Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
14 p.
Publication Date
2-1-2016
Publisher
Catholic Medical Association
Source Publication
The Linacre Quarterly
Source ISSN
0024-3639
Abstract
Various fertility indicators are used by natural family planning methods to identify the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle: mucus observations, cycle-day probabilities, basal body temperature readings, and hormonal measures of LH and estrogen. Simplified NFP methods generally make use of a single fertility indicator such as cycle-day probabilities (Standard Days Method) or mucus observations (Billings Ovulation Method). The Couple Bead Method integrates the two simplest fertility indicators, cycle-day probabilities and mucus observations, expanding its applicability to all women, regardless of cycle regularity and length. In determining cycle-day probabilities, the Couple Bead Method relies on a new data set from ultrasound-derived determinants of gestational age that more directly define the day of conception and the fertile window. By using a visual-based system of inexpensive colored beads, the Couple Bead Method can be used by couples of all educational and income levels.
Recommended Citation
Mulcaire-Jones, George; Fehring, Richard J.; Bradshaw, Megan; Brower, Karen; Lubega, Gonzaga; and Lubega, Paskazia, "Couple Beads: An integrated Method of Natural Family Planning" (2016). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 447.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/447
Comments
Accepted version. The Linacre Quarterly, Vol. 83, No. 1 (2016): 69-82. DOI. © 2016 Catholic Medical Association. Used with permission.