•  General FAQs

•  FAQs for Patients

•  FAQs for Health Professionals and Researchers

GENERAL FAQs

What is Natural Procreative Technology (NaPro, NPT)?

Natural Procreative Technology, (also called  NaProTECHNOLOGY®, NaPro, or NPT)  is a new reproductive science that works cooperatively with the natural fertility [menstrual] cycle. It has been developed as a series of medical applications based on a standardized assessment of the biomarkers of the fertility [menstrual] cycle, known as the Creighton Model FertilityCare System. It can be used to evaluate and treat infertility, miscarriage, irregular bleeding, and many other women's health conditions.

What is the Creighton Model Fertility Care System?

The Creighton Model Fertility Care ™ System teaches couples to recognize, understand, and record the changes that occur during the fertility [menstrual] cycle. These changes [biomarkers] indicate whether the reproductive system is functioning normally or not. It also identifies ovulation and other key events. It is completely natural and cooperative with a woman's fertility [menstrual] cycle. 

How is NaProTECHNOLOGY (NPT) used to evaluate and treat infertility?

NPT is proving to be highly effective in treating couples with infertility. Couples use the Creighton Model FertilityCare System to identify abnormalities in their fertility [menstrual] cycle even before trying to conceive. Clinical signs [biomarkers] such as 3 or more days of brown menstrual bleeding, reduced quality and quantity of cervical mucus flow, premenstrual spotting, or abnormal lengths of time after ovulation, suggest possible causes for infertility. Many of these signs are missed with current gynaecologic evaluation. Hormonal evaluation guided by the couple's charting allows the NPT-trained physician to identify and treat subtle hormonal deficiencies that may otherwise be undetected. The goal with NaProTECHNOLOGY fertility treatment is to recognize reproductive abnormalities and correct them. Surgical intervention may be recommended to compliment medical treatment when necessary.

What is the success of NaProTECHNOLOGY treatment for infertility?

Considering all patient ages and diagnoses, the overall probability of having a successful pregnancy with NaProTECHNOLOGY is approximately 50%. The success rate can be up to 80% depending on multiple factors including the precise diagnosis, severity of the underlying cause, history of previous fertility treatment and female age. NaProTECHNOLOGY is not an option in cases of established menopause, zero sperm count or persistent bilateral blocked fallopian tubes (despite attempted surgical reconstruction). A couple will be told what their chances of success are during the initial medical consultation and it is up to them to decide if they would like to commence further evaluation and treatment. Nearly every category of infertility has succeeded with this approach including Unexplained Infertility, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, Pelvic Adhesions, Low Progesterone, Hostile Mucus, Male or Female antibodies, Low sperm count, Oligo-ovulation and Anovulation. Even couples who have previously failed In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) have a reasonable chance of a live birth with NPT. Although there is real hope with NaProTECHNOLOGY , not all couples will conceive. All couples undergoing NPT evaluation obtain a greater understanding of what is happening with their bodies and how they can maximize their chances of healthy pregnancy.

Can NaProTECHNOLOGY help with male factor infertility?

Yes. If the primary diagnosis is a male factor, couples have had successful pregnancies using NaProTECHNOLOGY. Men with very low sperm counts or anti-sperm antibodies can be treated. Often, improvements in semen quality can be made by healthy lifestyle changes. A number of medical and surgical treatments can also improve semen quality and sperm function. Even if the sperm function is not ideal, evaluating and maximizing the woman's fertility cycle, together with ideal timing of intercourse will often result in pregnancy. The overall success rate for male factor infertility is around 40%. A brochure is available here.

What is the difference between using NaProTECHNOLOGY (NPT) for infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

There is a fundamental difference in approach. NPT identifies what is not working and fixes it, so that conception and pregnancy can occur naturally in vivo [in the body]. ART and related approaches bypass the problem and make a baby in vitro [outside the body]. Many of the issues (cost, side effects, ethical concerns) raised by ART are not a problem with NPT.

 Does NPT use Artificial Insemination?

No. NPT supports and optimises natural reproductive function, so that pregnancy can result from natural sexual intercourse.

Can NaProTECHNOLOGY help prevent miscarriage?

NPT identifies miscarriage as an abnormality rather than a common normal reproductive event. Furthermore it recognises that there are underlying causes to each miscarriage, even though the causes may not always be identifiable. NPT fully evaluates the possible causes of even one miscarriage and in fact prefers to identify and correct abnormalities before any miscarriage occurs.

Clinical signs [biomarkers] from the couple's fertility chart suggest possible reasons for miscarriage. Hormonal evaluation guided by the couple's charting allows the NPT-trained physician to identify and treat hormonal deficiencies to reduce the risk of even one miscarriage occurring, or in the case of women who have suffered recurrent miscarriages, reducing the risk of another miscarriage.

Can NaProTECHNOLOGY help with premenstrual syndrome [PMS], menstrual cycle or women's health problems?

Yes. The woman's charting of her clinical signs [biomarkers] of the fertility cycle (menstrual cycle), gives great insight into menstrual cycle disorders. The underlying causes of many of these problems can be the same. Hormonal evaluation guided by the charting allows the NPT-trained physician to identify abnormalities in the menstrual cycle and correct them. This can improve or resolve the problem.

Problems that can be helped with NaProTECHNOLOGY include

• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Premature Birth
• Ovarian Cysts
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Postpartum Depression
• Irregular Cycles
• Premenopausal Symptoms
• Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
• Family Planning

FAQS FOR PATIENTS

Is NaProTechnology (NPT) medicine or surgery?

NPT incorporates both medical and surgical treatments. Medical treatments may include medications, natural (bio-identical) hormones, or vitamins, to normalize ovulation and reproductive function. Some problems require specialized surgery for restoration of reproductive function.

Is NPT experimental?

No. Most of the treatments used in NPT, both medical and surgical, have a long history of use in medicine. All of the medications used have been found to be safe and are on the market in virtually all countries. What is unique about NPT is the use of these therapies with the patient's charting of the clinical signs [biomarkers] of the fertility cycle. This provides a powerful framework for effective therapy.

Who provides NaProTECHNOLOGY ?

Effective NPT is a team effort with three partners: the woman or couple, the Fertility Care Practitioner (teacher), and the NPT physician. Each partner has an essential role.

What is my role in NPT?

Your observation and charting of the clinical signs [biomarkers] of the fertility [menstrual] cycles forms the basis for all evaluation and treatment with NPT. It allows for proper timing of medical tests (such as blood tests and ultrasound) and interpretation of the results.

What is the role of the Fertility Care Practitioner (teacher) in NPT?

The Fertility Care Practitioner (FCP) will teach you the Creighton Model Fertility Care system, which allows you to 'NaProTrack' your fertility cycles.  You will see your FertilityCare practitioner regularly during your NaProTechnology treatment to help you keep track of changes in your cycle and progress in your fertility management. 

What is the role of the medical consultant in NPT?

The NPT medical consultant has completed specialised training in NaProTechnology. They can interpret the information on your Fertility Care  charts, and use this information in the diagnosis, investigation, treatment and monitoring of your specific medical situation.

How do I get started with NaProTECHNOLOGY?

You will need to see an NPT medical consultant. To identify one near you, please click HERE.

How much will it cost to get treatment with NPT?

The costs vary by individual provider. Providers are committed to doing all they can to make treatment available and accessible. Costs for NPT treatment are generally much less than costs for other medical treatments for similar conditions, especially infertility.

FAQS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND RESEARCHERS

What is the published evidence for restorative reproductive medicine and NaProTECHNOLOGY?

A comprehensive summary of published research and specific research in NPT through early 2004 is published in the textbook, "The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY."

Additional references to published information are available from www.iirrm.org

I am interested in training in NPT. How can I learn more?

Physicians and other appropriately licensed health practitioners can learn more about NPT and how to apply it in their practices in several ways:

1) Attend a comprehensive training course in NPT. An annual course is conducted affiliated with Creighton University . {Click here to link to course}

2) Obtain the comprehensive textbook, "The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY."

3) Attend continuing medical education meetings where NPT is presented and discussed. The annual meeting of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals is held every July, and is an excellent resource.

4) Attend an annual general meeting of the IIRRM.

5) Join the IIRRM. ( The International Institute of Restorative Reproductive Medicine) and participate in our online resources, including summaries of medical literature, peer discussion, and annual meetings.

I am interested in participating in research (as a health professional) in NPT and restorative reproductive medicine. How can I help?

We encourage you to Join the IIRRM and work with us in developing and implementing research protocols. Our protocols involve multiple physicians in multiple practices throughout the world.