Computer Program Tracks Woman's Cycle - NFP

Arlington Catholic Herald ^ | 2/9/06 | Angela E. Pometto

[klossg]

Say goodbye to diaries — those small books with breakable locks that little brothers could easily get their hands on.

Today’s women have computer programs that help them track their most cherished secrets. Women practicing Natural Family Planning (NFP) can throw away their paper charts and store that information in their palm pilot. And there is no worry about this sensitive information falling into the wrong hands — with the click of a button, the intimate details of a woman’s life can be protected by a password.

Woman Calendar, a program by BEIKS LLC, is a simple program that any couple can navigate. The calendar is basically an electronic journal of a woman’s cycle that includes options to chart such obvious signs such as menstruation, basal temperature and mucus, as well as noting days with doctor’s appointments, potential PMS and cramps.

When entering data into the system, the program automatically predicts when a woman’s fertility will peak and when she should expect her next menstruation. Although this is not always a guaranteed prediction, when added to the couple’s interpretation of the data, the computer’s estimate can be helpful.

After recording one cycle, the program converts the information into printable charts. Charts display the length of each cycle, the temperature changes by month, and the temperature changes and physical observations by cycle.

NFP couples are not the only people who can benefit from the program. It is also helpful for single women who may need to track their cycle for health reasons.

The program is available in several different formats including Desktop, Palm OS and Pocket PC.

According to Dr. Richard Fehring, professor of nursing science and director for the Institute of Natural Family Planning at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., computer programs are often helpful for women who are “technically oriented.” “It’s very organized and more clear,” he said. But to some degree, Fehring believes it may be more work for a woman to enter their information into a computer instead of using an already simple paper chart system. “You shouldn’t need a computer.”

There are many programs now on the market that offer varied features, such as the ability to send in the chart for professional consultation. “Most charting systems are not any more accurate,” Fehring said, adding that it’s still important for a couple to read the signs.

For more information or to download the program, go to BEIKS LLC Woman Calendar.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

There's always the chance of that "irregular cycle"

[Tax-chick]

And I agree with you that it still doesn't make knowing when a woman is fertile ... comparable to open heart surgery or landing on the moon or flying a jet at 8 times the speed of sound.

You're right about that. My own experience is that when I feel the urge, as it were, it's extremely probable that another baby will be on the way :-). "Would you like to go watch a movie, or would you like to have a baby in 9 months?"

Observing fertility can be fairly complex, especially when one is breastfeeding. I have two children for whom we couldn't identify a probable date of conception on my charts. Not that that's bad - vis. my earlier post regarding "can't be surprised"!

[klossg]

If she is having sex with Bubba, then you might consider worrying about more basic issues than purchasing a palm pilot. But, that's just me. Good luck with Bubba!

[klossg]

Thanks for that website. Way to go on using NFP!

[klossg]

Exactly. A little knowledge adds even to the number of jokes you can laugh at. I do dig all the inside NFP jokes. Shows how un-uptight we all are about sex!

[kx9088]

My wife says the same thing, however, when I leave my cell phone rings and I get yelled at for leaving.

[arizonarachel]

Thanks...in the beginning, though, I miscalculated my date of ovulation, which caused me to get pregnant. Then, unfortunately, I had a miscarriage. We went from being shocked and surprised, to excited and in love with the baby, to being shocked and surprised, and lastly very very sad. As soon as things even out with my body, I'll start using it again. I just pray that we are blessed again. (we went from never wanting kids to really wanting them!)

[VRWCmember]

keep track of the INFO you perv! warn't no fancy computer programs back then ; )

Oh, and here I was thinking you were one of those really good wives.

[klossg]

we went from never wanting kids to really wanting them!

I hear you! I'll say a prayer that you get what you want.

We know a couple who used NFP from the start. Their Honeymoon just happened to coincide with their fertile week! Lucky???? They were bummed to say the least and were planning to do everything else on their honeymoon but the act that makes a honeymoon not just another vacation.

But, during the honeymoon, in their newly married energy, they decided to throw caution to the wind. They knew that they might end up with a baby. 9 months later they had a baby boy!!!

They loved that little boy so much that they right away tried to conceive again. Twenty two years later they have not been able to conceive. There are fertility issues. They have really thanked God for throwing caution to the wind on their honeymoon.

Mice and men. And all our plans. It is funny sometimes what happens, isn't it?

[arizonarachel]

So true! I'm praying that I'm able to get pregnant again - just because it was so "easy" the first time, I'm worried it will be hard because we'll actually be trying again.

[arizonarachel]

So true! I'm praying that I'm able to get pregnant again - just because it was so "easy" the first time, I'm worried it will be hard because we'll actually be trying again.

[klossg]

You'll be fine. It is hard to mess with the great gear God gives us. He wants us to continue on so much he makes it one of the most enjoyable things in life. Please let me know when you get pregnant and have the baby. My wife and I will keep you in our prayers throughout the pregnancy.

Good luck and Godspeed!

[klossg]

Normally - it just works. See what I mean: 37 lb woman gives birth to healthy baby!

And the smiles on their face say so much!

[sauropod]

If she is having sex period, it is not only me that will be worrying.

[arizonarachel]

Thank you so much for your prayers...

[TXBubba]

Is that you bubba? Are you posting under a new name?! ;)

[MD_Willington_1976]

Well she asked and I delivered... no surprises at our place, we knew what was going to happen...

MD