NFP Methods

There are multiple types of Natural Family Planning methods including the cervical mucus method, sympto-thermal, and sympto-hormonal. Explore more about each type and see which method is best for you!

Need help choosing?

Three Distinct Methods of NFP

Cervical Mucus Method

For this method a woman makes observations of cervical mucus seen on toilet paper. She is most fertile when cervical mucus is clear, stretchy, and lubricative in sensation (like raw egg whites).

Different types: Creighton, Billings, Two Day Method

Sympto-Thermal Method

This method requires a woman to track her basal body temperature every morning (or using device to track average temperature while sleeping). Ovulation is indicated when basal body temperature spikes by 0.5 - 1.0 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperature remains elevated through the luteal phase.

Different types: Natural Cycles, Tempdrop

Sympto-Hormonal Method

Much like an at home urine pregnancy test, this method requires you to use a urine ovulation test to track your different hormones throughout the menstrual cycle. A surge in LH (luteinizing hormone) indicates ovulation has occurred.

Different Types: Marquette Method (Clearblue Monitor), Mira Fertility, Inito Fertility

Which Method is Right for You?

Here is some more information to help you understand what method may be best for your specific goals and lifestyle.

You have a regular morning routine

If you like having a fairly consistent morning routine and can be consistent with waking up at the same time every day, then the typical basal body temperature or sympto-hormonal methods may be right for you. They require checking your basal body temperature or LH urine test at the same time every morning. Although they require consistency with making observations every morning, they only require you to make one observation per day (unlike the cervical mucus methods).