NFP Question - Determining the best method

[ProdglArchitect]

Good afternoon. My wife has finally agreed to try NFP with me, and we’re trying to figure out which method we should use. She has a really irregular cycle, sometimes going multiple months between periods. She’s pretty apprehensive about this, I don’t think she thinks it can work for her on account of her irregularity. Can anyone offer any advice or resources I can show her?

 

[Xantippe]

Good afternoon. My wife has finally agreed to try NFP with me, and we’re trying to figure out which method we should use. She has a really irregular cycle, sometimes going multiple months between periods. She’s pretty apprehensive about this, I don’t think she thinks it can work for her on account of her irregularity. Can anyone offer any advice or resources I can show her?

A lot of people like Taking Charge of Your Fertility.

It’s a secular book (so they offer the option of barrier methods during fertile times), so it may be reassuring to your wife.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

A lot of people like Taking Charge of Your Fertility.

It’s a secular book (so they offer the option of barrier methods during fertile times), so it may be reassuring to your wife.

I might look into that, but it sounds like that’d be a “self-help” sort of book, whereas we’re wanting to take a class over whichever method would work best for us.

 

[pensmama87]

I might look into that, but it sounds like that’d be a “self-help” sort of book, whereas we’re wanting to take a class over whichever method would work best for us.

It is, but it’s also thorough.

Basically, you have your mucus-only methods (Billings, Creighton), your mucus plus temperature (plus optional cervix position) methods (sympto-thermal, which is in TCOYF), and then device assisted methods (Marquette, Ladycomp.)

There are phone apps that will chart for you - OvuView and Kindara are popular ones. You can select method in the app. You can also do a free online course and use charting software from fertilityfriend.com.

I am personally a fan of sympto-thermal because I like the extra checks. But for some folks temp isn’t a reliable indicator.

 

[MonikaBarbara]

Some people use two methods at once in order to make sure that they are doing things correctly- like for instance they will do the Sympto-Thermal method and then back it up by observing cervical mucus like in Billings…

I think I once heard a doctor say that Billings would work for people with irregular periods. Please don’t quote me on that, though.

 

[pensmama87]

Some people use two methods at once in order to make sure that they are doing things correctly- like for instance they will do the Sympto-Thermal method and then back it up by observing cervical mucus like in Billings…

I think I once heard a doctor say that Billings would work for people with irregular periods. Please don’t quote me on that, though.

Any NFP method should work with irregular periods, because the methods are not calendar based but symptom based. Odd symptoms could point toward gynecological issues (eg with NaPro technology, which uses Creighton to help diagnose and then treat various issues).

Maybe I am wrong, but I have never heard of a temperature only method. STM methods use mucus readings, though perhaps not at the level of detail as mucus-only methods (I hear rumors of stickers).

Combining methods is confusing and counterproductive IMO. If more assurance is needed, or symptoms are not easily determined (usually the case for beginners), you’re just more conservative with the method.

 

[agapewolf]

Severs months is a health concern. Freight on method is best for finding health issues with help of napro-- and helps fix the problems.

 

[Kelfa28]

After this pregnancy, I’m going to start using Marquette, with the monitor.

STM, for me, was not reliable. Temping was my biggest issue because that is the most objective determination for ovulation. Mucus readings and cervix position, while reliable, are far more subjective.

I’m really hoping that I’ll have some peace and reassurance with a monitor telling me what are peak days and what aren’t.
It will take out a lot of the guesswork and insecurity I had while temping and interpreting mucus signs.

I also like the online community that Marquette has. I’ve registered before and asked several questions about the method and had an expert respond within minutes.

I understand that Marquette requires a membership fee. For me, it’s a small price to pay for some extra help and reassurance.

Plus, online apps are extremely helpful in keeping track.

 

[alphawoman]

The Boston Cross Check method hasn’t been listed yet. It’s a Sympto-hormonal method that combines mucus, temperature, and urinary estrogen and LH tests to determine ovulation.

 

[Lorelei12]

I think Marquette is great, but in your situation, if your wife often has long cycles, it probably wouldn’t work. Cycles that are frequently longer than 42 days, which is the maximum recommendation, probably need a different method.

I also recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It’s a great book, if you ignore the stuff about barrier methods. Even if you are looking to take a class on the method you choose, it’s a good resource that might help your wife decide which method she thinks would work best.

Also, sometimes it’s just trial and error. I started out temping, and it just didn’t work for me.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Many times, use of the methods cab be overlapped and used in tandem. so learn a few and see what applies to your specific situation. You may also think about a fertility monitor like “Ladycomp” Which can add a level of relief from anxiety.

Call and take a class or two.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I really appreciate your (name removed by moderator)ut. I’ll look into Marquette, if it can work with longer cycles then the additional check would probably be reassuring for my wife.

Thanks again!