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Effectiveness of NFP: A couple's motivation has a crucial influence on the effectiveness of a number of methods of family planning. The first year's use always carries the highest risk of unplanned pregnancy due to the time taken for a couple to learn to use the method efficiently. Effectiveness of natural family planning A high degree of motivation is essential if a couple are to use natural methods of family planning successfully. They should both be in agreement about their goals of family spacing or limiting. It is interesting to note that the family-spacers, those who plan more children but at a later date, are less effective in preventing pregnancy. They are prepared to take risks; whereas family limiters, those who have completed their family, are more conscientious and determined, and more successful in preventing pregnancy. This is illustrated by a 1976 Canadian sympto-thermal study, which showed an effectiveness rate of 85 per cent for the family spacers, but around 99 per cent for those limiting their families. (Parrenteau-Carreau, Lanctot and Rice) The effectiveness of any form of family planning depends on the method being well taught, well understood and well applied, but this is of particular importance for natural family planning. With experience, the sympto-thermal method is a highly effective method.
Advances in teaching techniques and use of multiple index methods have considerably reduced the unplanned pregnancy rate among NFP Users. The method is however unforgiving of imperfect use.
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