Sensiplan

 

The Sensiplan method is a double check symptothermal method for natural family planning that puts emphasis on basal body temperature. The method uses double check both to open the fertile window (cervical mucus + calculations) and to close the fertile window (BBT + cervical mucus). Cervical changes can be used as an alternative to cervical mucus. Sensiplan is the most researched sympto-thermal method with 99.4-99.6 % birth control effectiveness with perfect use. The typical use rate in Sensiplan effectiveness studies has been 97.8 – 98.4 % but typical use rate on a population level has not been studied.

The method allows the fertile window to be opened and closed only once during one cycle which might mean extended periods of assumed fertility for those with long or very irregular cycles. The method has specific guidelines for those charting post partum and while breastfeeding and for those approaching menopause.

Sensiplan was developed in the 1980s with the support of the Federal Ministry for Youth, Family, Women, and Health in Germany with research conducted in University of Düsseldorf and later in University of Heidelberg (ongoing). Its instructors are trained to teach the method for both avoiding and achieving pregnancy and refer clients to a medical practitioner in case of concerns over menstrual cycle health.

Sensiplan is a natural family planning method but its teaching materials do not contain religious content and instructors can support clients wishing to combine the method with other non-hormonal methods such as barriers.

References:

    • Frank-Herrmann P, Freundl G, Gnoth C, Godehardt E, Kunert J, Baur S, Sottong U (1997). Natural Family Planning with and without barrier method use in the fertile phase: efficacy in relation to sexual behavior: a German prospective long-term study. Advances in Contraception 13: 179-189. DOI: 10.1023/a:1006551921219.
    • Frank-Herrmann P, Heil J, Gnoth C, Toledo E, Baur S, Pyper S, Jenetzky E, Strowitzki T, Freundl G (2007). The effectiveness of a fertility awareness based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple’s sexual behaviour during the fertile time: a prospective longitudinal study. Human Reproduction 22(5): 1310-1319. DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dem003 
    • Frank-Herrmann P, Jacobs C, Jenetzky E, et al. (2017) Natural conception rates in subfertile couples following fertility awareness training. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 295, 1015–1024. DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4294-z
    • Malteser Deutschland gGmbH (2021). Natürlich und Sicher. Natürliche Familienplanung mit Sensiplan. 21st edition. Trias.

     

     

     

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    English (UK)