There are three main categories of NFP methods, all of which help a woman or couple determine their fertility each day based on the observations of fertility indicators or biomarkers that are present or absent in a woman’s body each day. All NFP methods help a woman identify what these signs of fertility are, how to track and records these signs, and how to determine her state of fertility based on these signs – each effective, natural, and healthy. The three main categories of NFP methods share this in common. What differs between the three main categories of NFP methods is the particular signs of fertility that a woman is observing and tracking.

Mucus Only methods observe the presence or absence of cervical mucus throughout each day. Sympto-Thermal methods observe a woman’s basal (at rest) body temperature, the presence or absence of cervical mucus, as well as other optional cervix signs. Sympto-Hormonal methods use a fertility monitor to observe hormonal changes found in a woman’s urine.