The Natural Family Planning Teachers Association (NFPTA) Method is a sympto-thermal method of tracking fertility. Sympto-thermal means observing a woman’s biological signs (or biomarkers) to identify their fertile window. This method observes and records resting body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical checks. These biomarkers can determine a woman’s probability of conception.
In the early 1980s, the NFPTA was established by Mr John Kelly and Dr Anna Flynn, two obstetrics and gynaecology consultants from the United Kingdom.
The NFPTA Method brings together the research of basal body temperature and cervical mucus by many renowned physicians and scientists from around the world. The research from these pioneers has been studied and compiled to create the method we use today.
Biomarkers Tracked
The following primary biomarkers are required for the NFPTA Method:
-
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is a woman’s resting body temperature. This biomarker is tracked using an oral thermometer to 0.2 decimal places. This temperature can be taken orally, vaginally and rectally.
-
Cervical Mucus (CM) and the walking sensation at the vulva.
Cervix checks for height, openness and softness or firmness are an optional biomarker that can be included for more thorough tracking.
How the NFPTA Method Works
The NFPTA Method uses daily BBT tracking, cervical mucus checks throughout the day, and optional daily cervix checks. These key biomarkers can establish a fertility window, pinpointing when a woman’s fertile period opens and closes. Recording the primary biomarkers can be done using the paper chart that NFPTA provides, or a digital version that is also available.
Women using this method should take their BBT upon waking after a minimum of 3 hours of sleep and before any eating or drinking. Cervical mucus checks should be done throughout the day, each time a woman visits the bathroom. Cervix checks should be done at the same time once a day.
It can be difficult in the early learning stages to remember to record your observations from the day. For this reason, women are encouraged to record any observations that they have immediately. Recording observations at the end of the day is acceptable, but it’s more likely that specific details will be forgotten.
Benefits of the NFPTA Method
High Efficacy: The NFPTA Method effectiveness is taken from various sources, although the most current available data we have is a study completed by lead researcher Petra Frank-Herrmann. Based on this study, the method is 99.6% effective with perfect use.
Higher Accuracy: Because the NFPTA Method is a double-check method, meaning that two biomarkers are cross-checked against each other to open and close the fertile window, it is proven to have a higher effectiveness rate over single-check methods.
Disadvantages of the NFPTA Method
Learning Curve: Some women find that there is an initial learning curve that can be difficult. For example, it may be hard at first to learn to take their BBT regularly.
Commitment: If you are using fertility tracking to prevent pregnancy, this requires you to practice abstinence from sexual intercourse when you’re in the fertile window.
Considerations
The initial learning curve required is to remember to take your BBT every morning, learn to check for cervical mucus and then apply the method rules to identify the opening and closing of the fertile window.
The NFPTA Method is taught by certified educators who have completed the 12-week online course, followed by teaching practum clients to pass part 2 of the course. Depending on the educator, they will offer in-person support, online support, or both to their clients.
The NFPTA Method is compatible with users who want to:
-
Achieve pregnancy
-
Avoid pregnancy
-
Understand the return of fertility after childbirth (including breastfeeding)
-
Stop hormonal contraception
-
Ease the transition to perimenopause
Who the NFPTA Method is Best For
The NFPTA Method is great for couples who are trying to avoid pregnancy. Abstinence from sexual intercourse in the fertile phase is an integral part of the process. For successful integration of sexual abstinence into a relationship, sexual control must be balanced by fulfilling the needs of intimacy. This is related to an active building and maintenance of the relationship by other means.
Where to Learn More
-
Official NFPTA Website: https://www.nfpta.org.uk/
Here you can find fertility guides on practising the NFPTA Method, helpful information about NFPTA, the method’s history, and FAQ’s.
-
Community: During the 12-week online course, a discussion board is available for all practicing students to ask questions.
If you would like to get in touch with NFPTA, you can do so by completing the contact form on our website: https://www.nfpta.org.uk/contact/
NFPTA Method in a Nutshell
- Biomarkers Tracked: Basal body temperature, cervical mucus and cervix checks.
- Effectiveness: The effectiveness range for avoiding/achieving pregnancy is 99.6%.
- Learning Curve: An initial steep learning curve.
- Ideal For: Anyone who wants to achieve or avoid pregnancy, recently stopped hormonal birth control, breastfeeding or perimenopause.
- Where to Learn More: https://www.nfpta.org.uk/
Meet Someone Who Knows The Method: Jess
Jess Dzierbicki is a certified Fertility Awareness Instructor. With years of experience
supporting women through their journey to understand their bodies and fertility, Jess teaches her clients to chart their cycles and use Fertility Awareness as a reliable form of birth control. Whether someone is just starting to explore this method or has already stopped using hormonal contraception, Jess offers personalised guidance and education to ensure each woman feels confident and informed to make decisions about their health and fertility.