The Creighton Model FertilityCare System, also known as the CrMS, is a method of natural family planning that allows women to identify fertile and infertile periods during their menstrual cycle. The CrMS is the basis of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals, which promote the advancement of NaProTechnology, or Natural Procreative Technology.
Method
The Creighton method requires observing changes in the quality and quantity of cervical fluid that your body produces as you approach ovulation. Using a special chart, you observe the vaginal area every day for fluid and note the quality of the fluid, whether it is sticky, tacky, clear or stretchy. The last day that fluid is present is identified as the Peak Day of your cycle, or your most fertile day.
Uses
According to FertilityCare Centers of America, being aware of biological markers in the body can help women monitor and maintain their gynecological health. Families can use the information obtained through the CrMS to either avoid pregnancy or increase their changes of conception. The system may help couples and their doctors identify and correct any causes of infertility, or determine the best time to conduct hormonal tests to achieve a more precise diagnosis.
Advantages
The CrMS is a safe and virtually cost-free method of family planning that does not rely on pills, patches or other methods of delivering synthetic hormones. The Creighton model is a completely natural alternative for couples who may object to other forms of birth control for religious reasons. FertilityCare Centers of America also notes that the Creighton method allows couples to share equally in the responsibility of family planning. It is also safe for use by women who have irregular cycles, who have recently stopped taking oral contraceptives or who are currently breastfeeding.
Effectiveness as Birth Control
According to Planned Parenthood, the effectiveness of fertility-awareness based methods of contraception depends on correct and consistent practice. Failure to use the method consistently and correctly could result in an unplanned pregnancy in up to 25 of 100 couples. To increase your chances of effectiveness, receive proper instruction before attempting to use the CrMS as a method of birth control, and make sure you fully understand the process.
Training
Learning the CrMS requires attending a series of several sessions with a specially trained FertilityCare professional. The initial session consists of a one-hour slide presentation and the creation of your individual schedule for completing the training, which generally takes one year. You will also attend follow-up sessions every six to 12 months.
