Using NFP When Coming Off Depo

Question

I am a 22yr. old married woman (no kids)currently on Depo-Provera. I’ve recently learned the truth about pharmaceuticals and birth control in general and have decided to switch to NFP permanently. My question is, how do i begin the NFP lifestyle when I no longer haveperiods? I have been using Depo 3 1/2 yrs. I really need some answers because my shot will expire soon (Feb. 23rd). There are no teachers for 3 hrs. (about 5 or 6 towns over). Where can I find detailed information about how to properly practice NFP?

Answer

Last Updated: June 17, 2013
Please accept our congratulations and encouragement for investing the time to make this important decision. It is certainly possible for you to begin an NFP lifestyle immediately, which is our recommendation, too. Modern, scientific methods of Natural Family Planning do not require regular cycles, and can actually be very helpful to you in observing and negotiating your body’s recovery from the powerful suppressive effect of the Depo-Provera injections.

For quick access to an overview of the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) of Natural Family Planning, please consult the URL maintained by the Couple-to-Couple League, http://www.ccli.org/, but don’t worry about having to digest everything in one viewing. You’ll find an excellent home-study course available there, which parallels the course we teach to couples attending our classes, and plenty of email assistance and phone help from both the international office of CCL (located in Ohio) and all of the teaching couples throughout the country who are listed on the website. Of course, we are on that list too, and look forward to assisting you if needed.

Another resource in finding an NFP Instructor is the California Directory of NFP Professionals, at www.canfp.org. Many of these instructors will work with you long distance, utilizing the internet and phone follow ups, and perhaps there is one near enough which will permit you to add an occasional in person visit as well.

Best wishes
Andrea and Ron Gronsky

Answered By:

Andrea and Ron Gronsky
Andrea and Ron Gronsky, PhD, Professional Members of CANFP,now retired, taught the Sympto Thermal Method through the Couple to Couple League, in the Oakland Region.

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