A quantitative taxonomy for classifying the cervical mucus cycle is established, using standardized descriptors for mucus type, quantity, consistency, and Peak Day timing to produce objectively comparable cycle profiles across patients and study populations. This classification system is indispensable to NaProTECHNOLOGY research and clinical correlation, as it enables the linkage of specific mucus pattern anomalies to underlying endocrine pathology.
3C'S mucus cycle scoring system explained, how to objectively score cervical mucus quality, Creighton Model mucus cycle classification types, what is a dry mucus cycle pattern, difference between regular and limited mucus cycle, physician-independent cervical mucus assessment, limited mucus cycle infertility miscarriage, how is Creighton Model charting data used to assess fertility
Cite this article
Hilgers, T. W. (2004). Chapter 14: Objective Classification of the Mucus Cycle. The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY, 177-182.
Hilgers TW. Chapter 14: Objective Classification of the Mucus Cycle. The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY. 2004:177-182.
Hilgers, T. W. "Chapter 14: Objective Classification of the Mucus Cycle." The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY, 2004, pp. 177-182.
To assess patient experiences using a Shared Decision-Making (SDM) Tool for fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning. The study employed a prospective crossover design to evaluate impact of the SDM tool compared to usual practice when discussing FABMs with patients. Patients completed preand post-office visit surveys and an online survey six months later. The primary outcomes evaluated the effect of the SDM tool on patient satisfaction and FABM continuity of use rates. There was no significant difference in likelihood of changing family planning methods immediately after the office visit; however, by six months a significantly larger proportion of patients had started or changed FABMs in the experimental group (52%, 34/66) compared to the control group (36%, 24/66) (p = 0.04). Significantly more patients who used the tool and changed their FABM after their visit reported increased satisfaction with their FABM compared to control (50% vs. 17%, p = 0.022). Use of the SDM tool increased persistent use of and satisfaction with chosen FABMs at six months. The novel SDM tool can enhance patients' understanding and facilitate the selection of a more suitable method leading to increased satisfaction.
To assess the impact of a Shared Decision-Making (SDM) tool for fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning. Clinicians familiar with at least one FABM were randomly invited to participate in a prospective cross-over study to compare usual practice to the use of the SDM tool when discussing FABMs with patients. Patients completed surveys preand post-office visit and six months later. The primary outcome explored the effect of online education on use of the SDM tool on clinicians' knowledge of FABMs. Of 278 clinicians contacted, 54% could not be reached, and 15% did not provide women's health services. The 26 clinicians enrolled were experienced, with more than half recommending FABMs for ≥10 years, and 73% recommending more than one FABM to patients. Knowledge scores significantly improved after online training and use of the SDM tool (baseline mean score = 9.54 (scale of 0-12); post-training mean score = 10.73, p < 0.002). Education about FABMs and training on use of the SDM tool improved knowledge scores even among an experienced cohort of clinicians. The novel SDM tool can better equip clinicians to meet the rising patient interest in FABMs.
Evidence-based, nonbiased, counseling on contraceptive options, followed by shared decision-making, is key in facilitating reproductive justice in a diverse population. An estimated 3% of contraceptive users in the United States use fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) for contraception, and demand for these methods is increasing. FABMs can be a highly effective form of family planning when used in accordance with evidence-based protocols. They are preferred by some patients due to medical contraindications to hormonal contraceptives, lack of side effects, religious convictions, preference to avoid hormones or contraceptive devices, improved body literacy, or a combination of the above. FABMs are infrequently covered in medical school curricula and are often perceived by physicians to be of low efficacy. There is an opportunity for improvement of physicians' evidence-based knowledge of FABMs, which has the potential to improve patient understanding of and access to the full menu of family planning options. A self-administered, cross-sectional survey was distributed to assess physician knowledge and opinions of FABMs by key university contacts. Univariate and bivariate statistics were calculated for close-ended questions and responses to open-ended questions were analyzed for common themes. A total of 79 participants completed the entire survey. Another 11 submitted partially completed surveys. For completed surveys, questions assessing knowledge of key concepts underlying FABMs, performance by specialty was 55% correct for OB/GYN (n = 16), 55% (n = 47) correct for family medicine, 36% (n = 10) correct for internal medicine, and 35% (n = 6) correct for pediatrics. Negative, neutral, mixed, and positive opinions related to FABMs were represented. There are opportunities to improve physicians' evidence-based knowledge of FABMs; this may improve patient-centered contraceptive care.
This pilot qualitative case study was able to elicit rich data enabling a description of how women went through the journey of achieving pregnancy using fertility awareness-based methods. Findings underscore that women preferred using natural ways to detect ovulation and would recommend other women to do so, but with healthcare providers' guidance. The findings of this case study can serve as a starting point to provide a framework to understand women's experiences of enduring trial and error with multiple fertility awareness-based methods before discovering their effective method. Findings emphasize the importance for healthcare providers to guide women in using fertility awareness-based methods.