Natural family planning (NFP)

The author reviews and makes further recommendations for 3 points of the discussion in G. Freundl's pilot study of "Natural Family Planning (Symptothermal Method) and Objective Ovulation Indicators" published by Georg Thieme Verlag in Vlume 6, "Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde," in 1984. It is suggested that the scientific basis of changes in methodological rules, such as the BT3 modified for the double control method in paragraph 3 of the discussion, must be reported Natural Family Planning (NFP) instructors in Bonn, West Germany, along with failure statistics whenever possible, to enable instructors to participate responsibly. In response to errors by users cited in paragraph 4 of the discussion, the reviewer asserts that adequate instructional materials (photos and slides) are available to acquaint the users with changes in cervical mucus and that personal guidance of a couple or small group should be carried out until detection of fertility signals is performed without difficulty and the couple has proved itself capable of abstaining for the required periods, the latter being the more difficult. The author further cautions that before shortening of the abstinence period can be promoted, instructors must be scientifically assured of the accuracy of the basal temperature -6 indicator. She emphasizes that user errors can be reduced with a shorter abstinence period, but that the couple demands reliable rules first and foremost. The author concludes with a call for closer cooperation between gynecologists and NFP instructors.