NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

Is cycle tracking the best form of contraception?

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Whether it’s a loss of libido, mood swings, acne or unwanted changes in weight, it feels like the side effects of female contraception are never-ending.

Women from all corners of the internet are beginning to share their experiences with contraception online, including TikToker Sami Parker (@sunburntsami).

In one video earning over 50,000 likes, Parker details her desire to prevent pregnancy without the help of a “drug that alters the state of your body” and, as Femma founder and women’s health practitioner Dr Emma Rees explains, she isn’t alone.

“Many women are keen to avoid introducing exogenous (external) hormones into their bodies and for this reason are looking at the lowest possible hormonal options that are available for contraception,” she says.

As a result, Natural Family Planning (NFP) is on the radar for many women, but should we all be keen to ditch our reliable hormonal contraceptives?

WHAT IS NFP?

Various NFP techniques have been tried throughout history, but the modern form, also called Fertility Awareness Method, was introduced in the 1960s.