Natural methods for fertility control: a prospective study--First Part.

This study describes 4 years of verification of effectiveness and applicability of BBT and symptothermal methods. The couples chosen had to undergo a 6-month-long study phase, and be psychologically motivated and well trained in NFP. During this period, particular emphasis was given to the motivational factor, which was expanded in its anthropological, relational, pedagogical and, sometimes, moral contents. Four hundred and sixty couples entered the program, for a total of 8,140 cycles, in which BBT, cervical mucus, and intercourse were charted. The Pearl Index for unplanted pregnancies was 3.6. Twenty-five unplanned pregnancies occurred in couples using NFP for spacing, and no pregnancies were reported in limiters.