Creighton Method

[Saffi]

Hi all

Just wondering if any of you had any experience with the Creighton Model. My specialist has referred me to a GP/Fertility Specialist that as part of his treatment uses this method. It is very like Billings in the charting but a bit more complicated. With this method the Dr can then do blood tests, ultrasounds etc with a little more science.

Apparently the success rates in the US are 80%.

Interested in success stories or not with this method.

[Mumintaz]

If you google it, you will find a lot of information.

I've not heard of it myself.

Good luck. I hope it works for you.

Lisa

[Keen]

Here is some information that I have found....

Fertility is a CYCLICAL event. Because the woman’s cervix works as a biological valve (that opens and closes each month), and because this valve produces a physical sign (cervical mucus) which indicates fertility, this information is observable externally and is THE MAIN SIGN of a woman’s fertility that is easily observed. It is a highly advanced indicator to the woman that she is coming up to ovulation.

This key sign is one of the main biomarker women are taught to observe with the Creighton Model System. To maximise chances of conceiving, using these days leading up to ovulation is important. The specific type and quality of mucus is crucial and an important ‘biomarker’ that couples can use to maximise pregnancy outcome.

Detecting Ovulation
Many women use ovulation test kits to tell them approximately when they might ovulate. These tests kits though sometimes useful (for some women with very regular cycles) in giving an estimate of ovulation, unfortunately tell the woman nothing about her cervical mucus. Ovulation may be occurring every month, but without cervical mucus, conception cannot occur.

This is why it is critical that the woman begins to chart her cervical mucus with the Creighton Model in order to objectively evaluate the cervical mucus production and assist with the timing of intercourse.

..... Avoiding intercourse until the good mucus is present allows the sperm count to build up to maximum levels thereby maximising chances of conceiving when timed with the best quality and quantity mucus days. Instructions for intercourse are specifically given with the use of the Creighton Model .....

[Keen]

Here is one I found on Wikipedia :

The Creighton Model teaches women to observe certain biological signs to monitor their own gynaecological health, and to identify times of fertility and infertility. These biological signs include cervical mucus and bleeding patterns, and can be observed and analysed in all types of menstrual cycles. These signs are charted daily to give a picture of the woman's individual cycle.

Doctors can use the fertility charts which couples are taught to keep as the basis for further investigations if needed.

Blood tests for Oestrogen levels prior to ovulation and for both Progesterone and Oestrogen levels after ovulation, ultrasound follicular tracking, and other diagnostic procedures, can be accurately timed according to the woman's cycle, using the data recorded on a couples' fertility chart. This allows doctors to make a more precise diagnosois of abnormalities, e.g. subtle hormonal deficiencies, various ovulation defects etc.

The Creighton Model was developed at the Pope Paul VI Institute which was itself set up to support medically the directives given by Pope Paul VI in his encyclical 'Humanae Vitae: On the Regulation of Birth'.

I really thought that part at the end was interesting to note....

[*Rae*]

Just had a look at a website too...it does look interesting! Be interested in hearing if people r using it and any sucess stories

[Saffi]

Thanks Ladies for all your help. I have been given all the books and did my own web search after my initial Drs consultation.

Keen, I have to admit my heart sank when I read about where this research has come from (we aren't catholic or even religious). This is after my Billings instructor - when we walked into her house we were amazed at how many pictures of the Pope and Saints could actually cover one wall.

But I guess it makes sense if Catholic teaching is not to use man-made contraceptives that they need to be saying how to both promote (and to naturally inhibit) pregnancy. In the end I don't care where it comes from if I get pregnant as a result of following it.

Anway, my cycle started again during the week, so I guess I will now really have to get into it.

Cheers

[Mumintaz]

I've done some more reading too. Interesting. Mind you, if you take it apart bit by bit, it is essentially what many of us already do, just more in-depth.

We chart, which is establishing our body's fertile signs and cyclical rhythms. We take secondary signs such as CM and CP into account. Many of us use other external methods such as OPK's, saliva monitors etc. And I'm sure that many of us (me included) have had extensive bloodwork run at various times of our cycles to ensure that the hormone levels are appropriate for the stage that we are at.

From what I'm reading, the Creighton method just kind of "bumps" these along to the next level with more medical intervention. Maybe almost to the extent that IVF patients go to, but without the harvesting and implantation procedures??

Anyway, good luck Saffi. I hope it works and you get your BFP soon.

Lisa