Myth 1: NFP cannot be used with irregular cycles.

On the contrary, observing the cycle according to NFP principles is very helpful in diagnosing and treating this problem. Daily observation of changing fertility symptoms (so-called biomarkers) allows for an ongoing assessment of the current hormonal situation and gives confidence about the present phase of the menstrual cycle, without anxiety or constant doubts caused by delayed periods.

Myth 2: To use NFP you have to be a ”princess” – sleep long hours, avoid alcohol, never go to parties.

NFP methods are multi-symptom methods, which means that several fertility signs are interpreted together. Possible disturbances in temperature readings (which may, but do not have to, occur after drinking alcohol at a late-night party) are complemented by the other biomarkers. Going to bed late or waking up during the night does not necessarily disturb the observations. Moreover, good results can also be achieved with an irregular lifestyle, for example in shift work (then the temperature is taken at a self-chosen time after at least one hour of rest).

Myth 3: Fertility awareness methods are ineffective during illness.

Unlike hormonal contraception, most medications and herbs can be used safely with NFP. This means that both minor infections and serious illnesses can be treated without worrying about the interpretation of fertility signs. Any difficulty in assessing temperature due to fever can be compensated for by observing and interpreting the other biomarkers.

Furthermore, NFP methods can be safely used in many chronic conditions without jeopardizing health or ongoing treatment.

Myth 4: Travel and stress make NFP ineffective.

This is not true. Because several fertility indicators are taken into account, it is easy to determine the current phase of the menstrual cycle and to observe any stress- or travel-related anomalies, such as a prolonged estrogen phase or delayed ovulation.

Myth 5: NFP is suitable mainly for achieving pregnancy, not for avoiding it.

By observing biomarkers according to NFP rules, it is possible to accurately identify both the fertile window and the phases of relative and absolute (natural) infertility, during which conception is not possible. Irregularities in the cycle that may hinder conception or a healthy pregnancy can also be detected.

Myth 6: Fertility awareness methods cannot be used during premenopause or breastfeeding.

On the contrary, specific rules have been developed precisely for postpartum, breastfeeding women and for women approaching menopause. Observing fertility signs in these special periods allows ongoing assessment of hormonal and physiological changes.

Myth 7: Natural family planning methods are ineffective.

This is the most widespread myth, often promoted by those who advocate artificial contraception or who confuse NFP with the calendar method or withdrawal. Modern fertility awareness methods are based on decades of research and hundreds of thousands of cycle cards. The most effective of them, Professor Rötzer’s method, has a Pearl Index below 0.2 in the pre-ovulatory phase – comparable to the effectiveness of contraceptive pills and patches – while the post-ovulatory phase determined by this method has a Pearl Index of 0.