in avoiding pregnancy.  The one-time course cost covers textbooks and administrative costs, and subsequent follow-up consultations and classes on Postpartum NFP and Pre-Menopausal NFP are free.  

Marquette Model 

http://marquettefertilityed.com
The Marquette Model (MM) system of NFP brings 21st century technology to NFP by using the ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor, a device used at home which measures hormone levels in urine to estimate the beginning and end of the time of fertility in a women's menstrual cycle. The information from the monitor can be used in conjunction with observations of cervical mucus, basal body temperature, or other biological indicators of fertility. The MM was developed by professional nurses and physicians at Marquette University in the late 1990s. A recent (2007) study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing demonstrated a 97-98% efficacy of the MM in avoiding pregnancy when taught by a qualified teacher and correctly applied

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Find out which of these courses are being offered by instructors in your area. 

Find the NFP method that's right for you

There are several highly effective  NFP methods taught in Alabama. According to the U.S. Conference of Bishops, the following defines NFP: 

Alabama NFP

Natural Family Planning:

Effective, safe, and yes, natural!.

Empowering women.

Empowering families.

 Natural Family Planning is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the woman's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.

NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.                                    

  (Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry, p. 23)