What is Fertility Charting?
Just as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature are indicators of your body's general health, fertility signs are indicators of reproductive health. These external signs are regulated by hormones which influence not only your reproductive system but also your general health. Charting tracks the physical signs as they change throughout your menstrual cycle in order to identify times of fertility and create a personal health record. Learn more at What signs are charted and which NFP methods use these signs?
How Do I Get Started?
Different models of NFP have been developed based upon observation of specific signs of fertility. To learn about the four methods preferred in the Diocese of Columbus, click on the links below to the provider's site.
The Billings Ovulation Method teaches the observation of the most reliable signal of fertility - cervical mucus, and four simple rules which are applicable for women in all circumstances.
Couple to Couple League & SymptoPro: sympto-thermal method is taught by married couples and is based on three key signs of fertility: cervical mucus, basal body temperature and changes in the cervix. CCL's main class series is offered live online or self-paced online; classes are available in English and Spanish.
Creighton Model FertilityCare: is a standardized method taught by trained allied health professionals. CrMS relies upon the standardized observation and charting of biological markers that are essential to a woman's gynecological and reproductive health. This model is often chosen by women with known gynecological or infertility issues.
Marquette Model: uses an at-home urine hormone monitor and other biomarkers (cervical mucus or basal body temperature based on user preference) combined with a simple protocol to determine the fertile window. MM is taught by healthcare providers and/or clinicians.
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Instruction is key to using NFP effectively and confidently! Learn how to use NFP from a local certified teacher who is also Catholic. Many offer instruction via the internet, as well as on-site. The Billings Ovulation Method
Couple to Couple League and SymptoPro Method
Creighton Model FertilityCare Practitioners at Freedom FertilityCare Services:
Marquette Model
FREE virtual instruction in different NFP methods for Catholic Women & Couples |
There are a growing number of medical professionals who understand a woman’s cycle, fertility awareness methods, and treatment options that cooperate with a woman's body. Check these networks for doctors who have completed specialized training:
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Creighton FertilityCare offers a network of affiliate medical consultants trained in identifying and treating the root cause of infertility and other womens’ health disorders using the Napro Technology (Natural Procreative Technology) approach.
- MyCatholicDoctor: lists certified fertility awareness educators, nurses, and physicians who use scientifically validated methods to help with everything from child spacing to infertility.
Explore online resources for inspiration from Catholic teaching, charting apps, websites, and NFP online communities for living the NFP lifestyle.