1. Catholic Teaching On Human Sexuality, and Family Planning

2. Church Teaching
One of the essential elements of marriage is the Openness to children
Husband and wife should encounter each other in bodily union so as to be united more deeply with one another in love and to allow children to proceed from their love
A Christian married couple should have as many children as God gives them and for whom they can take responsibility. They are permitted to limit and space their children
Artificial means should not be used either to prevent conception or to produce a child.

3. Overview Church teaching Permitted Not Permitted
Natural Family Planning
Not Permitted
Artificial means of contraception
Barrier
Hormonal
Abortifacient
Artificial means of conception
IVF
Surrogacy
Artificial Insemination

4. Natural Family Planning
Natural Family Planning (NFP), endorsed by the Couple to Couple League, is one of the most widely used methods of fertility regulation, particularly for those whose religious or cultural beliefs do not permit devices or drugs for birth control.
This method involves periodic abstinence (no sexual intercourse), with couples attempting to avoid intercourse during a woman's fertile period—around the time of ovulation. (Ovulation is the process in which during a woman's menstrual cycle, one of the woman's ovaries releases an egg.)

5. Natural Family Planning
Advantages: No harmful effects from hormone use occur. This may be the only method acceptable to couples for cultural or religious reasons. NFP methods can also be used to achieve pregnancy.   
Disadvantages: This is most suitable for women with regular and predictable menstrual cycles. Complete abstinence is necessary during the fertile period. This method requires discipline and systematic charting. The method is not effective with improper use. To use this method effectively, a woman or couple should be trained by a medical professional or a qualified counselor. A relatively high failure rate has been reported. This method does not protect against STDs.

6. Natural Family Planning
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is not contraception. NFP gives a married couple a way to space out childbirths and limit the total number of children. But it does not give the couple complete control over procreation. Even when the couple prayerfully decides to limit their family size, or to wait before having another child, NFP is open to the possibility of life and to the will of God. NFP is used in a moral and praiseworthy manner when the couple, though making responsible decisions about family size, are still willing to accept an unplanned child from God's Providence. Fertility awareness requires that a couple chart the time during a woman's menstrual cycle when she is most likely to become pregnant and avoid intercourse.

7. How Does it Work?
Natural Family Planning uses the natural increase and decrease in fertility built into a woman's menstrual cycle to increase or decrease the possibility of conception. There are several different modern effective methods of NFP. Each identifies the most fertile time in a woman's cycle and requires the couple to abstain from sexual intercourse during that time, if they wish to avoid conception.

8. On any ordinary calendar, mark the day when your period first begins as Day 1 and circle it. Then mark the same day of the week, one week later, as Day 8 and circle it. Count forward to Day 19 and circle it. Draw a solid line through days 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19. For these twelve days (days 8 through 19), abstain from all sexual intercourse, if you wish to avoid conception. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

9. Different Methods of NFP
The Standard Days Method (SDM) is a new method of Natural Family Planning (NFP) developed by the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University. SDM is 95% effective when used correctly. The 95% means that 5 out of 100 women practicing this method correctly for one year will get pregnant. The effectiveness of any method of NFP varies from couple to couple. All NFP methods are significantly less effective for couples who do not follow the method closely.
SDM works for women with menstrual cycles from 26 to 32 days long. To use the method, couples abstain from sexual intercourse on days 8 through 19 of the woman's menstrual cycle. If a woman has more than one cycle per year that is shorter than 26 days, or longer than 32 days, the method effectiveness decreases significantly and a different method of NFP should be used.

10. Different Methods of NFP
The sympto-thermal method. The current method of NFP taught by the Couple to Couple League and many other teaching organizations Women who use this method keep track of their cervical mucus signs, their waking temperature (basal body temperature), and their own cycle history. They may also monitor physical changes in the cervix. This method breaks a woman's cycle into 3 phases.
Phase I is pre-ovulation infertility beginning with the first day of menstruation.
Phase II is the fertile period, in which conception could occur.
Phase III is infertility after ovulation. It is best used by women who have consistent and regular menstrual cycles.

11. When to Use NFP
A couple will use NFP only to limit the total number of children and to provide a space of time between births. They must have a just reason to do so, such as the limited resources of the family and the need to provide for existing children.
Most couples today meet this standard and can use NFP to limit family size and space births. It is not moral in such cases to attempt to use NFP so strictly as to eliminate the possibility of conception.
Using NFP with a contraceptive intention is immoral. The couples' intentions must be open to life and to the will of God concerning the procreation of children.

12. When to Use NFP
If a couple has a serious reason, they may use NFP very strictly, with the aim of avoiding conception entirely. Few couples have such a grave reason, which may include a significant risk to the health or life of the mother if she becomes pregnant, or a similar risk to the health or life of the child. All pregnancies involve some risk, so a grave reason must be well above the ordinary risk of pregnancy.
NFP is also used when a couple wants to have a child if it has been difficult to conceive
Artificial means of conception are also prohibited by the Church
Surrogacy
IVF
Artificial insemination

13. Artificial Contraception
Any artificial means of preventing a pregnancy from occurring
Barriers
Any device that keeps sperm and egg from joining
Temporary
Permanent
Spermicidal
Chemicals that render sperm inactive or dead
Hormonal devices or medications
Hormones that interfere with ovulation or the environment of the reproductive organs
Abortifacient
A device or chemical that causes the abortion of a fertilized egg.

14. Barrier Methods Temporary:
diaphragm; cervical cap; Lea's Shield; male condom; female condom; and spermicidal foam, sponge, gel, suppository, or film
prevent sperm from entering the uterus and reaching the egg.
Typically, barrier methods are not highly effective, but they generally have fewer side effects than hormonal methods or IUDs.
Spermicides and condoms are used together or along with another method to increase their effectiveness.
Barrier methods can interrupt lovemaking because they must be used every time you have sex.
Condoms (male or female) should always be used if you are at risk of getting or spreading a sexually transmitted disease, such as genital herpes, Chlamydia, or HIV.

15. Permanent
Sterilization is a surgical procedure done for men or women who decide that they do not want to have any (or more) children. Sterilization is one of the most effective forms of birth control. Sterilization is intended to be permanent, and although you can try to reverse it with another surgery, reversal is not always successful.

16. Procedures Tubal ligation
A surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes, which carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, are tied, cut, or blocked. A new nonsurgical sterilization technique uses a small metal coil, or tubal implant, inserted up into each fallopian tube. Over time, scar tissue grows around each tubal implant, permanently blocking the tubes. Most women are able to return home within a couple of hours after either procedure. You must use another form of birth control for 3 months after receiving tubal implants. Sometimes tubal implants can require a repeat procedure.
Female sterilization is more complicated, has higher risks of problems after surgery, and is more expensive than male sterilization. Contraception following pregnancy
Vasectomy.
In this minor surgery, the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the seminal fluid (semen), are cut and blocked so that the semen no longer contains sperm. This does not interfere with a man's ability to have an erection or enjoy sex.

17. Hormonal Methods Hormonal methods use two basic formulas:
Combination hormonal methods contain both estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone). Combination methods include pills ("the Pill"), skin patches, and rings.
Progestin-only hormonal methods include pills, also called "mini-pills," and injections (Depo-Provera). See information about the progestin-only Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) below under IUDs.

18. Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills, or oral contraceptives, contain hormones that suppress ovulation.
During ovulation an egg is released from the ovaries, without ovulation there is no egg to be fertilized and pregnancy cannot occur.
There are 2 types of birth control pills -- the combined pill and the Mini-pill. The combined pill contains both estrogen and progestin, while the Mini-pill contains only progestin. The progestin in the Mini-pill may prevent ovulation; however it may not do this reliably each month. The Mini-pill works further by thickening the mucous around the cervix and preventing sperm from entering the uterus. *The lining of the uterus is also affected in a way that prevents fertilized eggs from implanting into the wall of the uterus. The Mini-pill is taken every day. You may not have a period while taking the Mini-pill, if you do have periods that means you are still ovulating and your risk for pregnancy occurring is greater.
One type of birth control pill called YAZ or Yasmin reduces severe mood and physical symptoms that some women get before they start their monthly periods. These symptoms are called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). YAZ has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating PMDD symptoms.
*Abortifacient

19. Patches, Shots, & Vaginal Rings
Patches or vaginal rings are similar to combination pills, but they don't require taking a daily pill.
The patch is changed weekly, and the ring is changed monthly (with 1 week off after 3 weeks of use).
The progestin-only (Depo-Provera) shot does not require taking a daily pill. Instead, you see your health professional once every 3 months for the injection.

20. Pros and Cons Advantages:
Combination pills may reduce acne, pain during ovulation, and premenstrual symptoms. Both types of pill reduce heavy bleeding and cramping. Unlike the combination pill, the progestin-only pill can be taken by almost all women, including those who are breast-feeding, although it must be taken at the same time each day to be effective.
Disadvantages:
Problems in taking birth control pills include nausea, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, no periods, headaches, depression, anxiety, and lower sexual desire. Birth control pills do not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Taking the pills daily and consistently is important. If a woman stops taking birth control pills, she may need a few months to get her normal ovulation cycle back. After 6 months, her health care provider may need to examine her.

21. Additional Risks
Some women may be at risk for blood clots . At particular risk are heavy smokers (especially those older than 35 years), women with high or abnormal cholesterol levels, and women with severe diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
The association of birth control pill use and breast cancer in young women has been controversial.
The relationship between birth control pill use and cervical cancer is also quite controversial. Important risk factors include early sexual intercourse and exposure to the human papilloma virus. Thus, women who use birth control pills should have a periodic Pap test.
Side effects for the birth control patch are similar to those experienced by women using oral contraceptives. However, the patch may cause skin irritation where it is placed. Sometimes, it may come off and not be noticed, and it will become less efficient. In August 2002, the FDA listed a failure rate for the patch of one pregnancy per 100 women per year, similar to that of other combination methods. It may be less effective for women who weigh more than 198 pounds.

22. Abortifacient
A chemical or device that causes the expulsion of a fertilized egg
Intrauterine device
Plan B pill

23. IUD
An intrauterine device is a small device that is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
IUDs are wrapped with copper (Copper T 380-A) or contain a hormone (the Mirena IUD releases a progestin called levonorgestrel).
The lining of the uterus is also affected in a way that prevents fertilized eggs from implanting into the wall of the uterus.
Once an IUD is in place, it can provide birth control for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. Unlike IUDs that were used in the 1970s, present-day IUDs are small, safe, and highly effective.
If a sexually transmitted disease is present at the time the IUD is inserted, the infection can be carried into the uterus. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility.5
The progestin IUD (Mirena) typically reduces menstrual flow and cramping over time. On the other hand, the copper IUD can cause longer and heavier periods. However, the progestin IUD can have other side effects, including spotting, mood swings, and breast tenderness. These side effects occur less frequently than with other progestin-only methods.

24. Pros & Cons
Ectopic pregnancies in IUD users are half as likely as they are in women using no birth control. Ectopic pregnancies are more likely in women who use Progestasert than copper IUDs; Of those using Progestasert who become pregnant, about half of the pregnancies are ectopic. However, to reiterate, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is much less than it is in women who do not use any contraception. Women using IUDs who suspect they may be pregnant should contact their clinicians immediately.
IUDs come out during the first year of use in about 5% of women who use them. This is most likely to happen during the menstrual period and in women who have previously given birth. Women using IUDs should check their pads or tampons daily while menstruating and feel regularly to make sure the string is in place. If an IUD is expelled unnoticed, a woman may easily become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs while an IUD is still in place, the risk of miscarriage is 50% greater. This risk is decreased by 25% if the IUD is taken out as soon as possible. If the IUD is not removed, a risk of serious infection to the woman exists.

25. Additional Risks
An IUD may puncture the wall of the uterus when it is inserted.
Cramping and backache may occur in the first few hours after an IUD is placed. Bleeding may occur for a couple of weeks after an IUD is placed.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is also possible with IUD use, especially if a woman is not in a monogamous relationship and has an increased risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
IUDs do not protect against STDs. STDs can be worse in women who have IUDs, and the chance of getting an STD may be higher in women who use IUDs during the first 4 months after they are placed.

26. Plan B, Morning After Pill
Depending upon where you are in your cycle, Plan B One-Step may work in one of these ways:
It may prevent or delay ovulation.
It may interfere with fertilization of an egg.
It is also possible that this type of emergency birth control prevents implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus by altering its lining.
Plan B One-Step is not the same as RU-486, which is an abortion pill. It does not cause a miscarriage or abortion. In other words, it does not stop development of a fetus once the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. So it will not work if you are already pregnant when you take it.

27. Plan B Pill
The most common side effects felt as a result of taking Plan B include:
nausea and/or vomiting
headache
feeling tired, fatigue
feeling dizzy
lower abdominal pain
vaginal bleeding
breast tenderness
Most of these symptoms will resolve within two or three days of taking Plan B.
In addition to the above symptoms, women who choose to have an IUD inserted as emergency contraception may experience these additional side effects:
pelvic infection
damage to the uterus

28. Fertility Gift from God Not an entitlement of Marriage
Meant to be a product of the loving, physical, union between a married man and woman
Natural conception of a child
Adoption
Artificial means
IVF
Surrogate mother
Artificial insemination*