Natural family planning for pregnancy avoidance?

[FlamingoBingo]

Anyone do this?

Can anyone recommend books/software?

Off to search for archived discussions, but would love a real time one!

[fiver]

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni something. They have it on amazon.

[AnybodyHomeMcFly]

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Wechsler. I used it for conception but the method works for contraception too apparently. Involves taking your temperature each morning and monitoring other fertility signs.

[AnybodyHomeMcFly]

I really recommend that book btw, it was the first time ever I had really understood (the miracle of) the female reproductive system.

[FlamingoBingo]

Thanks for that recommendation. Just been researching it. Does anyone use the software?

I remember using fertility friend when I was trying to concieve DD1 (not that I needed it, thankfully! Just being very PFB about getting every last inch out of the experience ) but I thought they said you can't use it for contraception.

Anyway, those who use charting as contraception - how much use/hassle is it? I know you need to use something on your fertile days, but do you find there are plenty of chances to have sex on your non-fertile days - enough to make it worth it?

[mathanxiety]

It all depends on your individual cycle how many days there will be "left". Plus, you should not be the only one who is using the method or combination of methods/observations -- your DP has to be involved too and completely on board. If DP leaves the job to you, or you keep it all to yourself, you may find it's a bit of a chore and not a relationship-enhancer. How well it works depends on how motivated you and DP are to keep doing it no matter what the circumstances. If having another child is definitely not something you want right now or ever, then I would consider other options, even condoms combined with natural fertility awareness for extra peace of mind.

[beautifulgirls]

The book is fab - used it for conception rather than contraception but the principle is the same either way - knowing your cycle and knowing when to avoid or be safe time wise. There are some limitations to it and ideally you need a regular cycle for it to be of the most effect. There is a website www.ovusoft.com with a forum attached. If use buy the software the forums are free, or likewise if you have an email address linked to your ISP it is free (to try and stop spam and trolling - have to be able to ID people) otherwise there is a small fee of about £3 to use it. There is a lot of helpful advice on the forum there about using the software for both conception and contraception.

[CarmenSanDiego]

I used to use Persona and found it great... I got it from Boots. Do they still sell them?

[FlamingoBingo]

I think it would be condoms combined with NFP anyway. DH completely on board - very body aware.

I'll try that forum, thanks beautiful.

Carmen - trying to save money too, so can't really justify persona long term.