Natural family planning (NFP), better known as natural fertility management, is a method for a couple to reliably be able to differentiate a fertile from an infertile day.

It is distinctly different to any method that includes the words rhythm or calendar. Those methods are long outdated.  These out-dated methods assumed a woman operates like a machine, which to NFP professionals is below the true dignity of womanhood.

Natural fertility management will work for any couple whose communication skills allow them to jointly decide if they currently wish to achieve or avoid a pregnancy. If they decide that they wish to avoid a pregnancy in any cycle, they need to avoid genital contact on all days identified through the system as fertile. Couples need to be willing and able to make their behaviour follow their decision.

NFP comes from a perspective that humans are distinctly different from animals. As such they have the inate ability to learn to control their sexuality.

The method provides a framework from which couples can learn how to clarify their intentions and put them into practice. A basic intention to not wish to deceive nor hurt each other is nevertheless a pre-requisite.

If natural fertility management is to be reliable, it needs proper teaching. Creighton Model FertilityCare professionals go through a rigorous training programme and must receive ongoing professional development to maintain their registration.