Which NFP Method?

wolfpackpeach

Hey y'all

First of all - finding this forum just made my night! I had no idea where to post this question until now, and its a bit too personal to just ask my engaged/married friends.

I'm getting married 7 months from today (Aug. 18th) and am trying to figure out whether to use Sympto-Thermal or Creighton. How did y'all decide? I'm a 1st-yr medical student who is very detail oriented, so keep track of everything isn't an issue, but I need to not get pregnant for 2 years if we can control it, so the easiest/most full-proof is probably the best.

I'm hoping to get started ASAP so I have the details down by the wedding (esp. since my cycle's just decided to go screwy after 2 yrs of running like clockwork) so any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

agapecarrie

Both methods are reliable ways to achieve and avoid pregnancy. 

Creighton method has scientific observation and standardized teaching.  It is connected to the medical field and napro technology -- for anyone that might have physical issues this is the method because it helps nfp doctors diagnose and treat issues. 

STM uses more than one indicator, which is only for cross checking. In order for you to take temps accurately you have to have a regular sleep schedule and take temp at the same time every day. 

There are another 2 methods...Billings and Marquette. Marquette is the creighton method with a fertility monitor. Creighton is the more standardized version of billings. 

professorscience

While it's not one of the ones you're considering, I chose Billings because it doesn't require you to take your temperature at the same time every morning.  I have a way too crazy sleep schedule to get accurate temps.

If you have a fairly regular cycle, STM should be fine.  As agape said, Creighton would be better if you have any irregularities.

BTW: Congratulations!

bibliophile2010

I use Creighton (well, did before pregnancy, and will again after), but struggled a lot with the decision. I ended up going with it because I knew that the temp would not be reliable, because I've never been a reliable sleeper and that was unlikely to change. I also had a family history of infertility (though it did not affect me), and unusual mucous patterns. All in all, I knew that mucous-only would be better for me.

FWIW, my H is in med school as well, and has come to really appreciate NaPro technology and its link to Creighton and the medical community. I would think that, if you're in med school, you may appreciate it too. You may also find that, in the coming years, reliably taking your temp might not be so easy.

Calypso1977

i use STM.  i honestly chose it because i wasnt aware there were other methods out there.  i self-taught using the book "taking charge of your fertility".

i find it very easy to use.

newlyseliski

I also took Creighton method.  I initially selected it as two of my friends had recommended it, one of whom had similar fertility-related medical issues as me!  I have an irregular cycle and unreliable sleep patterns, so temp would not have worked for me... sometimes I wish that I had that additional indicator to check, though, as I've had some difficulties determining peak day, post-peak, etc.  I was also able to find more NFP physicians in my area that were familiar with Creighton than any other method, so that was also a determining factor.  Good luck with your decision!

Riss91

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_nfp-method?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:5587ce87-5679-493c-8885-ee6667fce4a6Post:68a5504d-1596-4cac-983c-64e64818ebc0">Re: Which NFP Method?</a>:
[QUOTE]i use STM.  i honestly chose it because i wasnt aware there were other methods out there.  i self-taught using the book "taking charge of your fertility". i find it very easy to use.
Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

Same here! Been using it for 2.5 years. I have very regular cycles and no other conditions. If I didn't, I'd be using Creighton.

lalaith50

I use STM, mainly b/c I didn't really know anything about other methods when we had to take the class for marriage prep, and that's the version that we were directed to, and now I use it b/c I love having the cross check, since I do not always feel confident in my mucus observations.

ElisabethJoanne

Consider that your sleep schedule will be gone once you start doing rotations. It might be best to start on another method if you're going to have to switch. Internship and residency stress might also mess with your cycles. I'd suggest looking for a Catholic and/or NFP-friendly OB-GYN now. [My mother is an OB-GYN, so I've heard all the crazy stories about internship and residency.]

wolfpackpeach

Thanks y'all!  Esp. for bringing up the sleep schedule / temp bit - I hadn't thought about that part.  I've found an ObGyn group out here that has two MDs that are members of the American Association of Pro Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists and am getting in touch with the Creighton teacher for my area next week :-)

Thanks again!