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Learn what makes our proven methods of FertilityCare & NaProTECHNOLOGY so effective.

What is The CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare™ System (CrMS)?

Most women still do not know about the workings of their cycles of fertility and infertility. Every woman has the right to know how her cycles function in order to understand the way her body works.

The CrMS is based upon a couple’s knowledge and understanding of their naturally-occurring phases of fertility and infertility.

Through this understanding, the couple is able to make decisions (choices) regarding the achievement or avoidance of pregnancy.

The CrMS relies upon the standardized observation and charting of biological markers that are essential to a woman’s health and fertility. These ‘biomarkers” tell the couple when they are naturally fertile and infertile, allowing the couple to use the system either to achieve or to avoid pregnancy. With the CrMS, the couple knows every day whether that day is a fertile day or a non-fertile day. That is a GAME CHANGER!

In the CrMS, the “biomarkers” of the menstrual cycle are observed and recorded using a standardised recording system, (VDRS). These biomarkers are observed externally as there are no internal examinations required when using the CREIGHTON MODEL System.

The standardised observation and standardized tracking of the various biological markers, when charted correctly, empower a woman to know, day by day, when she is fertile and infertile. These markers include the menstrual flow, the cervical mucus discharge and the presence of dry days in the cycle. The CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare chart, also creates an accurate picture and reveals pertinent information of the state of a woman’s procreative and gynaecological health.

More here: http://www.creightonmodel.com/background.htm

How do I learn the Creighton Model FertilityCare System (CrMS)?

The CrMS is taught through a series of structured sessions called Follow Ups. During these sessions a qualified Practitioner leads the client through a set format which covers all aspects of the use of the system.  Time is spent reviewing the client’s chart and discussing any issues or questions that may arise. These sessions allow the client to learn the system thoroughly.  Personalized tuition provided by the Practitioner encourages growth and confidence in the use of the CrMS.  Over the course of the first year the client and the Practitioner are scheduled to meet at least 8 times. After this, follow ups occur as required. Through this personal tuition, you invest in your health and your fertility.

Can NaProTECHNOLOGY help with male factor infertility?

Yes. If the primary diagnosis is a male factor, successful pregnancies are still possible using NaProTECHNOLOGY. Men with very low sperm counts, anti-sperm antibodies or elevated DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) can be treated. In many cases, improvements in semen quality can be made by healthy lifestyle changes and a number of medical and surgical interventions can also improve semen quality and sperm function. Even if the sperm function is not ideal, evaluating and maximizing the woman’s fertility cycle, together with adequate timing of intercourse, will often result in pregnancy.

What is the role of the FertilityCare Practitioner in NaProTECHNOLOGY?

A client who receives NaProTECHNOLOGY medical treatment from a NaPro trained Doctor will continue to see a FertilityCarePractitioner to keep track of changes within the cycle and to monitor progress in fertility management.

How does the Creighton Model FertilityCare system work?

Women are taught to make precise observations of their vaginal discharge each day.  These observations are interpreted and give reliable identification of days of fertility and infertility. They may also help identify abnormalities in the woman’s cycles and point towards possible underlying issues in the reproductive system.

Who created the Creighton Model FertilityCare System?

 The CrMS has been developed and evaluated over the past 35 years through extensive research conducted by Gynaecologist-Obstetrician Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers and his team, first at St. Louis University (Missouri, USA) and Creighton University Schools of Medicine (Omaha, Nebraska, USA) and most recently, at the Saint Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction (Omaha, Nebraska, USA). 

See: www.fertilitycare.org/pope-paul-vi-institute

See: www.naprotechnology.com

See: www.drhilgers.com

How does this relate to the rhythm method, or natural birth control?

The CrMS is not the rhythm method. The calendar rhythm method is based on statistical guesswork to identify the day of ovulation. The CrMS is based on daily observations of specific biomarkers and works regardless of cycle length or cycle irregularity.  It is a scientifically proven method. With the CrMS, the couple knows every day whether that day is a fertile day or a non-fertile day. That is a GAME CHANGER!

see: www.fertilitycare.org/what-is-crms

The CrMS is not natural birth control. It does not suppress or alter natural fertility in any way. But it can be used as a natural means for true family planning – meaning that it can be used reliably either to avoid pregnancy or to conceive.

Why can’t I just learn this out of a book?

A teacher is essential in almost any type of education, not to mention an area as important as family planning and woman’s health. A book cannot adequately teach a human skill.  The printed page cannot empathise with individual needs and concerns.  Saving money in bypassing personal instruction will limit the effectiveness of a reliable natural method.  The CrMS can only be learned properly with professional guidance from a qualified Teacher-Practitioner trained to meet each individual’s needs and situation.

What is endometriosis?

  • This is a condition where cells from within the uterus (from the lining of the womb) move and implant themselves in other locations.  When the cells take up their new location, they continue to be hormonally responsive.   Some women suffer severe menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding and/or altered bowel movements at the time of their periods; others experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. It can on occasion be diagnosed through a pelvic ultrasound scan or an internal examination by a gynaecologist but the diagnostic will most of the time only be confirmed by laparoscopy (“key-hole” surgery) performed by an endometriosis specialised surgeon. The treatment of endometriosis is above all surgical. This condition is often associated with infertility and miscarriage and surgical treatment will greatly improve the woman’s symptoms and her chances of having successful pregnancies.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is considered in the presence of:

  • Long and/or irregular cycles
  • Acne and unwanted body and facial hair
  • Being overweight despite regular exercise and diet
  • Enlarged ovaries by ultrasound

PCOS raises the woman’s risk of other health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) and other cancers.

Dr Hilgers’ studies have also shown that the incidence of endometriosis in infertile patients with PCOS if 50.9%.

While getting pregnant with PCOS is possible, it can take longer; NaProTechnology treatments will increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.

If you are not trying to conceive, NaProTechnology treatments will help regulate your cycles, improve your symptoms and decrease the risks to your general health.

What is dysmenorrhea?

    • It’s the suffering of severe menstrual cramps and it is often associated with the presence of endometriosis or another underlying condition.
    • Menses (menstrual periods) should be only mildly painful for a day or 2, or not painful at all.

How soon in the pregnancy can I get an ultrasound scan? At what stage can we see the embryo’s heartbeat?

    • An early trans-vaginal pregnancy scan can be performed as early as 3 weeks after the positive test – 7 weeks gestation. At this stage, a heartbeat should be detected.

What is PMS?

  • PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is a grouping of symptoms which usually begin several days prior to the onset of menstruation. These symptoms usually include irritability, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, carbohydrate craving, tearfulness, anxiety, depression, fatigue, headache and/or insomnia. Some mild symptoms for one or two days prior to menstruation should not be considered PMS. But please note that premenstrual symptoms should not last more than 3 days. Often the cause of PMS is a hormonal imbalance that can easily be treated with NaProTechnology. Help is at hand, there is no need to suffer!
  • What is postpartum depression?

      • Up to 40% of women may experience this condition, usually within 3 weeks of delivery.  Progesterone supplementation is highly effective in halting this condition and far exceeds the effectiveness of either psychotherapy or antidepressants.