Natural ways more popular

Press, 28 January 1988, Page 5

Natural ways more popular

In a twist to the sexual revolution, growing numbers of New Zealanders appear to be moving away from artificial contraception towards natural family planning methods. With about 5 per cent of New Zealanders reported to be using natural family planning methods and a growing acceptance of the technique by the medical profession, the Natural Family Planning Association’s regular sessions at the Caledonian Road Clinic attract increasing numbers. Many will form a lasting commitment to a method which provides an alternative to the Pill and artificial birth control techniques. The supporters of natural family planning describe it as a technique which involves both partners rather than imposing the responsibility solely on one person. Formed in 1975, the New Zealand association has about 130 teachers and 21 educators throughout the country, including five in Christchurch. A Christchurch member, Mrs Dorothea McKenzie, was elected the national president last year. For Mrs McKenzie and other supporters, natural family planning is more than a technique. It is a philosophy which encourages greater communication, openness and warmth among partners. Old nicknames of Vatican roulette and the rhythm method are largely ignored or actively discouraged. According to the association, natural contraception using a symptothermal technique has a

success rate comparable to the mini-pill — about 95 per cent. A survey by the Consumers’ Institute ranked it on par with I.U.D.s and barrier methods such as diaphragms and condoms. The Caledonian Road clinic is attended by a cross-section of individuals and partners “usually recommended or referred although some have heard about the clinic from other couples,” Mrs McKenzie said. “I see this as a reflection of the openness surrounding the community awareness of sexual questions and family planning. Sex is no longer a taboo subject.” The symptothermal method involves charting daily body temperatures and noting changes in the female mucus throughout each cycle. “Clients are seen on an individual basis in the clinic, emphasising the fact that each person’s cycle is unique, rather than the old theory that every woman had an average 28-day cycle,” Dorothea McKenzie said yesterday. “Scientific research during the past decade means that fertile times can be pinpointed with far greater accuracy than ever before.” Women using natural family planning methods must take their oral temperature at the same time each day — on waking and before beginning activities. The temperature which rises and falls with fertility changes is charted along with the changes in the vaginal

mucus. The appearance of a new electronic thermometer has helped many couples introduce this daily routine into their lives. The thermometer signals after 45 seconds, providing an easily read result. The association sees the trend towards the method as a reflection of the trend against chemicals and artificial devices into the body. The national trend is reflected in Canterbury where the individuals and couples attending the Caledonian Road clinic are referred by their doctor or attend on the suggestion of a friend or relative. At the clinic trained teachers and educators teach the basic principles of the symptothermal method of family planning against a background of three criteria. A couple must be in a supportive and stable relationship; partners must have sufficient motivation to want the method to work, and they must be taught by trained teachers, with follow-up teaching methods. “While many other forms of contraception are ‘passive,’ natural family planning is an active method involving both partners. It encourages a commitment which can strengthen communication and relationships — and increases an awareness of fertility. “What must be remembered — and is often forgotten — is that fertility is shared and not only a woman’s responsibility. A man is fertile all the

time whereas a woman is fertile for only 12 hours in the menstrual cycle.”

Male sperm can survive for five to seven days in a woman’s body.