The Marquette Method of NFP aims to take the guesswork out of natural family planning (NFP) by using the latest at-home fertility testing to precisely track a woman’s daily urinary hormone levels.
The Marquette Method was developed by Dr. Richard Fehring (PhD, RN) and his team of researchers at the Marquette University Institute for NFP in 1998. The method started as mucus-based (tracking the condition of a woman’s cervical mucus), and over time has integrated the use of the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. The Marquette Method of NFP is backed by evidence-based, peer-reviewed medical research.
Biomarkers Tracked
Marquette primarily uses electronic hormonal fertility monitoring to track two main biomarkers in a woman’s urine: Estrogen and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The method also incorporates a fertility algorithm to identify the beginning and end of the fertile window.
Marquette is a custom-fit method of NFP with optional biomarkers such as basal body temperature (BBT) and cervical mucus. Basal Body Temperature is a woman’s body temperature when she is completely at rest, usually tracked during sleep.
Some examples of the combinations of fertile signs you can
track with Marquette include:
- Monitor only
- Monitor + BBT
- Mucus + BBT
- Monitor + Mucus + BBT
- Monitor + mucus
- Mucus only
How the Marquette Method Works
The Marquette Method requires using a Clearblue Fertility Monitor each morning to test a woman’s urine, then viewing the tailored protocol to know her fertility status for the day. Basal Body Temperature can be checked and recorded upon waking using a BBT tracking device (such as a Tempdrop). Cervical mucus, if added, would be tracked throughout the day since it tends to change often.
For charting and recording:
The Clearblue Fertility Monitor will result in low, high, or peak readings. The results would then be recorded on a chart. Vitae Fertility offers free charts that are beautifully designed for the season you are in. You can also opt to use a free Tempdrop customizable paper chart.
The Marquette Method is a once-a-day commitment. If a woman chooses to track only urine and BBT, both biomarkers can be tested and recorded together in the morning by following these steps:
- Monitor:
- Test urine
- Record results
- Temperatures with Tempdrop (or a similar device)
- Wear before sleep
- Sync and add symptoms
- Get results
Benefits of the Marquette Method
High Efficacy: The Marquette Method is 99% effective at avoiding unanticipated pregnancies for women in regular cycles (according to Fehring and Schneider, 2017) and 98% effective for breastfeeding mothers (Bouchard, Fehring, & Schneider 2013). The method is also 87% effective at achieving pregnancy within 12 months (according to Mu & Fehring, 2014).
Simplicity: The Marquette Method is only a once-a-day commitment
Taught by doctors and nurses: The Marquette Method views NFP as healthcare and requires its instructors to be providers (BSN nurses, physician assistants, physicians, etc.) with their licenses in good standing.
Flexibility: The Marquette Method can adapt to nearly anyone’s cycle. Specific plans exist for irregular cycles, complex medical history, postpartum, post-hormonal contraception, perimenopause, and more.
Accuracy: Apart from transvaginal ultrasound (according to Behre et al., 2000; World Health Organization, 1980), the gold standard for predicting ovulation from home is measuring LH levels in a woman's urine. Marquette tracks a woman's estrogen and LH levels in her urine using the Clearblue fertility monitor, thus providing a very accurate means of identifying the fertile window.
Disadvantages of the
Cost: While still considerably cheaper than a baby, Marquette can be more costly than other methods of NFP due to the varying devices needed. Developers of the method have addressed ways to save money for users:
- Start with a free consult
- Check to see what your health insurance covers
- Buy monitors used or on sale
- Use subscribe and save options for ongoing purchases
Women with PCOS: If you are using Marquette with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) it will likely require some adaptations. In some cases, your NFP instructor might recommend following the provisional Marquette Method Mira Monitor Protocols because the Mira Monitor can detect non-ovulatory LH surges and/or confirm ovulation by measuring elevated progesterone levels in the luteal phase (Fehring et al., 2023).
Considerations & Support
During the first teaching session, women are provided with the necessary information to confidently navigate the Marquette method. This includes identifying the beginning of the fertile window, peak days, and when the fertile window ends. Teach-back moments are used when reviewing chart examples to make sure the method is fully understood.
Marquette offers optional, personalized feedback during the first cycle, as well as access to ongoing daily support with an instructor to address any questions or concerns.
Many Marquette instructors (including all the Vitae Fertility instructors) are certified by the Marquette Method Professionals Association. They teach clients worldwide using a secure online video platform. Active clients can expect unlimited, ongoing, prompt, reliable support via email, text, or voice call.
The Marquette method is compatible for clients even if they have a complicated fertility history or a health condition that affects the menstrual cycle.
Who It the
Marquette is ideal for women in the breastfeeding transition phase, or women who aren’t sleeping through the night (i.e. shift workers). Selecting your NFP is a personal and practical choice, and while there is no one “best” method, one of the main benefits to Marquette is how flexible and applicable it is.
Where to Learn More
- Official Website: https://www.marquette.edu/nursing/institute-natural-family-planning/model.php
- Vitae Free E-Books:
Marquette Method in a Nutshell
- Biomarkers Tracked: Estrogen, luteinizing hormone, basal body temperature, cervical mucus.
- Effectiveness: High. 98-99% for avoiding pregnancy and 87% for achieving.
- Learning Curve: Easy, confidently up and running in 60 minutes
- Ideal For: Any woman of reproductive age
- Where to Learn More: Vitae Fertility - Marquette Method NFP Online Classes
Meet Someone That Knows the Method - Bethany
Bethany Smith is a master's prepared registered nurse living her best life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She provides in-person and online instruction for Marquette and FEMM methods of NFP. Bethany loves being a part of the team at Vitae Fertility. You can check out her bio and book a free consultation here: Bethany Smith, RN, Marquette Method Instructor in Oklahoma (vitaefertility.com)
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