What is NFP and why use a natural method
NFP (Natural Family Planning) is a method of family planning that does not use any artificial contraceptives such as birth control pills, IUDs, injections, patches, diaphragms or condoms to control, chemically alter, inhibit or destroy a man or woman's fertility. There are no side effects, it is medically safe and you are not putting any artificial or synthetic drugs in your body.
What is the Creighton Model of FertilityCare?
The Creighton Model is a form of NFP based on the research of Dr. Thomas Hilgers from the Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. It is a method that focuses on various biological markers of the woman's fertility but primarily the woman's cervical mucus discharge. The Creighton Method also includes the new reproductive science called NaProTECHNOLOGY to monitor and evaluate a woman's reproductive health.
Can I use Creighton Method if I have irregular cycles
Yes, the Creighton Method can be used by women that have irregular cycles or who are post pill, premenopause or are breastfeeding.
What is NaProTECHNOLOGY
This is the new reproductive science that helps to diagnose and treat women's gynecological issues based on the Creighton Model Charting System. Medical issues treated through NaProTECNOLOGY include but not limited to: infertility, miscarriage, maintaining pregnancy, irregular cycles, hormone problems, PMS, ovarian cyst, unusual bleeding and the effects of stress.
How effective is the Creighton Model FertilityCare System
1) To achieve a pregnancy: Conception will occur 76% of the time in the first cycle of using a defined day of fertility.
2) To avoid a pregnancy: The FertilityCare System is over 99% effective in avoiding pregnancy when properly taught by a qualified teacher and then correctly applied (perfect use). The typical use effectiveness was found to be 96.8% to avoid a pregnancy.
3) With infertility: 20% to 40% of couples with infertility will achieve a pregnancy with the Fertility Care System only using fertility focused intercourse. Up to 80% will conceive a pregnancy with additional medical or surgical assistance. See NaProTechnology.
2) To avoid a pregnancy: The FertilityCare System is over 99% effective in avoiding pregnancy when properly taught by a qualified teacher and then correctly applied (perfect use). The typical use effectiveness was found to be 96.8% to avoid a pregnancy.
3) With infertility: 20% to 40% of couples with infertility will achieve a pregnancy with the Fertility Care System only using fertility focused intercourse. Up to 80% will conceive a pregnancy with additional medical or surgical assistance. See NaProTechnology.
How long are the Follow-ups and why so many?
Most follow-ups on average are one hour long. There are eight follow-ups in the first year. The follow-ups are more frequent in the beginning to help the woman/couple learn the system and gain confidence in using the system for their specific intentions
How long does it take to learn the Creighton Method?
Most clients have a solid understanding of the system after two months of charting. However, if you have irregular cycles, or are breast feeding or have health concerns it may take longer for you to learn the method and build confidence. We recommend that you learn the method six months prior to your wedding day.
How does the Creighton Model of FertilityCare Work?
The Creighton Method determines a woman's fertility or infertility based on the various biological markers, most notably the cervical mucus. There are no internal cervical checks nor temperature taking. Throughout the day the woman observes for her cervical mucus each time she uses the bathroom and at the end of the day records her most fertile sign on the chart. The woman's fertility correlates with the presence of cervical mucus seen around the time of ovulation.
Why do we not hear more about natural methods from the medical community?
The medical community has not been truly interested in natural methods since the creation of the birth control pill in 1960. Earlier natural methods before 1960 were not as precise or as reliable as they are today. In the past 40 years natural methods have undergone significant research and clinical trials to provide more reliable and effective methods. Medical schools rarely teach about the modern methods of natural family planning due not being interested in them, lack of updated current knowledge of modern methods and how they work or the belief that couples are unable to abstain during the fertile times. It is noteworthy that we are recently seeing more doctors interested in alternatives to contraceptives for their patients and actively pursuing education in this area.
What kind of training do the practitioners have?
FertilityCare Practitioners must take a 13 month long Allied Health Program that includes two educational phases, two supervised practicums, an on site visit and final exam. All practitioners must be certified within three years of becoming a practitioner and continue to pursue continuing education as long as they are practicing as a FertilityCare Practitioner. Our center is a member of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals (AAFCP) and is affiliated with the FertilityCare Centers of America (FCCA). Quality instruction is assured by these two organizations.
Does my insurance cover the cost of the follow-ups?
Unfortunately, most insurances do not cover instruction for the Creighton Model of FertilityCare. If you do have a Flexible Spending Account you may be able to submit receipts from each FertilityCare Follow-up for reimbursement.
Do you have other questions?
