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Which is harder: practicing NFP, or brushing your teeth?
For me?
They’re about the same.
When I look at them side by side – NFP and home dental care – there are actually a lot of similarities.
They both take about 5 minutes a day, usually less. Actually, if you follow your dentist’s advice and brush twice or three times daily, then NFP wins this round.
They both use very simple, inexpensive tools.
For brushing your teeth, that’s toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and maybe mouthwash if you use it. For NFP? Just a basal body temp thermometer. I could also count my charts & binder, so add about 12 printed sheets of paper per per year.
I probably spend $35-40 on toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss every year. The battery in my $7 BBT thermometer lasts at least 2 years, sometimes more.
NFP wins this round too.
They can both prevent some serious medical complications down the road. If you brush your teeth consistently, you are definitely less likely to get cavities. And if you practice NFP, you’re very likely to have an easier time with your OB/GYN appointments.
This round is even.
Off the top of my head, the only area where I think NFP is more difficult than my daily dental care routine is record-keeping.
NFP requires keeping records. Brushing your teeth? Not so much.
Dental care wins this round. ????
There’s also the issue of support.
Your parents probably taught you to brush your teeth when you were 2 years old. You’ve probably been to the dentist regularly since about that time.
Everyone expects that. It’s normal.
In a sane world, NFP would be considered normal. I hope it happens in my lifetime.
At present, though, practicing NFP requires you to step outside the box, so to speak. For whatever reason, pills, hormones, implants, condoms, IUD’s, sterilization are all considered “normal.”
But knowing your body, understanding your fertility, making decisions accordingly – people don’t expect that. Your friends, your parents, even your doctor might give you a hard time at first.
That’s why Fertility Lifestyle’s NFP course includes support.
If you’re having trouble, you can email us, even set up a Skype call. We’re here for you.
NFP does take work, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. It’s probably easier than a lot of stuff you do every day.
I say yes, NFP is as easy as brushing your teeth.
But you’ll have to decide that for yourself.