Natural family planning (NFP) refers to techniques for planning or preventing pregnancy by observation of natural signs of fertility. In using natural family planning to avoid pregnancy, there is abstinence from sexual intercourse during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle. Social values which are incorporated into the method include couples controlling and sharing responsibility for their own fertility and the fact that NFP does not interfere with physiological processes. Rhythm is considered to be an outmoded method which has been replaced by the ovulation or mucus method and the sympto-thermal method. A key concept of NFP is joint fertility since it is the life of the sperm and ovum together which constitute fertility. In a NFP satisfaction survey previously reported by Borkman and Shivanandan, almost all couples who had been using NFP at least 2 years reported positive aspects of spousal communication as a part of NFP. Natural family planning communication provides cycle awareness for both spouses, thereby enabling the understanding of women's moods related to hormone levels. This cycle awareness, or fertility awareness, represents a new and unique form of communication for couples. Natural family planning is a mechanism for impacting communication, forcing at least minimal communication about the sexual relationship, and providing regular opportunities for discussion of intimate aspects of the relationship. (ABL)