In family planning, what does the term "natural family planning" involve?

Natural family planning (NFP) refers to a method of family planning that relies on a couple's awareness of the woman's fertility cycle to either achieve or avoid pregnancy. This approach involves tracking various fertility signs, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus changes, and menstrual cycle patterns, to identify the days when a woman is most fertile. By doing this, couples can choose to abstain from intercourse on those days or time intercourse to increase the chances of conception, based on their family planning goals.

The essence of NFP is to utilize the body's natural cycles rather than external interventions like medications, surgical methods, or artificial barriers. It emphasizes education and understanding of one's reproductive health, making it a holistic approach to family planning.