Family planning through fertility awareness
Traditional family planning can be used both to prevent unplanned pregnancy, and to increase the chance of a pregnancy if a couple has been having difficulty.
There are many different traditional methods. Each of these methods uses different signals from a woman’s body to identify the times when she is most fertile and when she is least fertile. A trained professional can teach you to understand these different signals.
Traditional methods include those that regularly track cervical mucus, such as the Billing's method, those that track a woman’s body temperature, frequent and regular breastfeeding during the first six months after birth, and abstinence during certain times of the menstrual cycle.
For natural methods to be effective, a woman needs to have a good understanding of her unique menstrual cycle. To prevent unplanned pregnancy, a woman and her partner should not have sex during the times when she is most fertile.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of traditional family planning methods varies by method, and by couple using the method.
Availability
Traditional family planning counselling services are available at our Family Health Clinic in Dili and through outreach teams in the municipalities where we work.
Pricing
Counselling is free through outreach, and at a small cost at the Family Health Clinic. Call the Family Health Clinic on 3322 841 for more information on price.
