BASICS OF THE MARQUETTE METHOD
With any method of NFP, the couple tracks signs that the woman's body naturally produces throughout the monthly menstrual cycle. This information is recorded and used to guide the couple in identifying the days when pregnancy is possible. These days are called the "fertile window." Once the fertile window has been identified, the couple can change their behaviors during that time to avoid or achieve pregnancy.
WHO CAN USE THE MARQUETTE METHOD
It's a myth that only women with regular cycles can use natural family planning! Since each cycle is tracked individually, even women with irregular cycles or women who are approaching menopause can determine the fertile window confidently. Additionally, the Marquette Method is the only method of NFP to demonstrate high effectiveness for breastfeeding women who were avoiding pregnancy during the postpartum time.
FLEXIBILITY TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE
The Marquette Method uses two main indicators to determine fertility: cervical mucus observations and urinary hormone measurements. One or both signs are tracked based on user preference, and then combined with a simple protocol to determine the fertile window. The Marquette Method has optional instructions for incorporating basal body temperature (BBT), urine luteinizing hormone (LH) tests, urine progesterone tests, and the Mira monitor to help be more precise in identifying fertility.
REASONS TO USE NFP
In addition to using the Marquette Method to effectively avoid or achieve pregnancy, there are health benefits to charting your cycle. Some common women's health issues, such as endometriosis, PCOS, and PMDD can be identified through tracking signs of fertility on a chart, and a Marquette Method healthcare professional can guide women on next steps to care for their health. Couples will also learn how to grow in communication and the mutual love for each other that is integral to NFP.
A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE METHOD
Research supports the Marquette Method as simple and effective for couples wishing to avoid pregnancy as demonstrated in several studies and among various populations.
Perfect use in regular cycles: up to 99%
Typical use in regular cycles¹:
Monitor protocol: 94-98%
Mucus protocol: 81-92%
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Perfect use while breastfeeding: up to 98%
Typical use:
in the first 12 months postpartum²: 92%
among all breastfeeding women³: 84%
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1: Fehring, & Schneider (2017) Effectiveness of a natural family planning service program.
2: Bouchard, Fehring, & Schneider (2013) Efficacy of a new postpartum transition protocol for avoiding pregnancy.
3: Fehring, Schneider, & Bouchard (2017) Effectiveness of an online Natural Family Planning Program for breastfeeding women.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING AND HEALTHCARE
Only healthcare professionals with a Bachelor's degree or higher are eligible to teach the Marquette Method. Through the teacher training program and practical experience, the instructors are equipped to work with women in many phases of life, such as breastfeeding women, women who are approaching menopause, women with irregular cycles, and more.
LOVE YOUR SPOUSE FULLY
Using Natural Family Planning allows you to give yourself fully to your spouse without placing any barriers, whether chemical or physical, between each other. This means your love is authentic and respects the truth of the human person.
SIMPLIFY YOUR ROUTINE
The Marquette Method is simple to add to your routine, with a daily hormone test taking just 5 minutes each day. The simplicity doesn't compromise effectiveness, as the hormone testing protocol was shown to be 98% effective in typical use for avoiding pregnancy!
HELP ACHIEVE PREGNANCY
Charting your fertility will help you identify your most fertile days, and can reduce the time to achieve pregnancy, or help you time conception better. Knowing your peak in fertility can even give you a better estimate of your due date. If you have difficulty conceiving, the health data you have gathered may help you and your doctor get to the root cause.
KNOW YOUR HEALTH
Healthy cycles are a strong indicator of overall health. Some health issues can be identified in charting, and Marquette instructors, as healthcare professionals, are able to give you recommendations within their scope of practice and guide you on where to find medical treatment that respects your fertility.