NFP is an umbrella term for certain
methods used to achieve or avoid pregnancy. These
methods are based on the observation and interpretation
of the naturally occurring biological markers of
the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s
menstrual cycle.
There are a number of natural biological
markers used in modern methods of NFP to determine
the beginning, peak and end of the fertile time.
One sign that can be monitored is the mucus released
from the cervix. This cervical mucus can be felt
and seen externally. A woman learns to identify a
changing cervical mucus pattern, which identifies
the start, peak and end of the fertile phase of the
cycle. A second sign that can be monitored is a woman’s
basal body temperature (body temperature at rest).
Due to hormonal activity, a woman's resting temperature
changes during her menstrual cycle. The temperature
pattern identifies the end of the fertile phase of
the cycle. A third sign that can be monitored is
changes in the consistency and position of the cervix.
The changes in the cervix identify the start, peak
and end of the fertile phase. Finally, the levels
of two key fertility hormones can be simply monitored
by the use of The Clearplan Fertility Monitor® to
identify the beginning, peak and end of the fertile
time. Observing, recording and interpreting one or
all of the biological markers of fertility and infertility
forms the basis for all methods of NFP.
In the Archdiocese of Boston, instruction
is offered in four Natural Family Planning Methods:
Sympto-Thermal, Billings, Creighton/Fertility Care,
and Monitor Method.
Sympto - Thermal Method
The Sympto-Thermal Method is based
on the observation and interpretation of changes
in basal body temperature, cervical mucus and the
cervix to determine the fertile and infertile phases
of the menstrual cycle. This methodology is based
on the work of various scientists including Billings,
Doering, Keefe, Prem, Roetzer and Vollman.
Family Life Model - Small group
instruction with private follow-up.
Couple to Couple League Model – small group instruction with private
follow-up.
Ovulation Method
The Ovulation Method is based on
the observation and interpretation of changes in
cervical mucus to determine the fertile and infertile
phases of the menstrual cycle. The methodology is
based on the work of various scientists including
Billings and Hilgers.
Billings Model - Small group instruction
with private follow-up.
Creighton/Fertility Care Model - Private instruction with private follow-up.
Monitor Method
The monitor method is based on
the observation and interpretation of changes in
cervical mucus, basal body temperature and includes
hormonal monitoring with the Clearplan Fertility
Monitor‰ to determine the fertile and infertile
phases of the menstrual cycle. This methodology is
based on the work of various scientists including
Billings, Doering, Roetzer , Vollman and Fehring.
Marquette Monitor Model -Small
group instruction with private follow-up.
Family Life Monitor Model - Small group instruction with private follow-up.
What is Natural Family Planning?
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