Natural Birth Control Methods

It has become very commonplace to use medication in order to avoid pregnancy. Many women are not well informed of the many other more natural options that are available to them. The following article describes one of the natural family planning methods available: The Creighton Model.

The Creighton Model is a method used to both avoid and achieve pregnancy. It is a scientifically proven method that was developed from the Billings Ovulation Method. It is considered both a natural and green method of family planning. It has been standardized and is now taught by trained practitioners in Fertility Care Centers* in the United States and Canada. Long-distance learning is sometimes available for those who are not located near a center.

A woman can observe the characteristics of her cervical secretions to know whether it is a time of fertility or infertility for them. These secretions are also referred to as “biomarkers” and a woman can examine each time she uses the bathroom. The woman charts her observations each day. The practitioner helps the woman interpret the woman’s charting records so that she can better understand her menstrual cycle.

It is safe, healthy, natural, and is even effective for women who have irregular cycles. In fact, the charting can help in understanding menstrual irregularities and reproductive problems. It is a good way of monitoring and learning why these problems are occurring.

The following is a story of a participant from a Creighton Model study (Creighton Model Effectiveness, Intentions, and Behaviors Assessment or CEIBA):

“When I was 18, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and was promptly put on birth control to control my symptoms. Later, I was inspired to do some research on the pill I was taking (I am a scientist, and so I rarely take what people say as fact without doing some research on it first), and I discovered that it does thin the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation. I immediately stopped taking my pill, and started researching natural family planning methods and programs. Since I have a history of PCOS, I went to some forums and searched the best methods, and Creighton Model was consistently the most trusted. I attended the introductory session a few weeks later and was on board with my wonderful Certified Fertility Care Practitioner, Elizabeth.

We have thus far been using the Creighton Model to prevent pregnancy, but now we are getting excited to use it to achieve pregnancy. A couple we met at our church actually told us that they had been struggling for years to get pregnant, and that it wasn't until they started Creighton Model that they made their beautiful baby girl!” - Stephanie from Texas

While you are working to go green in all the other areas in your life, there is no reason to not go green in your natural family planning as well. Take control and learn more about your body and how it works. Make an appointment to start learning to use the Creighton Model with a trained FertilityCare practitioner today*.

*The original link page for this article has been removed. I have replaced it with one to the University of Utah medical department links page which contains several options for contacting FertilityCare. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.