To celebrate the end of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week for 2020, I brought on my husband Ben to discuss how NFP has impacted our relationship. We review a couple of research studies that have looked at how natural family planning affects marriages and we comment on our own experiences (yes, that includes our sex life - I promise we do not get graphic).

NFP has improved our relationship overall but it does not come without its challenges. Periodic abstinence is not always easy. But, because of natural family planning, our communication has improved and our respect for one another has increased. NFP has helped me know my body better and to grow closer to God.

Thank you to my amazing husband for being willing to be my guest and talking openly and honestly about intimate topics!

The take-aways:
-There are positive and negative aspects of natural family planning
-Some positive aspects include: increased and deeper communication, improved knowledge of your (or your spouse’s) body, positive effects on faith life
-Some negative aspects include: frustrations and anger, strained sexual relationship, periodic abstinence
-Overall, the majority of couples who use NFP find more benefit than harm to their relationship
-My belief is your marriage will be blessed when you are doing what you know God wants you to do in your relationship

I will be hosting a virtual workshop called “Know Your Body with Natural Family Planning” on Tues 8/18/20 at 7:30pm CST. Sign up here: www.bit.ly/nfp818
Ready to dive in further? Sign up for my class “How to Use Natural Family Planning” on Sun 8/9/20 at 7:30pm CST here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/114317599016

Have comments, suggestions, questions? Send me a message!
Facebook: NFP Pharmacist
Instagram: @nfppharmacist
Email me: emily@nfppharmacist.com

References:
VandeVusse L, et al. Couples' Views of the Effects of Natural Family Planning on Marital Dynamics. Journal of Nursing Scholarship. 2003; 35(2):171-176.

Unseld, M, et al. Use of Natural Family Planning (NFP) and Its Effect on Couple Relationships and Sexual Satisfaction: A Multi-Country Survey of NFP Users from US and Europe. Front Public Health. 2017;5:42.