Mastering the Marquette Model: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Family Planning

For couples seeking a natural and effective method of family planning, the Marquette Model offers a scientifically sound and user-friendly approach. This model, based on cervical mucus observations and optional hormone monitoring with the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor, provides valuable insights into a woman’s fertility cycle, empowering couples to make informed decisions about achieving or avoiding pregnancy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the principles, steps, and practical considerations of using the Marquette Model effectively.

What is the Marquette Model?

The Marquette Model is a method of Natural Family Planning (NFP) developed at Marquette University’s Institute for Natural Family Planning. It’s unique in its integration of two primary fertility indicators: cervical mucus observations and, optionally, electronic hormone monitoring. This dual approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of a woman’s fertility, increasing its effectiveness when used correctly. The Marquette Model can be used by women with regular or irregular cycles, during breastfeeding, and in the perimenopausal period.

Key Components of the Marquette Model:

• Cervical Mucus Observations: Learning to identify and chart the changes in cervical mucus is a cornerstone of the method. These changes indicate a woman’s proximity to ovulation.
• Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor (Optional): This handheld device measures estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in urine. These hormone levels provide additional information about the fertile window, particularly useful for women with irregular cycles or those who prefer a more objective measurement.
• Defined Rules for Interpretation: The Marquette Model provides clear and specific rules for interpreting the observed data and determining fertility status.
• Trained Instructor: Working with a certified Marquette Model instructor is highly recommended, especially when starting out. An instructor provides personalized guidance and support, ensuring accurate charting and interpretation.

Benefits of the Marquette Model:

• Effectiveness: When used correctly and consistently, the Marquette Model can be highly effective for both avoiding and achieving pregnancy. Studies have shown effectiveness rates comparable to other methods of family planning.
• Natural: It aligns with a couple’s values by respecting the natural rhythms of the body and avoiding the use of artificial hormones or devices.
• Empowering: It empowers women and couples to understand their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
• Adaptable: It can be used by women in various stages of their reproductive lives, including those with irregular cycles, breastfeeding women, and those approaching menopause.
• Health Benefits: Tracking your cycle can help you identify potential health issues related to your reproductive system and provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
• Improved Communication: The model encourages open communication between partners, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s bodies and desires.

Getting Started with the Marquette Model: Step-by-Step Guide

Before diving in, it’s essential to understand that the Marquette Model requires dedication, consistency, and a willingness to learn. Finding a certified instructor is highly recommended, as they can provide personalized guidance and support.

Step 1: Find a Certified Instructor

The first and arguably most important step is to find a certified Marquette Model instructor. Instructors provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring accurate charting and interpretation. You can find a list of certified instructors on the Marquette University Institute for Natural Family Planning website or through other reputable NFP organizations. During your initial consultation, the instructor will explain the method in detail, answer your questions, and provide you with the necessary materials and resources.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need a few essential supplies to get started:

• Marquette Model Chart: Your instructor will provide you with a specialized chart designed for recording your observations. This chart typically includes spaces for recording cervical mucus characteristics, monitor readings (if using), and other relevant information. You can also find printable charts online, but it’s best to use the one recommended by your instructor.
• Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor (Optional but Recommended): If you choose to use the electronic hormone monitoring component, you’ll need the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor. Purchase the monitor and a supply of test sticks. Be sure to use the correct test sticks that are compatible with the monitor.
• Clean Hands: Essential for observing cervical mucus.
• Pen or Pencil: For recording your observations on the chart.
• Optional: pH test strips: Some Marquette Method instructors will advise the use of pH test strips to add another layer to mucus observations, especially for women who have difficulty with mucus identification.

Step 3: Learn to Observe and Chart Cervical Mucus

Cervical mucus is a fluid produced by the cervix that changes in consistency and appearance throughout the menstrual cycle. These changes reflect fluctuating hormone levels and indicate a woman’s fertility status. Learning to accurately observe and chart these changes is crucial to the Marquette Model.

How to Observe Cervical Mucus:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before each observation.
2. Observe before urination: Check for mucus before you urinate, as urine can dilute or wash away the mucus.
3. Collect the mucus: You can check the mucus by wiping with clean white toilet paper before urination or by checking internally with a clean finger. If checking internally, reach towards your cervix.
4. Observe the characteristics: Pay attention to the quantity, consistency, and sensation of the mucus.
5. Record your observations: Use the Marquette Model chart to record your observations each day. Use the codes and symbols provided by your instructor to accurately represent the mucus characteristics.

Key Characteristics of Cervical Mucus:

• Quantity: How much mucus is present? (e.g., none, scant, light, moderate, heavy)
• Consistency: What is the texture of the mucus? (e.g., dry, sticky, creamy, watery, stretchy)
• Sensation: What does the mucus feel like? (e.g., dry, smooth, slippery)
• Appearance: What does the mucus look like? (e.g. cloudy, clear, yellowish)

Understanding Mucus Changes:

• After menstruation: Typically, there will be a period of dryness or scant, sticky mucus. This indicates a low fertility period.
• As ovulation approaches: The mucus will become more abundant, watery, and slippery, resembling raw egg white. This indicates increasing fertility.
• Peak fertility: The most fertile mucus is typically clear, stretchy, and very slippery. This is the “peak” day, indicating ovulation is imminent.
• After ovulation: The mucus will decrease in quantity and become thicker and stickier, or dry up completely. This indicates a return to a less fertile period.

Step 4: Using the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor (Optional)

The Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor measures estrogen and LH levels in urine. Estrogen rises in the days leading up to ovulation, while LH surges approximately 24-36 hours before ovulation. The monitor displays the results as low, high, or peak fertility. Using the monitor in conjunction with cervical mucus observations provides a more comprehensive picture of a woman’s fertility.

How to Use the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor:

1. Read the Monitor Instructions: Thoroughly read the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor instruction manual before using the device.
2. Set Up the Monitor: Follow the instructions to set up the monitor for your cycle. This typically involves entering the date of your last period and your usual cycle length.
3. Test Daily: The monitor will prompt you to test each day during your fertile window. Usually, the monitor prompts for a test beginning around cycle day 6, but follow the instructions in the manual.
4. Use First Morning Urine: Use first morning urine for the most accurate results.
5. Insert the Test Stick: Insert the test stick into the monitor as directed.
6. Wait for the Result: Wait for the monitor to display the result (low, high, or peak).
7. Record the Result: Record the monitor reading on your Marquette Model chart.
8. Discard the Test Stick: Discard the used test stick.

Step 5: Interpret Your Chart and Apply the Marquette Model Rules

The Marquette Model provides specific rules for interpreting the charted data and determining fertility status. These rules take into account both cervical mucus observations and monitor readings (if using). Your instructor will teach you these rules in detail.

General Guidelines for Interpreting Your Chart:

• Identify the Peak Day: The peak day is the last day of the most fertile mucus (clear, stretchy, and slippery). Ovulation typically occurs within 12-24 hours after the peak day.
• Determine the Fertile Window: The fertile window typically begins a few days before the first sign of fertile mucus and extends until a few days after the peak day.
• Apply the Rules for Avoiding Pregnancy: If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, abstain from intercourse or use a barrier method (e.g., condoms) during the fertile window. Follow the specific rules provided by your instructor for determining when the fertile window begins and ends.
• Apply the Rules for Achieving Pregnancy: If you are trying to conceive, have intercourse during the days of fertile mucus, especially on the peak day and the day before.

Example Rules (These are simplified and may vary slightly depending on your instructor):

• To Avoid Pregnancy: Avoid intercourse from the first sign of any mucus until three days after the peak day, confirmed by three consecutive days of low monitor readings (if using the monitor) and a return to less fertile mucus characteristics.
• To Achieve Pregnancy: Have intercourse on days of increasing fertility signs, particularly the day before and the day of the peak mucus.

Step 6: Ongoing Learning and Support

The Marquette Model is a skill that improves with practice. Continue to work with your instructor to refine your charting and interpretation skills. Attend follow-up appointments as needed to address any questions or concerns. Remember that your cycle can change over time due to various factors, such as stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Regular communication with your instructor will help you adapt to these changes and maintain the effectiveness of the method.

Tips for Success with the Marquette Model:

• Be Consistent: Observe and chart your fertility signs every day, even on days when you are not sexually active. Consistency is key to accurate charting and interpretation.
• Be Patient: It may take a few cycles to become comfortable with observing and interpreting your fertility signs. Don’t get discouraged if you make mistakes at first.
• Communicate with Your Partner: The Marquette Model requires open communication and cooperation between partners. Discuss your observations and interpretations with your partner and make decisions about sexual activity together.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your instructor. They are there to support you and help you succeed with the Marquette Model.
• Consider a Backup Method: When first learning, or if you’re unsure of your interpretations, use a backup method (such as condoms) during potentially fertile times.
• Keep Accurate Records: Maintain a detailed chart of your observations, monitor readings, and any other relevant information. This will help you track your cycle and identify any patterns or changes.
• Learn to Trust Your Body: The Marquette Model is about understanding and trusting your body’s natural rhythms. With practice and patience, you can become more attuned to your fertility and make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges:

• Difficulty Identifying Mucus: Some women find it challenging to identify cervical mucus, especially at first. If you are struggling, try checking at different times of the day, experiment with different positions, and talk to your instructor about additional techniques, such as pH testing.
• Irregular Cycles: Women with irregular cycles may find it more challenging to predict ovulation. Using the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor can be particularly helpful in these cases. Work closely with your instructor to adapt the rules to your specific cycle patterns.
• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and make it difficult to observe fertility signs. The Marquette Model can still be used during breastfeeding, but it requires careful charting and interpretation. Your instructor can provide guidance on adapting the rules for breastfeeding women.
• Perimenopause: As women approach menopause, their cycles become more irregular, and fertility signs may be less clear. The Marquette Model can still be used during perimenopause, but it requires a more nuanced approach. Your instructor can help you interpret your charting in the context of perimenopausal changes.
• Conflicting Signals: Sometimes, cervical mucus observations and monitor readings may not align perfectly. In these cases, consult with your instructor for guidance on interpreting the conflicting signals and making informed decisions.

Conclusion:

The Marquette Model is a powerful and effective method of natural family planning that empowers couples to understand their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health. By learning to observe and chart cervical mucus, and optionally using the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor, you can gain valuable insights into your cycle and achieve your family planning goals. Remember to seek guidance from a certified instructor, be consistent with your charting, and communicate openly with your partner. With dedication and patience, you can master the Marquette Model and experience the many benefits of this natural and empowering approach to family planning.