In Australia, Natural Fertility Methods are slowly gaining popularity as alternatives to hormonal contraception. The ‘natural method’ allows women and families an option that aligns with their personal or religious/cultural preferences. CatholicCare Sydney’s Natural Fertility Services (NFS) empowers women and couples to take control of their family planning journey with safe and natural techniques.
A study by Monash University found that out of the 43 per cent of Australian women using contraceptives, only one in seven opt for natural methods. The natural method offers organic and sustainable methods for those wanting to eliminate possible side effects of hormonal instability (or painful procedures) in their journey.
“I’ve been worried about things, the uncertainty of messing with my hormones and my cycle, I don’t know about the long-term effects, so I’d like to keep my contraception options as natural as possible. I don’t want to make conception more difficult when I am ready to have children,” says a NFS client with CatholicCare Sydney.
How Natural Fertility awareness works
Natural Fertility Methods tracks physical fertility signs, requiring consistency to achieve effectiveness. CatholicCare Sydney’s Natural Fertility Services program offers instruction in the Sympto-Thermal Method for your family planning journey. This method offers a 99.4-99.6 per cent effectiveness rate when tracked consistently and correctly.
The method works by tracking the body’s natural cycles, allowing you to understand how to prevent or plan for children. With CatholicCare Sydney’s Natural Fertility Services, clinicians provide personalised support that allows you to understand and manage your fertility accurately.
Benefits of the Sympto-Thernal Method:
- No interference with your natural rhythm: unlike hormonal preventative methods (e.g. oral pill), the Sympto-Thermal Method has no impacts on your body’s natural hormone cycle.
- Pain free: no need for needles or intrusive procedures by a specialist – all that is required is a thermometer
- No side effects: elimination of common side effects of oral preventatives like nausea, headaches and mood swings.
- Holistic health: supports your emotional well-being, as well as aligning with your religious/cultural practices
Personalised support for your journey
CatholicCare Sydney’s clinicians are accredited by Australian Council of Natural Family Planning (ACNFP), making them qualified to offer tailored workshops and consultations. Whether you’re seeking to prevent pregnancy or plan for a child, these sessions will provide you with the tools you need to manage fertility cycles effectively.
“It’s the healthiest and cheapest choice for a couple to use. It’s shared responsibility—it doesn’t fall just on the female to keep track. Once you’ve learnt it, you can use it for life. We offer ongoing support. Couples just need to commit to benefit the full effectiveness.”
—Cathy Wood (NFS clinician with more than 20 years’ experience)
Natural fertility, or family planning, is taught face to face in three locations: Lewisham, Liverpool, and in the city or via Zoom.
Contact natural@catholiccare.org for more information.