We have started to teach natural family planning (NFP) in our health c
enters. We have studied 218 cycles in 14 women using NFP to space or a
void pregnancies for an average of 15 months per woman. All women were
taught the symptothermal method, and used temperature, mucus, calcula
tions and cervix modifications; temperature, calculations and mucus; o
r mucus alone, as signs of fertility. Usually they kept track of signs
of fertility in each cycle; temperature taking was frequently limited
to the periovulatory period, when they noted changes in their mucus.
User couples belonged to a middle-lower economic group, for whom motiv
ation was not religious or ethical. Good information is essential in d
eciding to use NFP. Women who are satisfied users often inform other w
omen. User couples easily become autonomous and acquire the required l
evel of knowledge, abandoning methods they relied on previously. Auton
omy is welcomed by these women.