How Natural Birth Control Works: STM aka NFP

[MsDarkskinFLA]

Great video!

[Xercex]

Thanks so much for posting! I had a book on this very subject, gave it to my cousin (who obviously did NOT read it and had another accidental pregnancy) and completely forgot how and what to keep track of.

[C6989]

Hi Allison, Thanks for posting this wonderful, very informative (raw) video on NFP. You are very knowledgeable and I know that you are helping many, many people. And you are making Our Lady of Guadalupe very happy. Please search for her image on the tilma to learn about her. God loves you :)

[AzulDiamond93]

so if you have sex ,lets say 3 days after your period is completely over,and its"raw",will you become pregnant???

[nighttigress1]

first of all... lol @ the comment "Big Pharma runs the show!" so true... I wanted to ask if having irregular menstrual cycles suggests that I would have irregular ovulation cycles as well and if this would affect trying this method?

[etherealmist76]

Thank you!! I never knew this!!

[jennlittle1]

Thanks for the great information! It's a shame not many people know more about this method of contraception and natural family planning--I know that contraceptive monitors like cyclotest 2 plus make the job a lot easier, instead of having to manually track your fertility with charts. You can buy contraceptive monitors from a uk site called 'contraception-cyclotest'

[Jim5150jvc]

can someone send me some links to some of these same types of videos on NFP that are in Spanish? Thanks!

[cathplyr]

Fabulous video. I have been using this method for 1 yr. and it works great and is so easy. I have posted a how-to slide-show on my channel about this subject for anyone interested in a step-by-step guide. please watch it and leave a comment.

[Grace88Anderson]

this is a great video. 

[breann092589]

this is nice to know, especially from a non-preachy perspective. i did birth control for a very short time and HATED it. condoms are okay but long term, i'd like to try this plan....maybe use a condom on fertile days. thanks for the video

[GracegoesfortheHeart]

So I have been using this method for 1 year. my cycles varied from 28-33 days hope this helps others. I knew that this would work for me,in 2005 my gynecologist said that this stuff did not work. Are they not trained or just misinformed about NFP?

[murn98]

@GracegoesfortheHeart Thanks for sharing your story. They are not trained in this. Sadly I have even heard an OB say that your temp goes up when you are about to ovulate! It's not their fault though (I was educated in this exact system so I can tell you from the inside AND outside) the system is illness based not wellness based. Big Pharma runs the show!

[angelfoodcake1979]

@murn98 I believe another issue is the latest rise of "natural birthcontrol" computers like the ladycomp. They are indeed not able to cope correctly with large fluctuations in cycle lengths. Additionally, each device has a different level of safety. I feel like they are giving NFP a bad name, but they have the commercial force to market these devices, which means people are aware of them. Whereas NFP itself is supported by science, which traditionally is not into marketing or profit.

[Grace88Anderson]

@GracegoesfortheHeart This is one as effective as you are consistent. Also, if you are not regular regular, this will most likely NOT really be effective for you. If you don't like hormones I would recommended a paraguard IUD. Not hormones, effective. Good luck

[angelfoodcake1979]

@GracegoesfortheHeart Hi, yes, I have had the same issue. My cycles vary between 23 and 34 days. I am getting on grand with NFP. I have gotten the same responses from doctors and find that sad. How can they be so uneducated about something so simple and natural?! I mean, it's not like rocket science or so....and I am shocked that this appears to be an issue across many countries. I have lived in Germany and Ireland and same situation everywhere. NFP is the underdog of contraception LOL

[GracegoesfortheHeart]

HELLO! I just wanted to thank you for posting this video. Last year in November I was looking for info on NFP and couldn't find much. You gave me good info and along with another great spanish video here in youtube. The Key is to be consistent in checking yourself or the methods you use. I found out that I did not ovulate during the same time of the month ("finger checked" my self constantly) or else you could could get pregnant. I am so happy!! I know this is not for everyone.

[murn98]

@GracegoesfortheHeart Great, I am glad you are so happy!. You are right, it is not for everyone. If you have an iPod touch or iPhone there is an AWESOME free app called Sympto that you can use for charting. I have been using it for almost one cycle and it is AWESOME!!

[DieWalkuere]

I am not arguing with your knowledge on women's menstration, that all checks out, however, this form of birth control seems way too easy to mess up and too hard to keep track of. Also at 5:50, after you talk about when you can't have sex, you say "depending on how strict you are, there's all different kinds of rules." How are people supposed to keep track of this efficiently? I would think as a nurse you'd advocate less erroneous ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

[murn98]

@DieWalkuere I understand your concern. This method of "birth control" IS very thought intensive in the beginning. There are a lot of rules that you need to know and understand to use it effectively. My educator addressed this issue by using the example of learning to tie shoe laces...it is hard to learn at first but then once you know how it's like second nature. This video is just an introduction...classes MUST be taken to use. It works if you use it. Peace to you on your journey.

[tselampe]

Thanks for this, you're cool!

[cathplyr]

please tell me if you would do it any differently: 5 days before day 14 and 3 days after day 14 I abstain because i understand sperm lives 5 days and egg lives for 3. but 2 days before and 2 days after I am scheduled to abstain, i also avoid sex because I figure ovulation can occur 2 days before or 2 days after day 14. so that is 13 days i abstain and I think it is too many days. what do you think?

[artali1]

Hey, this was really good information! Thanks! :)

<3

Amanda

[RAWPalette]

Mittelschmerz....I finally have a word for what that is.

[churrozconchocolate]

ask your gynaecologist about this, the one that prescribed it for you.

oooooor try nfp - you can use a fertility Computer, too if that's too complicated for you

[lucyfirefly]

Thanks for the post, can you explain the cervix drop and softening.

[murn98]

I misspoke and have it explained on the side ------------------------------­--------------------------->

"OOPS! I miss-spoke regarding the cervix...it rises UP (not down)...concept here is that the body begins to create a "path of least resistance" for the fertilized egg to travel for implantation in the uterus."

[Sarandib22]

Thank you so much!

[hilde86m]

hey, great video, thanks. ive been so confused, some says this method can only be used if u have a regular cycle, but i thought to myself, why do u have to have that if you are acctually everyday checking for signs, right? cause then u will notice anyway.

[murn98]

There IS a lot of misinformation out there so I understand why you feel confused. You CAN use this method if you have an irregular cycle. I used to be (before my diet/lifestyle change) predictably irregular ;) My cycles varied from 27 to 41 days. I have a friend that has 60+ day cycles and still uses this method.

[misskitty411]

Hey, I'm glad you posted this video! Just wanted to let you know, as an NFP teacher myself, there are more NFP systems other than just Sympto-Thermal, and they are also highly effective for avoiding pregnancy and achieving pregnancy. The Creighton Model is especially helpful if you are having difficulty conceiving or infertiliy as they also work with specially trained NFP-only doctors, TOTALLY different than conventional ob/gyn or IVF. Next comment: list of all NFP providers

[danielleadair24]

Great video, however the statement regarding only needing to be abstinent for approximately 1 week is quite a stretch. NFP teaches that it is anywhere from 10-14 days per cycle of abstinence. Once you see mucus after your period, you are officially in phase 2 and considered fertile. Phase 3 only comes after a high temp shift (when using STM) and drying up for three days straight. Depending on your cycle this could be any given amount of time. For me, avg. 2 weeks. Great video overall!

[murn98]

You are right...I get a little overzealous when I'm talking about it and tend to minimize that aspect!

[murielleromero]

three questions:

-kinda dumb but where do you check you temp from?

-and when the muccus is yellow then you are not ovulating?

-and does this generally work on every women?

[murn98]

-Not dumb at all...oral, I start with it under one side of my tongue to warm it up and then switch it to the other side about halfway through.

-When it is yellow it is not as likely that you are dropping your egg that day compared to if it was egg white-like (clear/stringy). BUT this mucous could keep the sperm alive until it drops.

-Yes. There are some women who have mucous all the time (I used to be one) but they will still notice a change before ovulation. Even with exercise amenorrhoea.

[dragonpat666]

thanks for this video

[leah201010]

it's convenient (i don't enjoy taking the pill that much). but planning so much takes the fun out of the whole thing. i mean, having to get condoms is kind of a drag for some people imagine planning so much for it.. but otherwise it's still good.

[April8harls]

Thank you.

[chupis21]

I have one easy question. Can u have sex after your peiod or is that when ur most likely o get pregnant.

[murn98]

I have one easy answer...YES! Otherwise you would only be having intercourse during your period...

You need to take classes so you know when NOT to have intercourse after your period. There are rules to learn and cycles to recorded before using STM as your sole method.

It's worth the time and health investment!

[utaka78]

Thanks for this clip.Excellent explenation in only 8 min. :o)

I've only been doing NFP for 5 months but I'm pleased!Every month I get too know my body better and i'ts so interresting what happens.

[KnittyGrittyNatch]

Thankyou so much for this video! This was very helpful!

[musicart2007]

Thanks so much for the video. I wish there was more info out there about how to know your body.

[murn98]

Thankfully there IS a lot out there...search natural hygiene. A recent book that I read and now recommend is Awakening Our Self-Healing Body-: A Solution to the Health Care Crisis. Good luck!

[skamic88]

"Natural" family planning is a farce! There is no such thing as "natural" birth control. Also its still your best guess as to when you're ovulating. Isnt spermicide vegan? Things like stress, illness, age, and many other factors come into play.

(fyi) When my neighbour's dog was in heat she wasn't sticking a paw up there to check cervical mucus. Biology tells us to go have sex during the 'unsafe' times in the cycle. Its nothing near natural! the term FAM is ok but NFP... not so much :-(

[murn98]

You are right! Stress and illness do delay ovulation...this is why it is important to record all your signs. But after ovulation every woman will start their menses in 12-14 days (pending they have a uterus and enough fat in their diet). MY thoughts on spermicide...I don't want it in me!

Great analogy with the dog! LOL! You are right again! "Biology" does encourage us to have intercourse at the appropriate time for procreation to occur...self control is needed for this method to(cont)

[murn98]

be effective. FYI: You do not have to stick anything in yourself to "check your cervical mucous". BTW: I did not coin the term NFP...I think they are referring to the fact that you can prevent/encourage pregnancy without any artificial hormones.

Good luck! There are many options out there! For ME, this is the best option!

[skamic88]

I'm well aware of the options out there. As a RN I was under the assumption that you could present the information in a better light. Also in order to have the nursing degree I was under the assumption that you had some grasp of basic biology. Something inside my head tells me that the pope had not studied up on biology before choosing the words for humana vitae (either that or those who teach it need to do some reading). Hormones are, by no means, unnatural...(contd)

[skamic88]

... Hormones are a critical part of every system in a living complex organism such as ourselves. Why are people so opposed to using hormonal contraception, but if it came down to getting a cortisone shot or inhaling corticosteroids there is no objection?

And no, you're right you don't need to insert anything into the vagina. However it helps when looking at the cervical os and obtaining a sample of mucous. I know you didn't coin the term, but at least you see my point about "natural."

[skamic88]

Also in regards to the veganism wouldn't an IUD (being copper and plastic) be vegan? Well it sounds like you know what you are talking about. You need to find a way to say it. What you did, by coming on youtube and making a video, takes courage. Next time make note cards that might keep you on track.

Please try not to use the term 'natural,' because no form of contraception is natural. The best general term i have come across is FAM Fertility Awareness Method.

[murn98]

I'm glad you are well informed. Most people are not aware of this method which is why I posted this video. It is unfortunate that I didn't live up to your expectations. Maybe you should post a video so that your thoughts/experience can be heard. Regarding your comment on hormones: OBVIOUSLY hormones are natural/necessary! The emphasis was on artificial hormones=chemically similar but NOT produced by your body. Using the term people insinuates that I am against hormonal contraception.(cont.)

[murn98]

This is a false statement and (coming from you=a person obviously obsessed with semantics) is a cry for help. Just a little insight: that which you complain about is that which you have not accepted about yourself.

Like I said in the beginning of the video, this post has nothing to do with veganism. So your IUD question is irrelevant. (cont.)

[murn98]

From an informed consumer standpoint, I would strongly encourage researching the effects of copper and plastic absorption. Thanks for the term FAM, I had not heard that before. Peace!

[skamic88]

You do have a point about the plastic and copper absorption. I don't know which plastic is used in the IUD, but I do know that copper is only a trace element needed by the body. The copper ions are not absorbed for the most part. But non the less a valid concern, the risk of copper toxicity is real. This can be remedied by consuming iron and other trace metals and Vitamin B to bind with the free copper. cont...

[skamic88]

...Yes copper absorption is how the IUD works sperm phagocytize (take in) the copper ions and kill the sperm cells (among other things). I see the point about the plastic, it could act as an endocrine disruptor, or contain dioxins and other chemicals. However seeing as it is a medical grade device it would be made from tested materials. I should make a video, but I would need to get my hands on a camera.

You're most welcome for the term.

peace

[markjv]

those r 4 completely diff issues.

the pill there r dangerous side affects

4 some1 w pcos its not the way 2 regulate periods if u intend on gettin preg later on, the pill does cause abort/doesnt allow implantation.

it shouldnt give ppl a reason to b irrisponsible

every pill has side affects, its really best 2 try naural they r safer, like a chiroprator instead of pills

i reduced headaches,body pains & gained periods :) by most family drs: need pills to get periods,get pregnant,4 pain???

[skamic88]

Words are wonderful, please use them. It'll help convey your point.

Yes some people do experience adverse side effects. Taking into account the fact that about 25% of all fertilized eggs never implant; is it wise to define the start of pregnancy there? Also you are assuming that all pill users are irresponsible. If this is the case then they would all be mothers and not pill users. Also there are plenty people in long term relationships who use one form of contraception or another...

[skamic88]

Once again, yes all pills have side effects; thus the reason for taking the pills in the first place. The reason it makes you better is because of a side effect. Another thing that needs to be cleared up is "what is natural." Your body wants to get pregnant during the time you needs to abstain. Also hormonal contraception is made up of a sterol carbon ring. These are naturally made by the body. Then again how safe are chiropractors, many people have been hurt...

[skamic88]

But i agree that Americans are over-medicated, and that with a proper diet these things can be controlled. However once the surge of hormones has left your system you should have no problem conceiving. But aside from hormonal birth control there are many other methods to choose from.

happy hunting.

[RawVeganLoverGirl]

OMG who wants to get down to business when they are ovulating. I rather DO IT on my period. Menstrual pain is painful, but ovulation is excruciating. I use to miss test in college due to ovulation. It seem as if I am the only one wit middles smerge (or whatever), my sister have felt it a couple times but my friends have never experienced it. So I guess only a few of us unfortunate women feel the pain of ovulation, maybe my body does not want me t have kids :) (which is not a bad thing right now)

[ZoeyK86]

This is a really great vid! Really cool!

[theknuts6]

Good video.....!