You are here: Home » F.A.Q.
I’ve heard that NFP doesn’t work. My spouse and I aren’t ready for children, does Billings really work?
Au contraire! It is a common misconception that NFP is ineffective. Many people equate all methods of Natural Family Planning with the Rhythm Method (developed in the 1920’s). Modern methods of NFP are highly effective, and the Billings Ovulation Method is 99.5% effective at postponing pregnancy according to numerous studies.
I know a couple that used NFP and they had a lot of children. Is that a side effect?
Most couples who use Billings have as many children as they planned to have. The Billings Ovulation Method will help you achieve whatever family planning goals you and your spouse have mutually made, and have the self-discipline to keep. The Billings Ovulation Method is 99.5% effective at postponing pregnancy, and highly effective at achieving pregnancy.
Do I have to take my temperature?
No. Some methods of NFP require you to observe several symptoms and cross check them on a huge chart to determine your fertility. In 1971 Dr. John Billings determined that while there are many symptoms that can predict fertility accurately, none were as consistent as the sensation of cervical mucus. Billings relies on the primary observation of sensation and applies four simple rules to either postpone or achieve pregnancy, depending on your family planning intentions.
Do I have to touch anything…down there?
No! Some methods of NFP require you to finger-test your cervical mucus or perform an internal cervical check to determine your fertility. Billings is strictly “hands off” so to speak. Yet with all its simplicity and flexibility it still boasts 99.5% effectiveness in numerous studies.
I have irregular cycles. Would Billings even work for me?
Billings Ovulation Method tracks your natural and unique signs of fertility and infertility each day. Because it doesn’t rely on the calendar, it can help you accurately identify your fertility in every stage of life, even if you have irregular cycles. It can be used to prevent pregnancy, achieve pregnancy, or simply to monitor reproductive health.
Why not just use a Fertility Monitor?
A Fertility monitor doesn’t increase your knowledge of your own body. The fertility monitor doesn’t tell you why it thinks your fertile, only that it believes you are… or might be. Fertility monitors will often err on the safe side, giving you fewer days available for intercourse. The Billings Ovulation Method does much more than tell you when you are fertile. Billings can help you monitor your overall reproductive health. It can identify certain vitamin deficiencies, infections, hormone imbalances and the like. These diagnostic elements can help prevent miscarriage, or give you the opportunity to seek treatment for infections before serious symptoms arise.
I’m not married, why should I learn?
We encourage you to learn the method before you get married. This allows you to gain confidence in the method before you have to use it for your family planning intentions. Even if there is no wedding in sight, Billings can help you monitor your overall reproductive health. It can identify certain vitamin deficiencies, infections, hormone imbalances and the like.
I read a book about how to chart, why should I pay a teacher?
There are many methods of Natural Family Planning, and only a few boast a high efficacy rate. Of the most effective modern methods, there are several derivations that make small changes, but drastically affect the effectiveness. The Billings Ovulation Method is the authentic method as developed and taught by Drs. John and Evelyn Billings. A Billings Ovulation Method certified teacher is the best person to help you in the early stages of learning to recognize your own individual pattern and give you confidence in applying the guidelines of the Method.
Why should I learn Billings over another method of NFP?
The Billings Ovulation Method is the parent method of all modern, effective methods. Research for Billings began in 1953, and continues today. There have been hundreds of articles published in prestigious Medical Journals pointing to the effectiveness of Billings. Several independent studies have been performed worldwide that point to the validity of the method. In 1979 the World Health Organization recognized The Billings Ovulation Method as “highly effective,” and made it a point to differentiate it from other methods. Simply put, the Billings Ovulation method is the simplest, most flexible, highly researched, modern method of NFP available.
Are there any side-effects or risks?
Yes. Studies have shown that couples who practice NFP have only a 2% chance of ever getting divorced. The Billings Ovulation Method fosters couple communication and mutual goal setting. These are both essential to a healthy marriage. Additionally, women who use Billings have a lower risk of heart attack, certain cancers, blood clots and stokes compared to women who use hormonal contraception.
I’m wanting to achieve pregnancy, but have had difficulty, can Billings help?
In a recent five-year study of 207 “sub-fertile” couples (unable to achieve pregnancy for over 15 months), 65% of them were able to achieve pregnancy using the Billings Ovulation Method within an average of 4.7 months. Additionally, of 20 couples for whom In Vitro Fertilization failed, seven achieved pregnancy with the help of Billings. Because Billings helps you identify your unique signs of fertility, it gives you the best chance at conceiving naturally.
My doctor put me on the pill for medical reasons, is it safe for me to get off?
Dr. Mary Martin of Oklahoma City says, “There is always a reason why women don’t ovulate normally, have intermenstrual bleeding, have pain, or infertility. To prescribe [oral contraceptive pills] for these symptoms may delay or prevent a diagnosis. Alternatives are available which may uncover the gynecological problem for which the Pill is prescribed.” The Pill merely masks the symptoms of, but never truly fixes, the problem. Contact us and we will help you find alternatives that you can suggest to your doctor.
What People Are Saying:
I am pleased to give my blessing on NFPAWARE and their efforts to facilitate and teach the Natural Family Planning methods... Please give them every consideration.
Most Rev. Edward J. Slattery
Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Tulsa
More so than any other teacher I have heard, NFPAWARE gives the most competent articulation not only of the science behind NFP, but of the physiological, psychological, societal and moral effects of contraception. As well, they give credible witness to what they profess in how they live their faith.
Rev. Jack A. Gleason
Pastor of St. Mary's Church, Tulsa, OK
I liked the “idea” of Natural Family Planning, but had little education on the “reality” of NFP. After listening to the thoughtful and poised “Why Session” presented by NFPAWARE, I began to feel at ease. Our society has a tendency to mystify and complicate fertility, creating the impression that women are at the mercy of medical intervention to manage their reproductive lives. With the information from the “Why Session” and one-on-one consultations, I am able to decipher the function of each stage of my cycle, without relying on any chemicals, monitors or other interferences. I find it incredibly empowering to now have the tools to understand my own fertility within God’s design.
Chrissa Ortega
NFPAWARE Client
NFPAWARE presents a cohesive explanation of the scientific principles of Natural Family Planning, expounding in-depth knowledge of the progressive medical studies of the past few decades. They’ve done their research into a field often overlooked by current medical practice and provide a primer that should turn heads in the physician community. Their dynamic presentation is also interactive, enjoyable, and respectable when confronting the personal and emotional topics of sex-life, infertility, and contraception. I’ve recommended my patients and close-friends alike."
Andrew Archual, M.D.
Community Hostpital - Indianapolis, IN
NFPAWARE offers the complete package: a natural, scientific answer to one of the most emotional aspects of humanity. Not only are they articulate and professional, but they also understand what couples are thinking and what they are concerned about when it comes to their sex lives..
Erica Jacobi
NFPAWARE Client
In a manner that is compelling, engaging, and informative, NFPAWARE gives the best presentation on Natural Family Planning that I have ever heard. Their passion about the subject is matched by their expertise, and it shows through their ability to encourage couples (and future couples) to use a method of family planning that is safe, simple, and satisfying.
Not only do they present the material, but they also clear up any misconceptions that many do indeed have about NFP. There is not a medical professional, pastor, parish, person or pair of persons that would not benefit from their seminars or instruction.Anthony Keiser
Director of the Office of Faith Formation - Diocese of Wichita