NaPro Technology (Natural Procreative Technology) is an exciting medical approach that focuses on finding and treating the root causes of women’s reproductive health problems. Instead of masking symptoms, it works with the body’s natural hormones using the Creighton Model FertilityCare System.
Developed by Dr. Thomas Hilgers at the Pope Paul VI Institute, it offers success rates as high as 80% for infertility, compared to 40–50% for IVF.
Origins & Core Principles
NaPro began in the 1970s through research on natural family planning and grew into a fully scientific system by the 1990s.
What makes it unique?
- Uses the Creighton Model, a standardized way of tracking cervical mucus.
- Charts are 99% accurate for predicting ovulation.
- Couples are taught to observe daily cycle patterns that reveal deeper hormonal issues.
- Doctors pair charting with blood tests (progesterone, estrogen, thyroid, etc.).
Common issues diagnosed:
- Luteal phase defect
- Endometriosis
- Hormone imbalances
- PCOS
- Thyroid dysfunction
Treatments include bioidentical hormone correction, restorative surgery, and cycles planned around a woman’s natural rhythms.
How NaPro Technology Works
The NaPro process happens step-by-step, focusing on observation first and medical support next.
Main components:
- Creighton Charting:
Women learn a simple daily observation method across 13 teaching sessions. - Timed Testing:
Blood tests are done on exact cycle days—for example, day 21 to measure progesterone. - Medical Treatment:
- Bioidentical progesterone support
- Microsurgery to treat adhesions or tubal blocks
- Lifestyle changes involving diet, stress, and thyroid regulation
- Technology Integration:
New apps make charting easy and allow remote monitoring.
Typical NaPro Timeline
| Step | Description | Timeline |
| Charting Training | Learn Creighton Model | 1–3 months |
| Diagnostic Testing | Bloodwork & ultrasound | Days 5–26 |
| Treatment | Hormones or restorative surgery | 3–6 months |
| Monitoring | Adjust charting & protocol | Ongoing |
Where NaPro Excels
NaPro offers impressive results across several reproductive and hormonal health issues:
- Infertility:
Up to 80.4% cumulative pregnancy rate in large studies. - Recurrent miscarriage:
Very high success using HCG and progesterone support. - PCOS:
Restores ovulation naturally without metformin side effects. - Endometriosis:
Uses fertility-preserving surgery. - Cycle-related issues:
Helps with PMS, heavy bleeding, painful periods, and perimenopause.
Statistics include:
- 67% improvement in abnormal bleeding
- 72% success for ovarian cyst resolution
NaPro now has 900+ consultants across 30+ countries.
Benefits Compared to Alternatives
Why couples choose NaPro:
- Higher pregnancy success rates than IVF for many conditions
- Lower cost — avoids expensive $15,000+ IVF cycles
- Addresses root causes, rather than bypassing them
- Ethically acceptable for couples who prefer natural conception
- Empowering knowledge — women learn to understand their own bodies
- Reduced hysterectomy rates by up to 70%
Real success stories include women conceiving after 10+ years of infertility, and others overcoming PCOS leading to multiple healthy pregnancies.
Challenges & Accessibility
Though effective, NaPro faces:
- Limited availability of certified providers in some regions
- Initial training cost ($300–$500)
- Concerns due to its Catholic origins, despite strong scientific backing
- Longer timeline compared to IVF’s fast approach
- Partial insurance coverage (varies by region)
Telehealth, however, is now expanding access significantly.
Future of NaPro Technology
Exciting advancements are on the way:
- AI-powered charting apps
- Integration of wearables for automatic biomarker tracking
- Expanded research into male fertility factors
- More global training programs, potentially doubling providers by 2030
NaPro is moving closer to mainstream OB/GYN as natural fertility solutions grow in demand.
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FAQ
What makes NaPro different from IVF?
NaPro treats the cause of infertility so couples can conceive naturally; IVF bypasses the issue.
Who can use NaPro?
Women with infertility, irregular cycles, miscarriages, PCOS, or hormonal issues.
How accurate is Creighton charting?
About 99% when properly learned.
Does it work for women over 40?
Yes — success rates of 50–60% with proper hormone-focused treatment.
Is NaPro covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Testing is often covered; training and surgery may not be.
Can men benefit?
Yes — NaPro includes male fertility evaluation and couple-based chart interpretation.
