the Marquette Method
The Marquette Method brings modern technology to Natural Family Planning by using at-home urine fertility biomarkers to measure hormone levels. These biomarkers are used alone or alongside physiological fertility markers, and interpreted within a structured algorithm to accurately identify the fertile window.
The Marquette Method is uniquely taught by certified instructors who are licensed medical professionals. All teachers complete formal training through the Marquette program and are required to hold credentials such as RN, PA, MD, or DO, and have current licensure in good standing with their licensing board, and relevant clinical experience, ensuring a strong foundation in reproductive physiology and evidence-based care.
Developed through the Marquette University College of Nursing Institute for NFP, which has provided professional NFP services since 1985, the method began incorporating the Clearblue Fertility Monitor in 1998, and continues to evolve through active, ongoing research, now integrating multiple devices that detect estrogen, LH, and progesterone metabolites.
For women with regular cycles wanting to avoid pregnancy, the method is 99% effective with perfect use and 98% effective with typical use; for breastfeeding women, it is 98% effective with perfect use and 96% effective with typical use.
The Marquette Model of NFP can be used by couples seeking to space pregnancies or achieve pregnancy, couples experiencing fertility challenges, breastfeeding mothers, women in perimenopause, women with irregular cycles, and those interested in monitoring their hormonal and reproductive health.
Support for the Marquette Method
WHO:
The World Health Organization: "Methods of natural family planning are based on observations of naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. Awareness of the fertile phase can allow a couple to time intercourse, either to avoid or to achieve pregnancy. Natural family planning thus provides an alternative for those who, for any reason, cannot or do not wish to use pharmacological or mechanical contraceptives."
ACOG/AAP:
Subcommittees of both the American Pediatric Association (APA) and the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AAOG) have recommended monitoring the menstrual cycle as a vital sign for adolescents and young women.
BMJ:
The British Medical Journal developed an interactive infographic comparing different fertility awareness–based methods for preventing pregnancy. It shows that the Marquette Method has a failure rate of less than 1% with perfect use.
The Marquette Method of NFP meets the USCCB's Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry. Certificates of completion for Marriage Prep available upon completion of the course.
Further reading and research
Marquette Method and NFP research: https://marquettemethodprofessionals.com/research/
Efficacy Studies from Dr. Richard Fehring:
Fehring, & Schneider (2017) Effectiveness of a natural family planning service program.
Fehring, Schneider, & Bouchard (2023) Effectiveness of a Postpartum Breastfeeding Protocol for Avoiding Pregnancy.
USCCB: https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/nfp-national-providers
Required Materials
for monitor protocol:
Clearblue Fertility Monitor and Test Sticks
Optional:
Ovulation Test Strips
(Wondfo, easy@home, or similar)
Materials for use of the Marquette Method
Below you will find the recommended materials for utilizing the Marquette Method.
The most popular way to use the Marquette Method is with the Clearblue Fertility Monitor and Test Sticks, valued for its simplicity and objective results.
These materials are FSA/HSA eligible. If you’d like to avoid the one-time cost of the Clearblue Monitor (around $150) and the ongoing expense of test sticks (typically $40–$50 per package, purchased about three to four times per year for regular cycles), there are alternative protocols available. These use natural biomarkers and LH test strips, offering a reliable option without the monitor*.
Send me an inquiry, and I’d be happy to discuss the different options and help you find the approach that works best for you.
*the effectiveness rate of monitor-only protocol: up to 98%; effectiveness rate of mucus-only protocol: 92%