REGULATE FERTILITY NATURALLY

WHAT IS BELLA’S FERTILITY REGULATION PHILOSOPHY?

Our philosophy is that of promoting authentic wellness for women. We strive to offer the best and safest care possible, with evidence-based therapies that work in cooperation with the body’s natural design. We will not compromise a woman’s long-term health, especially when it comes to her reproductive health.

Consistent with that philosophy, we educate women on natural approaches to regulating fertility. We empower women to know and track their menstrual cycles and the natural biological clues of fertility.

WHAT IS BELLA’S POSITION ON ARTIFICIAL birth control?

In 2017, the New England Journal of Medicine published a large study that found that ALL forms of hormonal contraception increase the risks of cancer. The birth control pill is categorized as a “Group One Carcinogen” and is linked to heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. Consequently, we do not prescribe artificial birth control in our clinics.

what methods of natural fertility regulation are taught at bella?

Creighton Model

The Creighton Model is a mucus-based model that uses standardized observation and charting of biological markers (in this case, cervical mucus) that are essential to a woman’s health and fertility.

These “biomarkers” tell a woman when she is naturally fertile and infertile, allowing a couple to use the system either to achieve or to avoid pregnancy.

• This system also 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, which is available for purchase at our offices.

• The course begins with an introductory session, “a trailer” to the course’s content and goals.

• Follow-up sessions are taught every two weeks for the first two months, then monthly after that point until you are feeling confident in the method.

Marquette Method

The Marquette Method uses the technology of a ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor, an easy-to-use, at-home device, to measure hormone levels in urine. The instrument is about $130 online.

The ClearBlue Easy’s readings estimate the beginning and end of a woman’s fertile period during a menstrual cycle.

The great thing is that the Marquette Method provides an objective marker for fertility tracking. It has proven to be 98% effective.

• The information from the monitor can be used in conjunction with observations of cervical mucus (Creighton), basal body temperature, or other biological indicators of fertility.

• And yet, these additional approaches are not necessary to regulate fertility. Couples may use Marquette alone to determine their fertile window (with a 98% accuracy rate)

• This system is typically taught in two sessions, with additional follow-up sessions as needed.

  • The initial session will go through all of the basics of how natural family planning works and how to begin charting.

  • The second session will go deeper into some of the special circumstances that a woman might encounter as she continues charting.

  • Additional chart reviews and follow up are available as needed to make sure you feel confident using this method.

additional natural fertility regulation methods

Bella is well-versed in other fertility awareness methods, including the Billings Ovulation Method, Standard Days Method, Two-Day Method and Sympto-Thermal Method. These are tracked through common apps on your mobile device.

Although methods outside Creighton and Marquette are not our primary methods of natural fertility regulation at Bella, couples may consult with our practitioners if they have specific, personal questions about fertility and how other methods will interact with their goals for conception.

will bella remove an iud?

Absolutely. We are happy to assist women who want to transition from artificial to natural forms of fertility regulation (or who hope to position themselves to achieve conception).

Although we do not prescribe artificial birth control, we love to care for women with every health history.

what if i want to become a patient at bella, but i don’t want to COME off the pill (or other form of artificial birth control)?

If you’d like to become a patient at Bella but prefer to continue to use an artificial form of fertility regulation, our providers will happily treat you. We simply will not be able to prescribe artificial birth controls as part of your care with us.