Natural family planning

Natural family planning (NFP) is a term referring to the family planning methods approved by the Roman Catholic Church. In accordance with the requirements for sexual behavior maintained by this church, NFP forbids the use of contraception, as well as all orgasmic acts outside of those achieved through unprotected vaginal intercourse with the user's spouse.

There are only two methods permitted by the Catholic church for avoiding pregnancy. The primary method is periodic abstinence during the fertile period of each menstrual cycle. Methods used to identify the fertile period may rely either on a woman's records of cycle length or observation of fertility signs. These methods may also be used to help achieve pregnancy.

The other method permitted is intentionally extending the natural period of infertility caused by breastfeeding. The Catholic church permits sex during pregnancy, and after the woman goes through menopause.