Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning, also known as natural family planning, allow couples to plan their family without using artificial barriers or hormones. These methods involve tracking biomarkers such as cervical mucus, temperature, or hormonal testing to determine the fertile and infertile times during the menstrual cycle. Additionally, they can be used to diagnose menstrual abnormalities. Unlike other family planning methods, fertility awareness-based methods have no medication side effects and are entirely natural.

Methods of NFP can be used effectively to achieve or postpone pregnancy since women can use it to determine their unique fertile window during the menstrual cycles using natural biomarkers such as temperature, cervical mucus changes, and urinary hormone metabolites. 

The Marquette Method of Natural Family Planning has used the Clearblue Fertility monitor for many years, and this method is based on scientific research that is published in reputable peer-reviewed medical journals. We’re excited that new case studies and research are giving good evidence for use of the Mira Analyzer as a tool to support couples using Natural Family Planning.  We know that technology is continually improving, and fertility awareness technology is not outside of these advancements. Compared to the Clearblue monitor, the Mira monitor offers testing of additional urinary hormone markers since it can E3G (urinary metabolites of estrogen), LH, PdG (urinary metabolites of progesterone), and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). It also offers a user-friendly smartphone interface and provider dashboard that automatically charts your hormone levels. 

The Marquette Method has evidence-based and established protocols using mucus observations and/or the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. The healthcare and research behind the development of the Marquette Method protocols, however, gives us room to learn more. We’re excited that new case studies and research are giving good evidence for use of the Mira Analyzer as a tool to support couples using Natural Family Planning.  We know that technology is continually improving, and fertility awareness technology is not outside of these advancements!

It is very important to note that we do not have effectiveness data for couples trying to avoid pregnancy while using the Mira monitor but in one study when comparing the Mira monitor and Clearblue fertility monitor, the Mira monitor can correctly delineate the fertile window (Bouchard, Fehring & Mu, 2021). 

For more in-depth information on the Mira Analyzer vs the Clearblue Fertility Monitor, and if using the Mira in combination with the Marquette Method will be a good fit for you, please check out our Mira FAQ below.

The effectiveness of NFP methods to postpone pregnancy is based on the accurate detection of the beginning and end of the fertile window in a woman’s menstrual cycle. To avoid a pregnancy, couples choose to abstain during the identified fertile window. Hormone monitoring with technology such as Mira can aid in the detection of the fertile window, especially in women who are breastfeeding, have irregular menstrual cycles, or have hormone imbalances such as PCOS. Mira is also helpful for women approaching menopause.

The data you record when charting your cycles can also be used in the diagnosis of problems such as anovulatory cycles, polycystic ovarian syndrome and other medical concerns. It provides you with important information for you to share with your healthcare provider.

The Catholic Church teaches that couples using natural family planning are called to prayerful discernment and responsible parenthood. Fertility is considered a beautiful gift from God, and the decision to postpone pregnancy using natural methods should be made due to “grave reasons”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not define “grave reason.” If you have questions about your personal situation, we encourage you to speak with your parish priest or a spiritual director.

*A Note on Mira:

We are aware that Mira as a company has shown support for practices and behaviors that are contrary to Catholic teaching. We strongly disagree with those views, and only recommend the use of the Mira monitor for use in Natural Family Planning, while preserving the natural fertility of the man and woman. We are opposed to ART/IVF and any behaviors and actions that do not respect the inherent dignity of persons and honor the unitive and procreative nature of intercourse, and further reject those behaviors and actions that do not honor the gift of marriage between one man and one woman. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2376, 2377, and 2357). Read more about our Catholic Values here.

Can I use the Mira monitor and still use the Marquette Method of NFP?

Yes, Marquette Method Instructors are licensed healthcare professionals who can help you track and interpret your hormones using the Mira monitor. However, not all Marquette Method Instructors have received training on utilizing the Mira monitor. 

What is the difference between the Clearblue Fertility Monitor and the Mira monitor?

The Clearblue Fertility Monitor tracks estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) to provide three levels of fertility: low, high, or peak based on threshold levels of fertility hormones while the Mira monitor measures quantitative amounts of these hormones and provides a number value per measurement. The Mira monitor can measure estrogen, LH, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and soon human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).

Which Mira wands (test strips) should I use?

Due to the  ability to personalize testing and the more detailed approach of the Mira monitor, you will meet with your instructor to discuss your situation and which wands would be best for you.

How much does the Mira monitor cost compared to the Clearblue Fertility Monitor?

The Clearblue Fertility Monitor is approximately $120 new and $50-$100 used. The Mira monitor is $160-180 new and $50-$150 used. Be aware that Mira does not recommend using a “used” monitor. At this time, it is recommended to use the Mira monitor in conjunction with the current Marquette Method instructions, which should be considered when evaluating the cost.

How much does the Mira monitor wands cost compared to the Clearblue Fertility Monitor test strips?

Mira wands prices vary from $3.25-$4.45/each depending on the specific type of wands. Clearblue fertility test strips cost approximately $1.50/each. In general, testing with the Mira monitor will cost two to three times more than testing with the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. Your instructor can provide you a discount code to purchase Mira products. 

Which monitor will be better for me, the Mira or the Clearblue Fertility Monitor?

Tracking your hormones using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor is an evidence-based published method for fertility tracking established by researchers at the Marquette University Institute of Natural Family Planning (MU-INFP). The information obtained from the Mira monitor is promising but has not been extensively researched compared to the Clearblue Fertility Monitor, and we are aware of ethical dilemmas associated with the Mira company that need to be weighed before choosing the Mira monitor.* There are studies currently being completed using the Mira monitor with hopes to publish official protocols in the future. Women who may benefit from obtaining quantitative (number) hormone measurements with the Mira monitor are women with PCOS, irregular cycles, those in perimenopause and postpartum women. The Mira can also be used to help women in complex medical situations, such as women on chemotherapy, those with a history of high risk pregnancies, and women whose medical provider has recommended their use of the Mira monitor.  

References:

Bouchard, T. P., Fehring, R. J., & Mu, Q. (2021). Quantitative versus qualitative estrogen and luteinizing hormone testing for personal fertility monitoring. Expert review of molecular diagnostics, 21(12), 1349–1360. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737159.2021.2000393

World Health O. Natural family planning : a guide to provision of services. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1988.
Vigil P, Ceric F, Cortés ME, Klaus H. Usefulness of Monitoring Fertility from Menarche. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2006;19(3):173-9.
Vigil P, Blackwell LF, Cortés ME. The importance of fertility awareness in the assessment of a woman’s health: A review. Linacre Quarterly. 2012;79(4):426-50.