The Creighton Model

By Dr. Patti Haebe, NMD

on March 08, 2023

The Creighton Model is a natural family planning method that uses the observation and charting of cervical mucus to identify a woman's fertile and infertile phases throughout her menstrual cycle. 

Cervical mucus gives a great deal of insight into when women are fertile and not fertile. When entering the high time of fertility, called the fertile window, fertile cervical mucus is slippery, stretchy and wet like raw egg whites.

After ovulation occurs, the cervical mucus becomes thick and tacky due to the hormone progesterone, and keeps sperm from entering the uterus. The cervical fluid will often go away all together while in the infertile time period. 

How the Creighton Model works

1. Education: The Creighton Model starts with education, which involves learning about the female reproductive system, the changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, and how to observe and chart cervical mucus.

2. Cervical mucus observation: The Creighton Model involves observing and charting cervical mucus every day. Cervical mucus is a discharge that is produced by the cervix in response to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. By observing the amount, consistency, and texture of cervical mucus, women can identify their fertile and infertile days. All of this information can be recorded in the Premom app.

3. Charting: Once the data is collected, it is recorded in a chart to help identify patterns and predict ovulation. The chart can also be used to help women identify any abnormalities in their cervical mucus, which can indicate underlying health issues that may be affecting fertility.

4. Medical evaluation: The Creighton Model also can include medical evaluation to identify and address any underlying health issues that may be affecting fertility.

5. Ongoing support: The Creighton Model also provides ongoing support to help women better understand their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health. This may involve regular consultations with a trained instructor or healthcare provider who can offer guidance and support throughout the process.

The Creighton Model works by providing women with a comprehensive understanding of their fertility and a method for identifying their fertile and infertile days based on the observation of cervical mucus. 

By combining natural family planning with medical evaluation and ongoing support, the Creighton Model offers a holistic and personalized approach to fertility management that can help women achieve their fertility goals while maintaining their overall health and well-being.

References

Hilgers, T. W. (2010). The Medical Applications of Natural Family Planning: The Creighton Model. Linacre Quarterly, 77(2), 163–174. doi: 10.1080/00243639.2010.11879388

Stanford, J. B., Parnell, T. A., & Boyle, P. C. (2007). Outcomes from Treatment of Infertility with Natural Procreative Technology in an Irish General Practice. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM, 20(3), 248–255. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2007.03.060188