|
NFP in Other Circumstances
I don’t have 28-Day cycles, can I still use NFP?
Some women think that “regular” means having a 28-Day
cycle. A typical cycle range is 23-40 days, so a week variation
in one’s cycle is considered typical. Even women who do not
have “regular” cycles can use NFP. In all cases, it
is important to learn from a certified NFP Provider.
What about using NFP with cycles that aren’t typical?
I’ve been told that I can’t use NFP because my cycles
are irregular; is that true?
No, it is not true. NFP works no matter what the woman’s cycling
pattern. It can be used with long or short cycles, when discontinuing
hormonal contraception, as well as during breastfeeding and premenopause.
While Calendar Rhythm required regular cycles because it was based
upon a woman’s cycling history, modern NFP methods are based
upon day-to-day observations with decisions about fertility based
upon those observations.
How can NFP help a couple who wants to have a baby?
A great benefit of NFP is the same information couples use to avoid
a pregnancy, can help them know the best time to achieve a pregnancy.
It also provides for very early identification of pregnancy and
the information to set a correct due date. NFP chart information
helps identify fertility problems and the best times for fertility
tests.
I am expecting a baby and will be breastfeeding it. Will
I be able to use NFP while breastfeeding?
The return of fertility after giving birth depends upon whether
or not a woman is breastfeeding and how she is breastfeeding. It
also depends upon the individual woman—there is a wide range
of when fertility returns. The best thing to do in this circumstance
is to consult with an NFP Provider for specific recommendations
for your cycling pattern based upon your charting.
What’s involved in using NFP while breastfeeding?
Just as at other times, it is important to chart while breastfeeding,
even if cycling is delay for many months. Ovulation can precede
your first bleeding, and you will need to make observations as well
as chart and interpret them to know when you become fertile. Because
ovulation may not occur for many months, the cervical mucus observation
is the focus during this time. However, it is recommended that the
temperature observation may be made as well. It is important to
work with a certified NFP Provider for feedback during this time.
What’s involved in using NFP as one approaches menopause?
During this time of life, cycles may become more irregular—both
shorter and longer. Because of this it is important to consider
the days of menstruation possibly fertile. If a short cycle occurs,
the cervical mucus flow may begin during the heavy flow days and
be masked by the bleeding. Beyond that, it is important that there
be good, consistent charting. Both the cervical mucus sign and temperature
pattern provide valuable information about the fertile and infertile
times. It is important to work with a certified NFP Provider for
feedback during this time.
I want to discontinue hormonal contraception. Should I
learn NFP first and then discontinue it or should I discontinue
it now?
To really learn NFP, first you need to discontinue your use of contraception.
While you may be able to learn the method in a theoretical sense,
an important piece of learning NFP is to apply the information to
your own cycles. Any charting you do while using hormonal contraception
will reflect those hormones not your own cycling pattern.
How long will it take for me to return to my own cycling
pattern?
It depends on the type of hormonal contraception you were using
and your individualized response to it. Those discontinuing a hormonal
IUD or birth control pills have a quicker return to typical cycling
than someone discontinuing injectable contraception or implants.
No matter how long it takes for cycling to return, NFP can be used
confidently. It is important to work with a certified NFP Provider
for feedback during this time.
Back to other FAQs
|
