Marquette Method

By RRM Academy Reviewed by Dr. Naomi Whittaker, MD, Board-Certified OBGYN, MIGS, NFPMC, FCI Updated May 13, 2026

The Marquette Method is a fertility awareness approach developed at Marquette University's Institute for Natural Family Planning that uses the Clearblue fertility monitor to measure urinary metabolites of estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH), providing objective low, high, and peak fertility readings in addition to optional cervical mucus observation.¹ The monitor's hormonal readings reduce the interpretive variability that can occur with mucus-only or temperature-only methods, particularly for women with atypical cycle patterns.

Users test first-morning urine with monitor strips each day; the Clearblue monitor reads the strips and displays a fertility status. The method can be used with the monitor alone or supplemented with cervical mucus observation and basal body temperature recording for additional confirmation. Supplementing with mucus observation is particularly common during transitional reproductive phases, such as postpartum, perimenopause, or cycles following discontinuation of suppressive medications, where hormonal patterns may be irregular.²

Published effectiveness data from prospective cohort studies support low pregnancy rates with correct use of the Marquette Method for avoiding pregnancy, consistent with other well-studied Fertility Awareness-Based Methods.³ The objective hormone readout also carries clinical value: a pattern of absent or blunted LH surge readings can flag anovulatory cycles for further evaluation, while consistently suppressed estrogen readings may point to follicular insufficiency. Clinicians trained in FABM interpretation can use charted data as a starting point for diagnostic workup.

The Marquette Method sits within the broader family of Fertility Awareness-Based Methods. For the clinical application protocol used in medical management contexts, see Marquette Method Clinical Protocol.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.