About B&SH of AZ

What is Natural Procreative Technology (NaPro, NPT)?

NaPro TECHNOLOGY is a new reproductive health science, developed at the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction in Omaha, Nebraska. 30 years of research has culminated in the development of this system of evaluation and treatment that cooperates with a woman's reproductive system. The Creighton Model FertilityCare System is the method of observing and charting biomarkers of the fertility cycle. This information is the basis of evaluation and treatment in NaPro TECHNOLOGY. We have a teachers of the method on staff as well as we can refer you to a teacher if you are out of our area. It can be used to evaluate and treat infertility, miscarriage, irregular bleeding, and many other women's health conditions.

What is the Creighton Model Fertility Care System?

The Creighton Model Fertility Care ™ System teaches couples to recognize, understand, and record the changes that occur during the fertility [menstrual] cycle. These changes [biomarkers] indicate whether the reproductive system is functioning normally or not. It also identifies times of potential fertility and natural infertility.

How is NaProTECHNOLOGY (NPT) used to evaluate and treat infertility?

Each couple is evaluated individually. We will have an initial consultation to understand the scope of your concern, previous evaluations and treatments and a thorough history. If you have not already done so, you will be referred for instruction in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System to learn to chart your biomarkers. After 2 cycles (about 2 months) we will continue the diagnostic work-up. This may involve a targeted hormone series of blood tests timed with your cycle and possibly ultrasounds timed with your cycle also. A treatment plan is developed and we will modify it as we see your response. Couples will be asked to complete a SFA (seminal fluid analysis), along with possible referral to a urologist , and surgeons as necessary.

For Post-partum depression, treatment is instituted as soon as possible utilizing natural progesterone which will not interfere with breastfeeding and other treatments as appropriate to each case.

For the peri menopausal woman, we utilize Bioidentical hormones in the lowest dose possible for symptom remission to achieve hormone balance and wellness.

Surgical intervention may be recommended to compliment medical treatment when necessary.

What is the success of NaProTECHNOLOGY treatment for infertility?

Considering all patient ages and diagnoses, the overall probability of having a successful pregnancy with NaProTECHNOLOGY is approximately 50%. The success rate can be up to 80% depending on multiple factors including the precise diagnosis, severity of the underlying cause, history of previous fertility treatment and female age. NaProTECHNOLOGY is not an option in cases of established menopause, zero sperm count or persistent bilateral blocked fallopian tubes (despite attempted surgical reconstruction). A couple will be told what their chances of success are during the initial medical consultation and it is up to them to decide if they would like to commence further evaluation and treatment. Nearly every category of infertility has succeeded with this approach including Unexplained Infertility, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, Pelvic Adhesions, Low Progesterone, Hostile Mucus, Male or Female antibodies, Low sperm count, Oligo-ovulation and Anovulation. Even couples who have previously failed In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) have a reasonable chance of a live birth with NPT. Although there is real hope with NaProTECHNOLOGY , not all couples will conceive. All couples undergoing NPT evaluation obtain a greater understanding of what is happening with their bodies and how they can maximize their chances of healthy pregnancy.

Can NaProTECHNOLOGY help with male factor infertility?

Yes. If the primary diagnosis is a male factor, couples have had successful pregnancies using NaProTECHNOLOGY. Men with very low sperm counts or anti-sperm antibodies can be treated. Often, improvements in semen quality can be made by healthy lifestyle changes. A number of medical and surgical treatments can also improve semen quality and sperm function. Even if the sperm function is not ideal, evaluating and maximizing the woman's fertility cycle, together with ideal timing of intercourse will often result in pregnancy. The overall success rate for male factor infertility is around 40%.

What is the difference between using NaProTECHNOLOGY (NPT) for infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

There is a fundamental difference in approach. NPT identifies what is not working and fixes it, so that conception and pregnancy can occur naturally in vivo [in the body]. ART and related approaches bypass the problem and make a baby in vitro [outside the body]. Many of the issues (cost, side effects, ethical concerns) raised by ART are not a problem with NPT.

Does NPT use Artificial Insemination?

No. NPT supports and optimises natural reproductive function, so that pregnancy can result from natural sexual intercourse.

Can NaProTECHNOLOGY help prevent miscarriage?

NPT identifies miscarriage as an abnormality rather than a common normal reproductive event. Furthermore it recognises that there are underlying causes to each miscarriage, even though the causes may not always be identifiable. NPT fully evaluates the possible causes of even one miscarriage and in fact prefers to identify and correct abnormalities before any miscarriage occurs.

Clinical signs [biomarkers] from the couple's fertility chart suggest possible reasons for miscarriage. Hormonal evaluation guided by the couple's charting allows the NPT-trained physician to identify and treat hormonal deficiencies to reduce the risk of even one miscarriage occurring, or in the case of women who have suffered recurrent miscarriages, reducing the risk of another miscarriage.

Can NaProTECHNOLOGY help with premenstrual syndrome [PMS], menstrual cycle or women's health problems?

Yes. The woman's charting of her clinical signs [biomarkers] of the fertility cycle (menstrual cycle), gives great insight into menstrual cycle disorders. The underlying causes of many of these problems can be the same. Hormonal evaluation guided by the charting allows the NPT-trained physician to identify abnormalities in the menstrual cycle and correct them. This can improve or resolve the problem.

Problems that can be helped with NaProTECHNOLOGY include:

• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Premature Birth
• Ovarian Cysts
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Postpartum Depression
• Irregular Cycles
• Premenopausal Symptoms
• Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
• Family Planning

FOR PATIENTS

Is NaProTechnology (NPT) medicine or surgery?

NPT incorporates both medical and surgical treatments. Medical treatments may include medications, natural (bio-identical) hormones, or vitamins, to normalize ovulation and reproductive function. Some problems require specialized surgery for restoration of reproductive function.

Is NPT experimental?

No. Most of the treatments used in NPT, both medical and surgical, have a long history of use in medicine. All of the medications used have been found to be safe and are on the market in virtually all countries. What is unique about NPT is the use of these therapies with the patient's charting of the clinical signs [biomarkers] of the fertility cycle. This provides a powerful framework for effective therapy.

Who provides NaProTECHNOLOGY?

Effective NPT is a team effort with three partners: the woman or couple, the Fertility Care Practitioner (teacher), and the NPT physician. Each partner has an essential role.

What is my role in NPT?

Your observation and charting of the clinical signs [biomarkers] of the fertility [menstrual] cycles forms the basis for all evaluation and treatment with NPT. It allows for proper timing of medical tests (such as blood tests and ultrasound) and interpretation of the results.

What is the role of the Fertility Care Practitioner (teacher) in NPT?

The Fertility Care Practitioner (FCP) will teach you the Creighton Model Fertility Care system, which allows you to 'NaProTrack' your fertility cycles. You will see your FertilityCare practitioner regularly during your NaProTechnology treatment to help you keep track of changes in your cycle and progress in your fertility management.

What is the role of the medical consultant in NPT?

The NPT medical consultant has completed specialised training in NaProTechnology. They can interpret the information on your Fertility Care charts, and use this information in the diagnosis, investigation, treatment and monitoring of your specific medical situation.

How do I get started with NaProTECHNOLOGY?

You will need to see an NPT medical consultant. To identify one near you, please click HERE.

How much will it cost to get treatment with NPT?

The costs vary by individual provider. Providers are committed to doing all they can to make treatment available and accessible. Costs for NPT treatment are generally much less than costs for other medical treatments for similar conditions, especially infertility.

Can I get a PAP and physical done?

Yes! We do PAP tests and routine physicals. Women's health problems such as PMS, irregular cycles, ovarian cysts, infertility, perimenopause, recurrent miscarriage, pelvic pain and post-partum depression are addressed in a way that cooperates with a woman's body and is never suppressive or destructive of her fertility. As family physicians, we do not do surgery, but we have relationships with excellent surgeons for referral if surgery is needed.

Does the doctor treat hormonal problems?

Yes, NaPro TECHNOLOGY is the name for this method of cooperative evaluation and treatment and it addresses the hormonal problems listed

Do you take my insurance?

At this time we are not contracted with insurance companies. We offer affordable treatment package(link)s. At each visit you will receive a superbill to submit to your insurance carrirer for potential reimbursement. Most lab work and ultrasound can be billed directly to your insurance company.

Can I get my blood drawn at the office?

labs will be drawn off-site at a draw site for LabCorp or Quest and the results sent to our doctors for review.

FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND RESEARCHERS

What is the published evidence for restorative reproductive medicine and NaProTECHNOLOGY?

A comprehensive summary of published research and specific research in NPT through early 2004 is published in the textbook, "The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY." Additional references to published information are available from www.iirrm.org

I am interested in training in NPT. How can I learn more?

Physicians and other appropriately licensed health practitioners can learn more about NPT and how to apply it in their practices in several ways:

• Attend a comprehensive training course in NPT. An annual course is conducted affiliated with Creighton University . {Click here to link to course}
• Obtain the comprehensive textbook, "The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY."
• Attend continuing medical education meetings where NPT is presented and discussed. The annual meeting of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals is held every July, and is an excellent resource.
• Attend an annual general meeting of the IIRRM.
• Join the IIRRM. ( The International Institute of Restorative Reproductive Medicine) and participate in our online resources, including summaries of medical literature, peer discussion, and annual meetings.

I am interested in participating in research (as a health professional) in NPT and restorative reproductive medicine. How can I help?

We encourage you to Join the IIRRM and work with us in developing and implementing research protocols. Our protocols involve multiple physicians in multiple practices throughout the world.