The Archdiocese of St. Louis has 4 methods of natural family planning available. All are Church-approved ways to monitor fertility, but they vary when it comes to how they track ovulation, how it is recorded, and how often you follow up with a teacher.
We highly recommend choosing the method that will work best for your lifestyle and personality!
Billings Ovulation Method
The Billings Ovulation Method tracks ovulation by utilizing a woman’s unique sensations and cervical mucus patterns to reliably identify the fertile window. With this method, the woman has the opportunity to use her own words to describe her experience of mucus without internal investigation or external touching of mucus. Ideally, the teacher and client meet every 2 weeks until competence and confidence is achieved. App available 📲
Couple to Couple League
Couple to Couple League is a sympto-thermal method based on the woman observing 3 key signs of fertility: cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and changes in the cervix to detect ovulation. Instruction for determining fertile windows is taught by a couple (instructors) to a couple (learners). Follow ups are conducted as needed. App available 📲
Creighton Model FertilityCare System
Creighton Model identifies ovulation based on standardized classifications of external mucus observations to identify the fertile window. The FertilityCare Practitioner works closely with the client for at least 8 private follow ups in the first year, following the introductory session. This method is foundational with the use of NaPro Technology – a new women’s health science that works cooperatively with the natural cycle. App available 📲
Here is a list of local physicians who are trained in NaPro Technology.
Marquette Model
Marquette Model NFP is based on monitor readings from an electronic fertility monitor (ClearBlue Fertility) that measures (at home) hormone levels in the urine, plus a customizable option for pairing cervical mucus observations and/or basal body temperature to determine the times of fertility. Following the introductory session, you will meet one-on-one with a trained instructor to discuss your unique needs for at least 4 times within the first year and additional follow ups as needed.
All methods can be used in all stages and situations of reproductive life:
- Trying to avoid OR achieve pregnancy
- Irregular or long cycles
- Infertility – primary or secondary
- Breastfeeding/Postpartum
- Pre/peri-menopause
Click here to download a printable PDF of all the methods in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.