Frequently Asked Questions

Natural Family Planning (NFP), also known as fertility awareness, is a method of family planning that does not involve the use of contraceptives. It can be used for trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. Using NFP to avoid pregnancy is up to 99% effective. Visit SymptoPro for more information.

The sympto-themal method uses the following biomarkers to determine where you are in your cycle: basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and vaginal sensations. Cervix check is an optional sign.

Then, we use researched “rules” to determine your fertile and infertile times. You can use this information to make family planning decisions (or learn more about your health).

Yes! SymptoPro has special guidelines for irregular cycling—whether that’s short cycles, long cycles, post-hormone, postpartum, post-miscarriage, premenopause, etc.

Sometimes, NFP is confused with the “rhythm method,” which is based on a calendar. The sympto-thermal method is NOT the rhythm method. Rather, we rely on biomarkers (instead of a “typical” 28-day cycle) to determine windows of fertility.

Other NFP methods include Creighton, Billings, Marquette, and Boston Cross Check models. Couple to Couple League is another organization that teaches the sympto-thermal method.

Creighton and Billings focus on the cervical mucus biomarker, whereas the Marquette method is a sympto-hormonal method that tracks changes in hormones.

I am trained only in the sympto-thermal method.

In-person classes will take place in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs. The specific location will be noted in the class description.

Generally speaking, the time it takes to learn NFP and put it in practice varies person to person, depending on their level of commitment and willingness to observe biomarkers.

The SymptoPro program itself consists of three 2-hour class sessions spaced 2 weeks apart, plus 6 months of monthly check-ins.

I could talk for hours about the benefits of NFP! Here are some of the main benefits:

-delay or space pregnancies without having to use hormonal birth control (HBC), avoiding HBC’s side effects

-charting can help identify potential health concerns

-NFP can increase a couple’s communication and connection

-it is up to 99% effective

-if trying to achieve pregnancy, charting will help you determine the most fertile times

-a better understanding of how female bodies work!

Yes, you may still take the class! You may benefit more if you take the class once you stop taking hormonal birth control, so that you can put what you learn into practice. However, you can always schedule follow-up meetings!

No, anyone can take the course!

Many Catholic women and couples like to learn NFP because it upholds God’s design for human sexuality. Taking this course can also fulfill pre-cana requirements of taking an NFP course before marriage.

That being said, NFP can be used by anyone of virtually any religion or belief system. This course focuses on how to use the method, not on religious aspects.

Please let Rachel know as soon as possible so that we can determine the best way for you to make up the class.

Yes! Partners can attend the class (at no extra cost). It is encouraged but not mandatory. Please do not have children present, as the nature of the content is mature.

Group classes are less expensive, but clients may want to choose private classes if group classes don’t work with their schedule, or if more personalized attention is desired. All clients who take group classes will have 15-minute, private consultations after each class session.

Either way, I highly recommend a class with an instructor, as opposed to reading a book or trying to teach yourself! I tried learning NFP by a book and regret not seeing an instructor sooner.

See HERE.

Payment plans may be available. Please mention your interest in a payment plan when you reach out!

SymptoPro recommends the Read Your Body app. Clients receive a 3-month free trial.

There are many fertility tracking apps out there. Here’s my rule of thumb: it’s OK to use an app to record your observations, but DO NOT use the app to analyze your chart or tell you if you’re fertile or not.