The Marquette Method

The Marquette Method brings the best of modern science to Natural Family Planning (NFP). Using a hormone-monitor, it tracks urinary biomarkers to accurately detect changes in key fertility hormones. This allows women and couples to clearly and confidently identify the beginning and end of the fertile window in each cycle, whether they are hoping to achieve or avoid pregnancy, or simply monitor their hormonal health. 

Unlike previous methods that rely solely on physical signs, the Marquette Method incorporates a fertility monitor to measure key hormone levels through a simple, at-home urine test. This innovative approach provides clear, objective insights into your fertility status, helping to eliminate guesswork, especially during life transitions like postpartum, breastfeeding, or perimenopause.  While best known for its objective hormone data, Marquette also offers flexibility, allowing users to integrate additional biomarkers like cervical mucus or basal body temperature to adapt to their individual needs and preferences. By combining rigorously researched protocols with the clinical expertise of a certified instructor, the method accurately identifies your fertile window.

Proven Effectiveness & Expert Instruction

With proper instruction and consistent use, the Marquette Method is up to 98–99% effective at helping couples avoid pregnancy—and is also highly effective for identifying the most fertile days when trying to conceive (Fehring & Schneider, 2017).  As one of the most effective NFP methods available, Marquette is built on evidence-based protocols and backed by clinical research. A key aspect of its reliability is that it’s exclusively taught by trained healthcare professionals, such as bachelor-educated nurses or physicians, ensuring you receive instruction from a qualified expert who understands both the science and your personal needs.

The Marquette Method is a modern form of NFP built on robust scientific research, medically sound and highly reliable. Marquette is only taught by trained healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses or physicians, ensuring accuracy and personalized support.

Scientifically Validated & Evidence-Based

The Marquette Method offers a clear, empowering alternative to hormonal birth control. It provides couples with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their shared fertility with peace of mind. For many, it also aligns with values that respect the natural design of the body and family planning.

Empowering & Value-Aligned

Unlike methods relying solely on subjective signs, Marquette uses fertility monitors to measure key hormone levels in urine. This provides clear, objective data that removes guesswork, giving you insights into your fertility status.

Objective Hormone Monitoring

Studies show the Marquette Method is remarkably effective (up to 98-99% for avoiding pregnancy). Its strength lies in its versatility, offering specific, evidence-based protocols that are highly effective for various life stages, including regular cycles, postpartum, breastfeeding, and perimenopause. It can be integrated with observations like cervical mucus or basal body temperature. This allows for truly individualized support, empowering you to use what works best for your unique needs and preferences.

Highly Effective & Adaptable

  • The Marquette Method is one of the most scientifically rigorous and modern approaches to Natural Family Planning. It stands apart by using objective hormone monitoring with the Clearblue Fertility Monitor, providing clear, daily insights into a woman’s fertility and reducing the guesswork common with methods based solely on physical signs.

    Marquette is also one of the only NFP methods with published, peer-reviewed efficacy studies, showing up to 98–99% effectiveness in avoiding pregnancy with correct use. Unlike many other NFP systems, it is still actively engaged in ongoing research, led by nurses and physicians at Marquette University, ensuring the method remains evidence-based, current, and clinically sound.

    Couples often choose Marquette for its clarity, objectivity, and adaptability—it works across a variety of life stages, from regular cycles to postpartum or perimenopause. For many, it offers a natural and responsible way to plan their families, grounded in both scientific understanding and personal values.

  • Essentially, it’s monitor + protocol. The method primarily uses a fertility monitor to measure key hormone levels in urine samples. These objective readings, combined with researched-based protocols, clearly pinpoint your fertile window. While monitor-based, it can also integrate with other fertility signs like cervical mucus or basal body temperature for added understanding.

  • No! While it aligns with Catholic teaching, the Marquette Method is open to and effective for people of all backgrounds who want a natural, hormone-free approach to family planning and fertility awareness. Many of my clients come from a variety of backgrounds.

  • Yes. Marquette is especially helpful during irregular cycles, postpartum, breastfeeding, or perimenopause, thanks to its objective hormone monitoring and adaptable protocols.

  • Yes, absolutely! The return to fertility postpartum can often feel a bit like a mystery, but the Marquette Method is exceptionally well-suited for postpartum women, including those who are breastfeeding or exclusively pumping. The use of objective hormone monitoring means the Marquette Method equips you with the best tools to understand your unique and sometimes unpredictable return to fertility—especially when hormonal shifts from breastfeeding or pumping make cycle signs less clear or more variable—helping you navigate this transition with clarity and confidence.

  • No, the method is primarily based on hormone levels from the fertility monitor. However, it offers the flexibility to integrate additional signs like cervical mucus or basal body temperature, depending on your comfort and cycle needs.

  • You'll need a Fertility Monitor and test strips, which I’ll help you source and use. From there, we’ll walk through personalized instruction and protocol guidance based on your reproductive stage.

  • If you're looking for a natural, effective, and personalized approach to fertility that honors your values and offers clarity, the Marquette Method may be an excellent fit. I’d love to talk with you in a free discovery call to help you decide.