NFP Challenged Our Relationship
Fall 2023
Our journey with Natural Family Planning (NFP) was far from easy.
Carlos, a committed Protestant, and I, raised in a Catholic family, faced a significant hurdle as our wedding drew near. Carlos came to realize that I intended to use NFP, a method he disagreed with due to its abstinence periods. This conflict even led us to contemplate the possibility of canceling the wedding. We were both heartbroken. After a week of turmoil, Carlos, aware of the side effects of contraceptives, agreed to adopt NFP, hoping I might eventually change my mind.
We married in 2009, and over time, Carlos and I became firm believers in the method’s effectiveness for spacing our children. Moreover, we discovered additional benefits that contributed to our happiness. NFP strengthened our bond as we openly discussed my fertility. Abstinence periods created a honeymoon-like phase, anticipating intimate moments. Additionally, Carlos gained better self-control of his sexuality, a struggle for many men in a culture where thinking constantly about sex is often considered “normal.”
After nine years of marriage, Carlos’ curiosity about the Church’s teachings on sexuality, led him to delve into the Catholic faith. Convinced of its truths, he received the Sacrament of Confirmation in May 2018. Today, we both serve as instructors for the Sympto-Thermal Method of NFP through the Couple to Couple League.
Using NFP, we continually discern the size of our family, involving God and remaining open to life; confident that Natural Family Planning is a cornerstone upholding the strength and joy in our marriage.
About The Author
