February 26

What is NaProTECHNOLOGY?

When struggling with infertility, many couples feel like their only option is in vitro fertilization (IVF). But what if there was a science-based, holistic approach that worked with your body rather than bypassing it? Enter NaProTECHNOLOGY (NaPro). What is NaProTECHNOLOGY? It is a groundbreaking medical approach that optimizes reproductive health and serves as a natural & effective alternative to IVF

What is NaProTECHNOLOGY?

NaProTECHNOLOGY is a fertility-focused medical science that works with a woman’s natural cycle to identify and treat underlying health issues affecting conception. Unlike IVF, which primarily focuses on assisted reproduction, NaPro is more thorough in looking into the root causes of infertility and works to restore the body’s reproductive function. Research leading to the development of NaProTECHNOLOGY began in 1976, laying the foundation for its scientifically backed and restorative approach to fertility care.

How Does NaProTECHNOLOGY Work?

NaPro is based on the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System (CrMS)—a scientifically developed method that tracks biological markers of a woman’s fertility cycle. By monitoring these signs, NaPro-trained doctors can pinpoint hormonal imbalances, ovulation issues, and other factors that may be interfering with conception.

Who Can Benefit from NaProTECHNOLOGY?

NaPro can be a great solution for women experiencing:

  • Irregular cycles
  • Anovulatory states (when ovulation doesn’t occur)
  • Miscarriages
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Unexplained infertility

Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, NaPro is customized to each woman’s needs, making it effective across different reproductive stages—including breastfeeding, premenopause, and post-pill recovery.

Why Choose NaProTECHNOLOGY Over IVF?

Many couples turn to NaPro because it is:

  • Medically Safe – Works naturally with the body’s reproductive system.
  • Proven Reliable – Backed by close to 50 years of research.
  • Ethically Sound – No moral dilemmas, as it supports natural conception.

Research on NaProTECHNOLOGY

Scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of NaProTECHNOLOGY in treating infertility:

  • Live Birth Rates: A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that among 1,072 couples undergoing NaPro treatment, the cumulative live birth rate was 52.8% after 24 months, which is comparable to success rates seen with assisted reproductive technologies.
  • Effectiveness for Specific Conditions: Research has shown that NaPro is particularly effective for treating ovulation disorders, recurrent miscarriage, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), with success rates exceeding 60% in some cases.
  • Lower Risk of Complications: Unlike IVF, which carries a higher risk of multiple births and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, NaPro works with the body's natural cycle, reducing health risks for both mother and baby.

These findings underscore NaProTECHNOLOGY's potential as a viable and effective alternative to IVF. I have provided a list of research articles at the end of this blog. 

What is Restorative Reproductive Medicine?

Unlike assisted reproductive medicine, which often overrides natural processes, and comes with potential negative effects, RRM seeks to restore and optimize a woman's menstrual cycle while addressing hormonal imbalances in both men and women. By identifying and treating underlying fertility issues, RRM offers a more natural and holistic path to conception.

The foundation of all branches of RRM is cycle tracking using biomarkers, which helps women gain deeper insights into their reproductive health. Each branch of RRM also incorporates methods to address male fertility concerns.

NaPro is one of the branches of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM). Other branches include FEMM (Fertility Education & Medical Management) and Neofertility.

FEMM focuses on hormone health and uses cycle tracking and targeted medical interventions to balance reproductive hormones for overall well-being.

Neofertility, pioneered by Dr. Phil Boyle of Ireland and evolved from NaPro, incorporates holistic approaches along with research-based novel medication strategies to enhance fertility.

While Restorative Reproductive Medicine is a relatively newer field, it is a field that is gaining more traction. I am glad to be a member of the International Institute of Restorative Reproductive Medicine and the Institute of Restorative Reproductive Medicine of America

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an effective, natural alternative to IVF, Restorative Reproductive Medicine offers much hope.

In my telemedicine clinic, I integrate my specialized training in NaPro, FEMM, and Neofertility with my expertise in functional medicine to practice what I call Wholistic Fertility. With Wholistic Fertility, I laser focus on improving egg & sperm quality in ways that are frequently overlooked by conventional medicine. 

If you want to learn who benefit most from my Wholistic Fertility approach, you can check out my prior blog on this.

If you are looking for a NaProTECHNOLOGY doctor in California, a FEMM doctor in California, or a Neofertility doctor in California, and you are interested in working with me, sign up for a 30-minute Fertility Insight Session today!


References

1. Stanford, JB et al. Outcomes from treatment of infertility with natural procreative technology in an Irish general practice. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2008

2. Tham, E et al. Natural procreative technology for infertility and recurrent miscarriage: outcomes in a Canadian family practice. Canadian Family Physician. 2012.

3. Jemelka, B et al. NaProTECHNOLOGY and conscientious OB/GYN medicine. AMA Journal of Ethics. 2013.

4. Hilgers, T. W. The medical and surgical practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY. Pope Paul VI Institute Press. 2004. [ISBN: 978-0-9741442-0-5]

5. Boyle, PC et al. Healthy Singleton Pregnancies from Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) after failed IVF. Frontiers in Medicine. 2018.

6. Duane, M et al. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Women's Health and Family Planning. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022.  


Tags

California, FEMM, NaProTECHNOLOGY, Neofertility


You may also like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}