CREIGHTON MODEL
Natural Family Planning
what is the creighton model of natural family planning?
The Creighton Model is a mucus-based model of charting fertility. In fact, Creighton has standardized the observation and charting of the biological markers (i.e. cervical mucus) that are essential to a woman’s health and fertility.
These “biomarkers” tell a couple when they are naturally fertile and infertile, allowing the couple to use the system either to achieve or to avoid pregnancy.
what’s unique about creighton?
This system works closely with NaPro technology to be able to identify and treat women’s health issues such as infertility, PCOS, irregular bleeding, repeated miscarriage, and postpartum depression.
The Creighton model is charted via a paper chart or an app.
Charts are available through the Bella offices (for purchase).
Crighton is a mucus-only method, meaning no additional supplies (like a monitor) are necessary.
Instead, it relies on a woman’s own observations of the changing patterns in her mucus.
Bella providers may need couples to use the Creighton Model for certain forms of infertility treatments. Your provider will let you know.
WHAT DOES CREIGHTON EDUCATION LOOK LIKE?
Creighton begins with an introductory session, “a trailer” so to speak, of the course’s content and goals.
This may be done in person or online.
Follow-up sessions are taught approximately every two weeks for the first two months, then monthly after that point - until you are feeling confident in the method.
The Archdiocese of Denver requires a total of five sessions, the introductory session and four follow-up sessions, to satisfy its marriage preparation requirements for couples using Creighton.
WHY DOES CREIGHTON REQUIRE ONE-ON-ONE instruction?
Mucus biomarkers are not quite as “black and white” as the instrumental readings offered in the Marquette Method (which uses a fertility monitor to gauge hormone levels in the urine).
Personal appointments allow individual attention, so that your unique biomarker patterns are reviewed by the instructor as you’re learning.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE creighton INSTRUCTION?
See our Education Scheduling page for information about how to easily book one-on-one office consults or one-on-one online consults. You can call the office (303-789-4968) to schedule an in-office appointment or click the link below to schedule an online appointment!
HOW EFFECTIVE IS creighton IN FORECASTING FERTILITY?
Creighton is highly effective, and couples who follow it closely can be successful in avoiding pregnancy. The last official study conducted in this area was concluded in 1998 by the Saint Paul VI Institute. It cited 99% effectiveness.
how is creighton model instruction different at bella?
Because Bella is a medical office offering obstetrics, gynecology, and family medicine, our courses have the benefit of our doctors and nurse practitioners.
Our providers will review charts as needed to ensure you’re getting the very best medical advice.
what about infertility patients?
Patients who are being treated for infertility at Bella will be asked to chart their cycles.
Many patients are new to this, and therefore will be asked to begin instruction with our Fertility Resource Team.