Catholic Medical Quarterly

The Journal of the Catholic Medical Association (UK)

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Catholic Medical Quarterly Volume 75(2)  May 2025

2 Different Natural Methods of Managing Fertility

This article is part 2 of a series on Natural Family Planning and Fertility  Awareness by  Dr Amanda Buadi, originally prepared for Portsmouth  Diocese.

There are several different available natural methods of managing fertility and it very much becomes a case of personal preference in terms of which method to use. All are variations on a theme and use a selection of biomarkers known to be associated with times of fertility (cervical mucus, basal body temperature, cervical position, urinary hormones showing that ovulation has passed). Here are a selection that are available in the UK.

Billings

The Billings Ovulation Method uses a combination of monitoring cervical mucus and sensation felt when walking at the entrance of the vagina to determine times of fertility. These markers are tracked on a chart and discussed at 1-1 follow up meetings with a trained instructor. Studies suggest >99% effectiveness in avoiding pregnancy if used as instructed.

More information on the method can be found at https://billings.life/en. This method was one of the earlier natural methods of fertility management and was researched and developed in the 1950s by Drs Evelyn and John Billings from Australia.

Creighton

The Creighton Method uses cervical mucus alone as a marker of fertility. This is recorded on a chart and discussed with a trained instructor at regular follow up meetings. Women then get to know their usual mucus pattern and can then identify abnormalities if present. Studies show that if used as instructed, it is 99.5% effective in avoiding pregnancy. It is necessary to chart using the Creighton Method to be referred for NaproTechnology (a Restorative Reproductive branch of Medicine) which seeks to treat gynaecological problems using cooperative means to try and restore normal physiology. 

Fertility Care Centres Great Britain  https://fccgb.org  is useful source of information for the Creighton Method. The ‘Find a Practitioner’ option gives access to a map showing where practitioners can be found within the UK. Many practitioners also teach clients online via Skype or Zoom. Practitioners can also refer clients on for NaproTechnology.

Sympto-Thermal

The Symptom-Thermal Method is based on observations of cervical mucus, basal body temperature (normally taken on waking) and other biological signs (e.g. changes in the cervix). These are recorded so that changes in cervical mucus and the increase in body temperature after ovulation can determine the beginning and end of their time of fertility. Studies show that when used as instructed, the symptom-thermal method is 99.5% effective in avoiding pregnancy. Users attend classes or receive instruction from a trained educator to ensure accuracy in using the method.

The Natural Family Planning Teachers Association https://www.nfpta.org.uk is an organisation that teaches the symptom-thermal method and which can also provide contacts for instructors. There is a lot of good information available on the site, which also explains the female reproductive cycle.

Marquette

The Marquette Method uses cervical mucus observations and a hand-held electronic (ClearBlue Easy) fertility monitor to measure the breakdown products from oestrogen and luteinizing hormone which are present at the time of ovulation. Monitoring these markers helps to identify the times of fertility. Instruction in the method happens either online or in person with a trained instructor. When used as instructed, the method is 98% effective in avoiding pregnancy. 

For more information and to find an online instructor visit https://www.marquette.edu/nursing/natural-family-planning-model.php . To find a UK based Marquette instructor email Dr Antonia Braithwaite at famc.eastanglia@rcdea.org.uk  

Fertility Education & Medical Management (FEMM)

FEMM is similar to the Marquette Method in that it uses cervical mucus observations and urinary test strips to measure the presence or absence of luteinizing hormone (which is present at ovulation) to calculate the end of the time of fertility. Instruction happens either online or in person with a trained instructor. When used as instructed, the method is 98-99% effective in avoiding pregnancy.

For more information and to find an instructor, visit https://femmhealth.org/