natural family planning

natural family planning Birth control without the use of contraceptive medications or barrier methods. There are several natural family planning methods. The most common natural family planning method is the use of basal temperature to detect ovulation, accompanied by abstention from intercourse during and after ovulation. Because a sperm may live in the female’s reproductive tract for up to 7 days and the egg remains fertile for about 24 hours, a woman can get pregnant within a substantial window of time. Also known as the basal temperature method, fertility awareness, periodic abstinence, and the rhythm method. See also birth control.