Way Beyond Family Planning: FABM Helps Diagnose PCOS
During Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, we tell the story of how using a fertility awareness-based method (FABM) helped diagnose a luteal phase defect and PCOS in a woman we will call Gina to protect her privacy. Using the Creighton Model along with the science of NaProTechnology was such a positive experience that this patient decided to train as a Creighton Model practitioner to teach women and couples how to use this method. This interview with a patient is part of our series that highlights the reality of using FABMs. Anna Goodwin was a second-year medical student when she conducted this interview as part of a two-week online elective at Georgetown University.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment
This is a brief summary of a 2018 Practice Bulletin published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Although the ACOG document acknowledges that much of the treatment for PCOS remains empirical and based on symptoms, fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and the practical applications of charting in the diagnosis and management of PCOS were not mentioned. A resident physician wrote this synopsis during the FACTS online elective at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Working Women and the Lactational Amenorrhea Method: A Review of Research
National Breastfeeding Month is the perfect time to recall the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. One of these benefits is built directly into a woman’s normal physiology and can provide safe, effective natural family planning for six months postpartum. A fourth-year medical student who is now pursuing residency in obstetrics and gynecology wrote this review during the FACTS online elective offered through Georgetown University School of Medicine.
An Online NFP Program for Breastfeeding Women: A Research Review
This week we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month. Jessica Roberts, a 4th year medical student reviews research published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing in 2017 titled, “Effectiveness of an Online Natural Family Planning Program for Breastfeeding Women.” The study highlights the versatility of a fertility awareness-based method (FABM), the Marquette Model, for breastfeeding women who wish to prevent or delay pregnancy during the postpartum period.
FACTS Speaker Feature: Sara Shaffer
The FACTS speaker program has been an effective way to educate medical professionals about the science behind fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning. This year, we have enjoyed featuring a FACTS-trained speaker every month. Our series continues with Sara Shaffer, a certified nurse midwife and lactation consultant who also teaches the Marquette Model. Her passion for women’s health and knowledge of the science supporting fertility awareness-based methods are valuable assets in her role as a FACTS speaker.
Empowered through Fertility Awareness: A Patient Interview
This post features an interview with a patient who has used several fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) for family planning and health monitoring. As with many women who choose to use FABMs, this patient has taken advantage of the strengths of different methods to meet her changing needs over time. Dr. Jackeline Chaparro Lorenzo conducted this interview as a medical student during a two-week online FACTS elective titled “Fertility Awareness and Family Planning.”