Current approaches to the management of fertility require that spontaneous intercourse be protected at all costs. In NaProTECHNOLOGY and with the CrMS, the principle of “selective intercourse” is introduced. This principle is one that applies uniquely to a natural means to regulate fertility and, specifically, to the CrMS. While many natural systems over the years have relied on the concept of “periodic abstinence” to describe what is involved in the implementation of these systems, “periodic abstinence” is not at all specific to their use. Those who use contraceptives also practice periodic abstinence, since they do abstain from genital intercourse between one sexual contact and the next. So, the idea of “periodic abstinence” is not a concept that applies exclusively to a natural means to regulate fertility.
The decision to either have or not have intercourse is dependent upon actual choices one makes to either achieve or avoid pregnancy. The use of the term “selective” specifically implies the decision-making choices that couples implement while activating the fullness of the system. In their decision making, they are selecting, in a responsible way, the very best time to have intercourse. Perhaps even more importantly, they are mutually selecting that time. Thus, spontaneous intercourse involves the submission to emotional impulses while selective intercourse submits itself to choices evaluated and implemented through the incorporation of the intellect, the will and the values that the couple shares. The sharing that is involved in the implementation of any natural system, including the Creighton Model is also different from contraceptive approaches. These systems do not work unless the couple cooperates with each other. Technological systems are built upon the notion that such cooperation does not or may not exist. In this latter approach, the a priori premise precludes the development of cooperation in this important aspect of the married couple’s life. The preclusion can lead to stress, tension, resentment and, eventually, destruction of the relationship.