Marriage And Family Life > Natural Family Planning
Natural Family Planning (NFP), or fertility awareness, is a term used to describe the various methods that are available to learn the natural times of fertility and infertility in a woman’s cycle. A couple can use this information to achieve or postpone pregnancy.
Barring any medical complications, men are always fertile. Women, however, have natural times of fertility and infertility in each cycle. NFP/Fertility Awareness works by monitoring certain biological indicators of a woman's fertility such as cervical mucus and body temperature. By charting these observations, the fertile window in a woman's cycle can be determined.
To learn more about the different methods of Natural Family Planning, use the links below. You can also call the Office of Marriage & Family Life at (225) 242-0323.
Couple to Couple League
Creighton Model
Billings Ovulation Method
Northwest Family Services
Marquette Method
Church Documents
On the Regulation of Birth (Humanae Vitae)
On the Dignity & Vocation of Women (Mulieris Dignitatem)
Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage
On Christian Marriage (Casti Connubii)
Christian Family in the Modern World (Familiaris Consortio)
Ethical & Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services
Other Resources
NFP - Myths and reality
NFP Outreach
One More Soul
USCCB - Natural Family Planning
Interested in learning more about NFP but not sure where to start? This class offers a general introduction to Natural Family Planning including basic Catholic Church teaching on human sexuality, the science of fertility, and an overview of different methods available.