Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

A Natural Fertility Approach to Gynecologic Health

Feb 28, 2018 04:03PM ● By Gisele M. Siebold

Dr. Christina Hemphill

The Creighton Model FertilityCare System is one of many fertility awareness-based methods (FABM). It was developed from research and education based on the Billings Ovulation Method. Additionally, it can be beneficial in maintaining a woman’s health because it allows physicians to assess specific signs, which aids in making medical diagnoses and treating gynecologic problems.

Through an introductory session held in a group setting and individualized follow-up sessions, women are taught to observe and chart their fertility based on cervical mucus patterns alone, while other FABM may involve tracking additional fertility markers, such as basal body temperature, cervical position, cervical opening, hormones in urine and pelvic pain during ovulation. The customized approach that clients receive with the Creighton System assures that clients receive comprehensive care, and FertilityCare Practitioners tailor conversations appropriate to the age of the female, as well as their specific situation.

“The purpose of this model is for women to gain knowledge and understanding about their naturally occurring phases of fertility and infertility,” explains Dr. Christine Hemphill, board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and a member of the Geisinger Holy Spirit Women’s Health team of physicians. “In addition to assisting women in achieving or avoiding pregnancy, it is also very useful for teenage females who are beginning their menstrual cycles, as well as women who are in the stage of perimenopause.”

The Creighton System is the basis for NaProTechnology (natural procreative technology), an emerging health science that allows for the monitoring and maintaining of a woman’s reproductive health. According to Hemphill, who is fellowship trained in medical and surgical NaProTechnology, it is effective not only as a system for women and couples to use to both achieve and avoid pregnancy, but also in evaluating and treating infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, irregular periods, pelvic pain, PMS, perimenopausal symptoms, ovarian cysts and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The model benefits women because they learn to monitor and maintain their gynecologic health throughout their lifetime. “For women who embrace an organic and chemical-free lifestyle, using a FABM is a logical and natural fit that teaches women to listen to their bodies, because it is a hormone-free alternative to taking oral contraceptives,” emphasizes Hemphill. “Each individual learns to become in touch with how her body is feeling and how to recognize and chart her own fertility biomarkers and symptoms. It is a valuable tool used as an indicator of gynecologic and reproductive health and wellness.”

Geisinger Holy Spirit Obstetrics and Gynecology is located in the American Office Center, at 423 N. 21st St., Ste., 202, in Camp Hill. Free introductory sessions to the Creighton Model FertilityCare System are held regularly. New clients are being accepted to the practice. For more information, call 717-763-9880 or visit Geisinger.org.