avoiding pregnancy

ACCORD practitioners use modern methods of NFP which do not rely on 'Rhythm' or 'Calendar Calculations,' but are based on a scientific and accurate understanding of fertility.  The Sympto-thermal method is based on temperature, changes in cervical mucous, changes in the cervix.

An increasing number of women choose a natural method for health reasons or dislike of contraceptives. Couples wishing to use a natural method to avoid or achieve pregnancy need to learn to accurately identify the phases of fertility and infertility by observing and recording the indicators of fertility and this process needs to be assisted by a trained Fertility Awareness Counsellor:

• Basal body or waking temperature
• Cervical mucus secretion
• Changes in the Cervix
• Cycle length
• Minor indicators

A multiple indicator approach, generally a combination of temperature and mucus or sympto-thermal approach is the most effective method. When taught by an experienced Fertility Awareness Counsellor this will be up to 98% effective in avoiding pregnancy.

The process will involve equipment including:

• Fertility thermometer - either glass/mercury or battery-operated digital thermometer
• Blank Sympto-Thermal chart - for recording all indicators of fertility.

It is important to remember there are factors that may disturb or affect the cycle such as alcohol, tiredness, stress, shift work, medication etc.

Efficiency studies of Sympto-Thermal method

Advances in teaching techniques and use of multiple index methods have considerably reduced the unplanned pregnancy rate among NFP Users. The method is however unforgiving of imperfect use.

The frequently quoted 80% efficiency dates back to a WHO trial using cervical mucus as a single indicator. (WHO - A prospective trial of the ovulation method of NFP - II The effectiveness phase. Fertility and Sterility 1981, 36; 152-8.)

A study of the sympto-thermal method reported a use effectiveness rate of 97.7% (Frank-Hermann, Freundl et al, Effectiveness and acceptability of the sympto-thermal method of NFP in Germany, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1991, 165,pp 2052-4)

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