FEMM, which stands for Fertility Education and Medical Management, is a comprehensive women’s health and wellness program that helps women to learn more about their bodies and achieve their health and fertility goals.
FEMM is a Sympto-Hormonal NFP method that tracks cervical mucus (the “sympto” part!) and LH (luteinizing hormone, which surges right before ovulation). This Natural Family Planning method teaches couples ways to use the fertility markers listed below separately to suit their desired efficacy and planning needs. We use:
Cervical mucus
LH testing
With the FEMM method, you work closely with your instructor to learn these fertility signs and figure out which combination works best for your body, lifestyle, and fertility goals.
FEMM educators teach women and couples to understand their bodies and track their health and fertility via charting cervical mucus and LH testing. Whether it’s for NFP purposes or body literacy, women and couples can learn FEMM’s protocols in tracking these biomarkers. (Bonus: There is also a TeenFEMM program, which covers how to track hormonal health and how it’s connected to emotions, lifestyle choices, general health, etc.)
The free FEMM app allows women to track their health and fertility daily. Many women appreciate using this app as it provides a “clean” alternative to the other fertility apps out there that might have various forums or articles that do not align with Catholic values (aka also teen-friendly!). Check out the free app!
FEMM partners with the Reproductive Health Research Institute to offer medical protocols that provide accurate evaluation and treatment for a wide range of hormonal disorders. Doctors across the country (and the world) are certified in these protocols and women can either see FEMM doctors through FEMM Telehealth or find a local doctor certified in FEMM using the Medical Provider directory.
Contact a P&T Team member to inquire about availability for FEMM bookings with all our different program offerings.
The FEMM white paper offers an overview of the research behind FEMM and similar methods. FEMM teaches women to understand the critical role of hormones in the management of their health.
While these methods teach their particular way on observing cervical mucus, the FEMM method includes the addition of testing LH as a cross-check. Medical support in each system is offered with FEMM medical providers, Creighton's NaProTechnology providers, and Billings-trained physicians.
While this can vary between FEMM instructors, the standard model is 3 monthly sessions, whether in-person or virtually.
Whether your intention is to avoid or achieve pregnancy, FEMM is effective if you have irregular cycles, as well as regular cycles. Tracking your cycle with the FEMM method can reveal hormonal patterns and your FEMM instructor can help you work with a FEMM medical provider to find the root cause of your cycle irregularity.
This can vary between FEMM instructors as it is not standardized. The typical range is $125-250 depending on offerings.
Please note: Pearl & Thistle is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to any specific Natural Family Planning (NFP) method or its training organizations. Our educators are independently trained and certified in the methods they teach.