Choose a Method

Choosing a Fertility Awareness Based Method (FABM) of family planning can be difficult.  Some methods use one bio-marker (a measureable indicator of fertility) while others use multiple bio-markers.  Some methods are more effective at avoiding pregnancy during the postpartum period than others. Some methods use universal terminology that standardizes the method from user to user while other methods allow the users to define terminology that makes sense to them. To further complicate it, conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS and Estrogen Dominance reduce the effectiveness (while avoiding pregnancy) of certain methods.  The fact is that not every method is right for every couple.  

This page is designed to help couples choose a method based on their individual situation.  Please read through the considerations to help you in your decision.

One Bio-Marker or More?

Each FABM uses a primary bio-marker by which the user(s) can determine their fertile and infertile times in any given cycle.  Some of the methods employ "backup" bio-markers that allow the user to confirm the reading of the primary bio-marker.  It is important to understand the primary bio-marker in each method because if that primary bio-marker cannot be used, then the effectiveness of the method for avoiding pregnancy is reduced despite the use of "backup" bio-markers.

Cervical Mucus

Cervical Mucus is used as the primary bio-marker in both the Billings Ovulation Method and the Creighton Model FertiltyCare System.  It is used as a "backup" bio-marker in the Couple to Couple League and Marquette Methods.  The way that each of these methods measures Cervical Mucus is very different and it is necessary to understand that a method which uses Cervical Mucus as the primary bio-marker measures it in a more accurate manner than a method that uses it is a "backup" bio-marker.  

Cervical Mucus is created inside the cervical crypts of a woman't cervix.  It is secreted in response to the hormone, estrogen.  Estrogen is produced in high levels in the days leading up to ovulation (the release of the egg).  Measuring the presence or absence of cervical mucus helps the couple to know if the woman has or has not yet ovulated.  Cervical Mucus is the substance in which a man's sperm survives in order to fertilize a woman's egg.  For this reason, couples should assume that ALL CERVICAL MUCUS IS FERTILE unless taught differently by a qualified method instructor.

Cervical mucus is, universally, the most accurate measure of a woman's fertility which is why all FABMs track it in some way.  Woman who suffer from PCOS or Estrogen Dominance often find that cervical mucus is the only reliable indicator of their fertility.  It is often necessary for these woman to choose a method that uses Cervical Mucus as it's primary bio-marker

Hormone Tracking

The Marquette Method is the only FABM which utilizes hormone tracking.  Hormone tracking is the primary bio-marker used by Marquette.  Estrogen and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are tracked prior to ovulation using an at-home urine monitor.  Estrogen is the hormone that causes the follicle of the woman's egg to grow and mature.  Once the follicle is mature, the woman's body produces LH which causes the egg to rupture from the follicle.  By tracking estrogen and LH, it is possible to determine when a woman likely ovulated.

Woman who suffer from PCOS or Estrogen Dominance typically cannot use hormone tracking because these woman often have consistently high levels of estrogen circulating in their body which makes these monitors inaccurate.  Some couples find that they are never able to accurately predict their fertility or that they are only able to predict their fertility occasionally.  

Basal Body Temperature

Basal Body Temperature is different than a person's regular temperature that can be captured using a traditional thermometer.  

The chart below is intended to help couples find an NFP method that fits their needs. If you have questions, then please contact Jenny Ingles for more information. 

*The Effectiveness Rate for each method is the Theoretical Use Effectiveness Rate.  For more information about how the effectiveness rate is determined for each method, click on the effectiveness rate in the box.

** Can be used with infertility that is caused by PCOS

^t Training is broken up into sessions