Ceiba Study – Guest Post by Christy Porucznik, PhD

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a topic of interest to many different people. There are many different NFP methods based upon systemic observation of biomarkers – changes in cervical fluid and basal body temperature. There has been rigorous research on some of the methods.

The Creighton Model Fertility *Care* System is one Natural Family Planning Method that teaches couples to recognize and chart the signs of fertility and infertility in the womans cycle and to use that knowledge to either achieve or avoid a pregnancy. The method is natural, safe and effective, and it helps the couple understand their fertility. Trained practitioners at Fertility *Care* Centers teach the Creighton Model across the country and internationally.

One facet of all types of NFP that doesn’t translate well to research methods generally used for ‘contraceptives’ is the ability to use the method both to avoid a pregnancy and to achieve a pregnancy. In usual contraception research, women planning to avoid pregnancy for a year are recruited into the study, given the method to be researched, and every pregnancy is considered to be a failure of the method.

University of Utah researchers are conducting an IRB-approved international study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Creighton Model for users wanting to avoid pregnancy. While past studies have shown that the Creighton Model is a highly effective method, this study will use new ways to measure how well it works. This is important because the knowledge gained will improve comparisons between the Creighton Model and other family planning methods. The study will also explore intentions and behaviors of couples to avoid or achieve a pregnancy.

Recruiting is ongoing. At least 300 couples will be needed to conduct the study. If you or someone you know are searching for a different method of family planning and wish to avoid a pregnancy, you may be eligible for the study. Not only will you be learning about your own fertility, but you will be contributing to important research that will help future users of the Creighton Model.

If you are interested or you would like to learn more about the Creighton Model or the study, please visit

http://medicine.utah.edu/dfpm/Research/CEIBA/index.htm

Call 801-231-6434 or

Email us at ceibastudy@gmail.com

You can find and like the study on Facebook (search CEIBA or Creighton Model Study).

The blog is http://ceibastudy.blogspot.com/

This study is being funded by a grant through the Office of Population Affairs (under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and the Health Studies Fund through the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah. ***** This is a guest post from epidemiologist Christy Porucznik, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Division of Public Health at the University of Utah.

“But I know that there is some validity to NFP, so please don’t Taze me, Sis!”

Wouldn’t dream of it, and this is NOT the Rhythm Method. It is much more detailed and scientific than that. I had the honor of interviewing Christy for my Blog Talk Radio show and she shared some interesting facts about the study that is currently taking place:

Go here to listen!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jenny-hatch/2011/01/24/the-jenny-hatch-show—ceiba-study

And here to watch: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=d3a6f6ab6de6b88e417f28

Jenny

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