Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Natural Family Planning Methods

A class of natural contraceptive methods in which SEXUAL ABSTINENCE is practiced a few days before and after the estimated day of ovulation, during the fertile phase. Methods for determining the fertile period or OVULATION DETECTION are based on various physiological indicators, such as circulating hormones, changes in cervical mucus (CERVIX MUCUS), and the basal body temperature.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A class of natural contraceptive methods in which SEXUAL ABSTINENCE is practiced a few days before and after the estimated day of ovulation, during the fertile phase. Methods for determining the fertile period or OVULATION DETECTION are based on various physiological indicators, such as circulating hormones, changes in cervical mucus (CERVIX MUCUS), and the basal body temperature.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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See Also

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Synonyms

9 entry terms
  • Natural Family Planning
  • Periodic Abstinence
  • Abstinence, Periodic
  • Family Planning, Natural
  • Rhythm Method of Family Planning
  • Rhythm Method of Family Planning, Calendar
  • Rhythm Method of Family Planning, Cervical Mucus
  • Rhythm Method of Family Planning, Temperature
  • Symptothermal Method of Family Planning

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

14 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, classification, economics, ethics, history, instrumentation, methods, mortality, nursing, psychology, standards, statistics & numerical data, trends, veterinary.

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History Note

2004 (1975); for NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING use FAMILY PLANNING 1988-2003

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Previous Indexing

  • Contraception (1966-1974)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. E02w.875.194w.605w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WP 630

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Natural Family Planning Methods. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D012252. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D012252
  2. Natural Family Planning Methods. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_family_planning
  3. Natural Family Planning Methods. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2717322