This just in…

The study is a randomized comparison of two Internet supported methods of NFP.  This is the first randomized comparison study of NFP methods since the late 1970s-early 1980s.  

All eligible participants for this study will receive a free ClearBlue Easy Fertility monitor (value, $200.00).

Marquette University

College of Nursing

Institute for Natural Family Planning

Effectiveness Study on Two Internet-Based Natural Family Planning Methods

We are looking for couples who are interested in using natural family planning (NFP) to avoid pregnancy for at least one year and would be willing to participate in a study to determine the effectiveness of two NFP methods: 1) electronic hormonal fertility monitoring; and 2) self-observation of cervical mucus to estimate the time of fertility.  Both of these methods will include the use of an online (Internet) charting system that automatically computes the estimated time of fertility.

To be eligible for the study the woman NFP user needs to:

·      be between the age of 18 and 42

·      be in a sexually active committed relationship with a man

·      have a menstrual cycle range of 21-42 days

and

·      have not used Depo (injectable) contraception for the past 6 months

·      have not used oral or patch hormonal contraception for the past 3 months

·      have not breast-fed baby for at least three months

·      have no known fertility problems

·      not be using medications that interfere with fertility

·      not smoke cigarettes; and

·      not be pregnant.

Her male partner needs to:

• be between the ages of 18 and 50 years-old
• have no known fertility problems, and
• be in a sexually active committed relationship  with his lone woman partner. 

The potential participants will also need to be open to a possible pregnancy. 

When used correctly the NFP methods are estimated to be 98-99% effective. 

When not used consistently and according to instructions, the methods are estimated to be 86-90% effective.

All participants will receive a $200 ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor and $10 for each menstrual cycle charted online.  However, the participants who are in the cervical mucus observation group will only receive the fertility monitor after completing the 12 months of charting.  Couples who agree to participate will be automatically assigned either to the fertility monitor or the cervical mucus group. 

All participants will be asked to fill out a 10 item user satisfaction survey at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. 

If you are interested in participating please visit this Web site:  http://nfpstudy.marquette.edu

If you wish to immediately register, see:

http://nfpstudy.marquette.edu/portal/login.php

If you have further questions about this study please contact:

Dr. Richard J. Fehring, PhD, RN

414-288-3838

richard.fehring@marquette.edu