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Frequently Asked Questions
about the Creighton Model FertilityCare System
Is it easy to learn?
Yes! Learning the Creighton Model FertilityCare System is a skill that is developed through the follow-up sessions under the direction of the FertilityCare Practitioner. With accurate observations and charting, every woman can learn to confidently identify and interpret the naturally occurring signs of her body.
Who can learn the method?
Any woman and/or couple! Young women in their teens can learn to understand their bodies and address any abnormalities. Single women may learn the method to appreciate the fertility and address any issues. Engaged and married couples may learn the method to be used for their family planning needs for the lifetime of their marriage.
How is this different from other methods?
The Creighton Model is a mucus-only method using standardized descriptions that help women identify their days of fertility and infertility. Coupled with NaProTECHNOLOGY, the method empowers clients to be their own advocates regarding their reproductive health and have meaningful discussions with their doctors about any abnormalities that they may be experiencing.
Why so many follow-up sessions?
The Creighton Model is tailor-made for each woman’s body and reproductive category. Instruction with a qualified Practitioner is critical. The follow-up schedule starts off with frequent appointments to provide the necessary support that each client needs.
Is the method effective?
FOR AVOIDING PREGNANCY
Method Effectiveness: 99.5%
Use Effectiveness: 96.8%
FOR ACHIEVING PREGNANCY
98% achieve by the 6th cycle
INFERTILITY
Creighton Model only: 20-40%
Creighton Model & NaProTECHNOLOGY: up to 80%
(Journal of Reproductive Medicine, June 1998)
Do I have to have regular cycles?
This system can be used effectively for those with irregular cycles, as well as women who are peri-menopausal, coming off the pill or other hormonal contraceptives, breastfeeding, experiencing post-partum depression, PCOS, PMS or anovulatory for whatever reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Menstrual Cycles
Women deserve answers!
Simply because something is "common" does not make it "normal."
What's normal?
- Periods 3-7 days long
- Cycles between 25-35 days
- Post ovulatory phase 9-17 days
- Mostly red bleeding
- Pain-free period
- No PMS Symptoms
Pain
Pain is our body’s way of saying something is wrong. Periods and ovulation are not supposed to be painful. Cramping that interferes with our daily tasks might be common among women, but they are NOT normal.
What's NOT normal?
- Periods longer than 7 days
- Cycles less than 25 days or more than 35 days
- Severe cramping & painful periods (possibly disrupting daily activities)
- Short post ovulatory phase
- Moderate to Severe PMS Symptoms
- Greater than 2 days of Brown Bleeding or Premenstrual Spotting
PMS Symptoms
While common, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is also NOT normal. Anxiety, depression, sadness, irritability, acne, headaches, joint pain, insomnia, fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating, and weight gain can all indicate hormonal imbalance.
Menstruation
Healthy periods should be 3-7 days long with a decrescendo or crescendo-decrescendo pattern. Extended times of brown bleeding at the beginning or end of the period are not normal and should be addressed.
Cycle Length
If your cycles are shorter than 21 days, longer than 38 days, or they are variable, charting can help identify the cause. Post-ovulatory phases that are too short, too long, or variable can be signs of hormonal dysfunction.