FERTILITY-CONTROL BY NATURAL METHODS - ANALYSIS OF 218 CYCLES

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.