What is Natural Family planning?
Natural Family Planning (NFP) involves understanding and tracking natural, biological signs of fertility to make informed decisions about avoiding or achieving pregnancy. By monitoring key indicators such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and hormonal changes, individuals can accurately determine fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. NFP allows couples to plan their families naturally, without the use of contraceptives, hormonal treatments, barriers, or withdrawal methods, relying instead on the body’s natural rhythms and signs to guide their decisions.
The Marquette Method of NFP
Developed by Richard J. Fehring PhD, RN, FAAN
The Marquette Method (MM) uses a comprehensive understanding of male and female reproductive hormones to improve fertility awareness through urinary hormone tracking. By using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor, a woman can track her estrogen and luteinizing hormone levels, receiving low, high, or peak fertility readings. Marquette has developed specific protocols based on these readings to identify fertile and infertile windows. This knowledge allows couples to time intercourse appropriately to either avoid or achieve pregnancy, providing a more clear, science-based approach to family planning. These results also empower women to gain a deeper understanding of their bodies and the changes that occur throughout their cycles. Often, patterns emerge in their charting that, when shared with a physician, can help identify potential health issues that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. This awareness not only aids in fertility tracking but also supports overall reproductive health by highlighting irregularities that could signal underlying medical concerns.
Effectiveness of Marquette
With couples always carefully following instruction, the Marquette Method can be 98-99% effective, which is just as effective as the birth control pill without any physical side effects.