NaProTechnology (Natural Procreative Technology) Surgery is a specialized form of gynecologic surgery focused on diagnosing and treating underlying reproductive disorders to restore normal anatomy and function of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
It is part of a broader NaProTechnology approach that works with a woman's natural menstrual cycle (using the Creighton Model fertility charting) rather than bypassing it.
In contrast to conventional infertility treatments (which often suppress or bypass natural fertility, as with IVF), NaProTechnology views problems like infertility as symptoms of underlying disease and seeks to correct those root causes so that couples can conceive naturally.
Surgical NaPro interventions are therefore aimed at repairing abnormalities (endometriosis, blocked tubes, ovarian cysts, uterine defects, etc.) in a way that optimizes fertility while improving overall gynecologic health.
Advantages Over Other Treatments
Treating Root Causes vs. Bypassing: A key advantage of NaProTechnology is its commitment to identifying and fixing the underlying gynecologic issues causing infertility or pain, rather than bypassing them. For example, instead of using IVF to work around blocked tubes or endometriosis, NaPro surgeons will remove endometriosis or repair tubes so the couple can conceive through normal intercourse (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
This restorative approach not only helps achieve pregnancy but can also relieve symptoms, improve long-term reproductive health, and *provide answers to patients* (e.g. resolving endometriosis or hormonal imbalances) beyond the immediate goal of pregnancy (NaProTECHNOLOGY - Information and Benefits).
“Near Adhesion-Free” Surgical Technique: Surgical NaProTechnology is renowned for its focus on preventing postoperative adhesions, a common complication of pelvic surgery that can impair fertility or cause pain. NaPro surgeons employ meticulous techniques and adhesion-prevention strategies to make procedures “near adhesion-free” (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
This contrasts with standard gynecologic surgery, including MIGS, where adhesions are often an accepted risk. NaPro surgical protocols include careful tissue handling, micro-suturing with non-reactive materials, and use of adhesion barriers like Gore-Tex membranes to prevent scar tissue formation (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Published results have shown dramatically lower adhesion scores after NaPro surgeries – for instance, one series reported adhesion scores dropping from 33.3 to 6.0 over a decade with the introduction of extensive Gore-Tex barrier use (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY). By minimizing new scar tissue, NaPro surgery preserves tubal mobility and pelvic anatomy, which is a significant advantage over conventional surgical methods (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Fertility Outcomes Comparable or Superior to IVF: NaProTechnology’s restorative approach can yield pregnancy rates comparable to, or even higher than, assisted reproductive technologies over the long term. In fact, an analysis in the AMA Journal of Ethics noted that the effectiveness of infertility treatment with medical/surgical NaProTechnology is on par with ART (assisted reproductive technology) (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Over 1,000 couples treated with NaPro were followed: more than 60% conceived within 24 months and ~70% conceived by 36 months (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association). These cumulative pregnancy rates are similar to or higher than the 45–55% cumulative live-birth rate achieved after one or more IVF cycles (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Another review found NaPro’s overall “per-woman” pregnancy rate ultimately exceeds that of ART, partly because many IVF patients discontinue treatment after repeated attempts (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Bottom line: NaPro may take longer on average for a pregnancy to occur (since it relies on natural cycles), but the chance of achieving a live birth over time can be greater than with IVF (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association). Importantly, any pregnancies occur naturally, eliminating the risk of high-order multiples often associated with IVF; indeed, studies of NaPro infertility care report that virtually all resulting pregnancies are singleton births ( Natural procreative technology for infertility and recurrent miscarriage: Outcomes in a Canadian family practice - PMC ).
Fewer Health Risks and Ethical Concerns: Because NaPro works within the natural reproductive act, it avoids many risks of IVF. There is no ovarian hyperstimulation, egg retrieval surgery, or laboratory embryo manipulation – thus reducing physical burdens on the woman.
All conceptions are in vivo, so there are no leftover embryos to freeze or discard, a factor which makes NaPro ethically attractive to those who object to IVF on moral or religious grounds (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association) (Infertility). NaProTechnology is often embraced as an ethical alternative for physicians and patients who cannot use IVF for moral reasons (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Moreover, NaPro care tends to be more affordable than IVF, since it uses standard medical and surgical treatments (often covered by insurance) rather than costly high-tech lab procedures (Infertility).
Holistic Benefits: Couples frequently appreciate that NaProTechnology addresses their overall wellness. By fixing problems like endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, or fibroids, women often experience relief of chronic pain, improved menstrual regularity, and better gynecologic health – benefits that conventional approaches (e.g. chronic birth control use or IVF) don’t provide (NaProTECHNOLOGY - Information and Benefits).
In summary, the NaPro surgical approach strives to heal and restore normal function, which can improve quality of life in addition to achieving pregnancy.
Specialized Surgical Techniques in NaProTechnology
NaProTechnology surgeons are trained in advanced techniques that set their approach apart from standard gynecologic surgery. Key surgical techniques include:
Meticulous Adhesion Prevention: Every step of a NaPro surgery is designed to prevent adhesions. Surgeons use delicate tissue handling and precise microsurgical suturing. Permanent, non-reactive sutures (like 4-0 Prolene) are used with an “imbricating” (inverting) stitch technique to bury suture lines and leave behind a smooth peritoneal surface (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
In many cases, a bioinert barrier (e.g. a Gore-Tex surgical membrane) is temporarily placed between raw surfaces to stop organs from sticking together as they heal (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association). These barriers are removed in a second-look surgery after initial healing. This rigorous adhesion prevention protocol has been shown to significantly reduce post-op scar tissue formation (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
“Near-Contact” Laparoscopy: NaPro surgeons utilize a diagnostic technique called near-contact laparoscopy. This involves moving the laparoscope extremely close to tissues (almost touching) to inspect for subtle lesions that might be missed at a distance (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
For example, very small endometriosis implants hidden in peritoneal folds become visible only when viewed at high magnification up close (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY). Near-contact laparoscopy allows for a more thorough evaluation of the pelvis than standard laparoscopy, ensuring even microscopic disease is identified and treated.
Laser and Microsurgery: Many NaPro procedures employ laser surgery and microsurgical techniques to precisely excise abnormal tissue while minimizing collateral damage. For instance, in ovarian wedge resection (a NaPro treatment for PCOS), a CO₂ laser is used to make fine incisions in the ovary to remove a wedge of tissue, and then the ovary is carefully repaired with tiny sutures (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY). Laser vaporization is also used to ablate superficial endometriosis.
These tools allow for extremely precise cutting and coagulation, reducing bleeding and tissue trauma compared to conventional surgical instruments.
Pelvic Excision and Reconstructive Surgery (PEARS): NaPro surgery for endometriosis often involves an aggressive excision of endometriotic lesions combined with reconstructive repair of affected organs. This technique – sometimes called pelvic excision and repair surgery – aims to remove all visible diseased tissue (from the ovaries, pelvic walls, uterus, etc.) and then reconstruct any defects in the pelvic lining or organ surfaces to leave them smooth and adhesion-free (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
PEARS can be performed via traditional laparoscopy or robot-assisted laparoscopy, and it treats endometriosis like a form of plastic reconstructive surgery of the pelvis (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association). By fully clearing endometriosis and repairing tissue in one step, PEARS maximizes the chances for pain relief and natural fertility post-operatively.
Selective Hysterosalpingography (Tubal Recanalization): For fallopian tube blockages, NaPro physicians may use a less invasive approach called selective hysterosalpingography (SHSG) with tubal catheterization. Under X-ray guidance, a fine catheter or guidewire is inserted through the cervix and into a blocked fallopian tube to dislodge debris and reopen the tube (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
This technique can distinguish a functional blockage (e.g. mucus plug or spasm) from a true structural blockage by measuring intratubal pressure before and after clearing the tube. SHSG can often restore tubal patency without requiring full surgery, and is an important tool in the NaPro arsenal for treating “blocked tubes” (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY) (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
Hysteroscopic and Other Reconstructive Procedures: NaProTechnology surgery also encompasses advanced hysteroscopic and open surgical skills. Surgeons will perform hysteroscopic procedures (within the uterus) to remove polyps, fibroids, or uterine septa that impede fertility (NaProTECHNOLOGY - Information and Benefits).
They are trained in tubal reconstructive surgeries like tubal reanastomosis (reversing a tubal ligation) or fimbrioplasty (repairing damaged tube openings) as alternatives to IVF (NaProTECHNOLOGY - Information and Benefits). Myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) is done with adhesion prevention techniques similar to those used for endometriosis, to ensure that removing a fibroid does not create new fertility problems.
In essence, NaPro surgeons revive many classic fertility surgical techniques (microsurgery, tubal surgery, ovarian wedge resection) with modern enhancements to minimize complications (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY) (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY). This comprehensive surgical skill set is something many contemporary reproductive specialists have deemphasized in favor of IVF, but NaPro explicitly prioritizes surgical restoration of fertility where appropriate (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY) (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
Conditions Commonly Treated with NaPro Surgery
Because NaProTechnology’s goal is to fix the actual medical issues behind infertility or gynecologic symptoms, its surgical applications span a wide range of female reproductive disorders. Common conditions treated with NaPro surgical techniques include:
Endometriosis: One of the most frequent targets of NaPro surgery. Endometriosis (misplaced uterine lining tissue causing lesions and inflammation in the pelvis) is surgically excised as completely as possible. NaPro surgeons remove even small implants of endometriosis from pelvic surfaces, ovaries, the uterine exterior, etc., rather than just cauterizing them, because complete removal offers the best chance of symptom relief and future pregnancy (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
After excising lesions, they repair the peritoneum or organ surface with fine sutures to prevent scar tissue (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY). This thorough approach treats not only infertility related to endo but also chronic pelvic pain. In fact, surgical removal of endometriosis via NaProTechnique is considered to give the best outcomes for pain relief and subsequent fertility, provided it’s done in a way that avoids new adhesions (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
(By contrast, conventional therapies might manage endometriosis with hormones or IVF without removing the disease, leaving the underlying pathology unresolved.)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that often leads to enlarged, cystic ovaries, lack of regular ovulation, and infertility. While medical therapy (like ovulation drugs) is first-line, NaPro surgeons can perform an ovarian wedge resection when needed – a procedure that cuts out a portion of the ovary to reduce its volume and induce normal ovulations. Historically, wedge resection yielded high fertility success (pregnancy rates ~66% in the 1950s) but it fell out of favor due to adhesion risks (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
NaProTechnology has revived this surgery with improved technique to eliminate adhesion formation (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY). Using a laser to make precise incisions and meticulous suturing, modern wedge resection for PCOS can achieve about a 70% pregnancy rate, which is over twice as effective as the standard medical treatment (clomiphene citrate yields ~30%) and also higher than reported IVF success in PCOS (~23%) (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY) (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
By restoring regular ovarian function surgically, many PCOS patients can conceive naturally following the procedure.
Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes: Rather than bypassing tubal factor infertility with IVF, NaPro surgery focuses on repairing or reopening fallopian tubes. Depending on the cause, this may involve laparoscopic microsurgery to remove adhesions around the tubes, reconstruct damaged segments, or reattach the tube if it was previously tied (tubal ligation reversal) (NaProTECHNOLOGY - Information and Benefits).
In cases of mild blockage, the selective HSG tubal recanalization method described above can often flush open the tube (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY). For more severe disease (like hydrosalpinx or old infections), surgical reconstruction is attempted. The primary goal is to achieve at least one open, functional tube so that natural conception becomes possible.
NaPro surgeons report good success in restoring tubal patency; in fact, many infertility cases labeled “unexplained” (where couples were told IVF was the only option) turned out to have fixable tubal or mucus problems that NaPro identified and corrected (Infertility) (Infertility).
Uterine Fibroids and Abnormalities: Structural problems in the uterus can also be addressed with NaPro surgery. Uterine fibroids (benign muscle tumors) that distort the uterine cavity or lining can cause infertility or miscarriage, as well as heavy bleeding. NaPro surgeons will perform myomectomy (removal of fibroids) via laparoscopy or laparotomy, taking care to repair the uterine muscle solidly and to prevent adhesions on the uterine exterior using barriers (to avoid scars that could affect the tubes or ovaries) (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Likewise, uterine septums or adhesions inside the uterus (Asherman’s syndrome) can be removed hysteroscopically to restore a normal cavity for implantation. By correcting these abnormalities, the uterus is returned to a healthy state for sustaining pregnancies. (Even niche issues like a uterine isthmocele – a defect in the cesarean scar niche – are in the scope of NaPro surgical repair (NaProTECHNOLOGY - Information and Benefits).)
Pelvic Adhesions: Many women have pelvic adhesions (scar tissue binding organs) from prior surgeries, infections, or endometriosis, which can cause pain or infertility. NaPro surgeons specialize in adhesion removal (adhesiolysis) combined with strategies to prevent adhesion reformation. All scar tissue tying down the ovaries, tubes, uterus, or bowel is carefully dissected and removed. Then, preventive measures (such as adhesion barrier membranes, hydroflotation solutions, and the microsurgical techniques noted above) are used to keep surfaces separated during healing (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
The result is that organs remain free-moving after recovery, often restoring normal function. This is a significant benefit for fertility, as even patent fallopian tubes might not function if they are bound down by adhesions; freeing them can reopen the path to natural pregnancy.
In summary, NaProTechnology surgery addresses virtually all gynecologic conditions that can impair fertility or wellness – from endometriosis and PCOS to tubal occlusion, uterine fibroids, polyps, chronic pelvic pain, and beyond (NaProTECHNOLOGY - Information and Benefits). By treating these conditions, NaPro aims to give couples a chance to conceive without assisted reproduction, while also improving the patient’s gynecologic health.
Patient Outcomes and Success Rates Compared to Conventional Methods
Infertility Treatment Success: Studies of NaProTechnology in infertility have reported competitive success rates when compared to standard treatments. A large NaPro cohort (1,045 infertile patients) achieved a cumulative live-birth rate of >60% by 24 months of treatment, rising to ~70% by 36 months (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association). This is on the same order as the cumulative live-birth rate seen in patients undergoing IVF (which is about 45–55% after multiple cycles) (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
It’s important to note that IVF often yields a quicker time-to-pregnancy (higher success per cycle), but NaPro’s approach can catch up over time: one analysis found that although the monthly fecundability (chance per cycle) on NaPro treatment was around 3.1% vs. 13.3% with IVF, the overall per-woman pregnancy rate ended up higher with NaPro because couples continued trying and did not face the attrition seen in ART programs (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
In practical terms, this means many couples who might not succeed in a few IVF attempts do eventually conceive with the continued, personalized treatments of NaPro (even if it takes longer) (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Comparative Studies: Notable studies in Ireland and Canada have documented NaProTechnology outcomes in real-world clinical settings. In an Irish general practice study (Stanford et al. 2008), about 52.8% of couples achieved a live birth after up to 2 years of NaPro treatment (life-table analysis) (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility). A subsequent Canadian study (Tham et al. 2012) reported an even higher success: 66% of couples had a live birth within two years on NaPro (life-table rate), with a crude live birth rate of 38% (some had dropped out early) (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility).
Both studies had patient populations with an average maternal age in the mid-30s and several years of prior infertility (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility) (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility). These results are quite encouraging, given that a comparison group of similar infertile women who received no specialized intervention had only a ~20% live birth rate over 2 years (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility).
The Canadian authors noted that IVF in general yields around 50% live birth after 1 year of attempts, whereas NaPro in their cohort showed a 1-year live birth rate of ~32% (crude) to 45% (adjusted) (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility). They cautioned against a direct head-to-head comparison due to differences in patient characteristics, but it’s clear that NaPro offers a substantial chance of success approaching that of IVF for many couples (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility).
Specific Conditions: For certain diagnoses, NaPro surgical treatment appears especially effective compared to conventional alternatives:
Endometriosis-related Infertility: A meta-analysis cited in the AMA review found that in moderate-to-severe endometriosis, surgical treatment yielded a 55.3% per-woman pregnancy rate, versus only 9.9% per-woman with IVF in those cases (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Endometriosis can severely impair fertility, and these numbers suggest that thoroughly removing the disease (as NaPro does) can dramatically improve natural conception rates, whereas doing IVF without treating endo may have limited benefit in advanced cases (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
While IVF might be attempted for endometriosis, many experts now agree that surgically eliminating endometriosis lesions (and adhesions) can enhance fertility and is often necessary to allow a successful pregnancy.
PCOS: As mentioned, ovarian wedge resection in NaPro has around a 70% pregnancy success rate, outperforming medical ovulation induction and IVF in many PCOS patients (Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY).
This surgical solution can be a game-changer for women who did not respond to medications. Additionally, unlike gonadotropin therapy or IVF, wedge resection does not carry a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation or high-order multiples – after surgery, ovulations occur one at a time in natural cycles.
Tubal Repairs: Success rates for tubal reconstruction versus IVF depend on the damage, but NaPro surgeons have reported good outcomes, especially in younger women or cases of single tubal blockages. For example, tubal reanastomosis (reversing a prior sterilization) can have high success in experienced hands, often yielding pregnancy rates of 50% or more within a year or two – making it a viable alternative to IVF for those patients.
Moreover, if the tubal issue can be fixed (or a minor blockage cleared by SHSG), the couple can conceive repeatedly in the future without needing assistance each time, which is a long-term advantage over IVF (where each new pregnancy typically requires another cycle).
Maternal and Fetal Outcomes: An added benefit of achieving pregnancy naturally via NaPro is that the pregnancies tend to be lower-risk compared to ART pregnancies. In the Canadian NaPro study, all pregnancies were singletons (no twins or triplets) ( Natural procreative technology for infertility and recurrent miscarriage: Outcomes in a Canadian family practice - PMC ), which greatly reduces obstetrical risks like premature birth. Over 54% of those births were at term (≥37 weeks) and the majority of babies had healthy birth weights ( Natural procreative technology for infertility and recurrent miscarriage: Outcomes in a Canadian family practice - PMC ).
In contrast, IVF pregnancies have a higher incidence of multiples (though this has improved with elective single embryo transfer) and some studies show higher rates of preterm birth or low birth weight even in singleton IVF babies. NaPro avoids those concerns by fostering normal conception and gestation.
Additionally, because NaPro addresses health issues (like correcting a hormonal deficiency), it may also lower miscarriage rates for some women. NaPro protocols often include luteal phase support and other therapies that continue into early pregnancy to help sustain it, which could improve outcomes for those with recurrent miscarriage histories – though more research is ongoing in this area.
In summary, patient outcomes with NaProTechnology surgery are very favorable: high pregnancy and live-birth rates over time, resolution of symptoms, and healthy pregnancies with minimal complications. These outcomes are achieved without the need for high-tech fertilization, demonstrating that many couples can succeed through a restorative approach rather than assisted reproduction.
Notable Studies and Expert Opinions Supporting NaPro Surgery
NaProTechnology’s surgical approach is supported by over four decades of research and a growing body of medical literature. Dr. Thomas Hilgers, the gynecologist who developed NaProTechnology, has documented extensive experience in his textbook The Medical & Surgical Practice of NaProTechnology (2004) and subsequent papers.
Notably, Hilgers reported the progressive refinements in adhesion prevention that led to dramatically improved outcomes. In a 2010 article, he described “Near Adhesion-Free Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery” after 23 years of applying these techniques, highlighting that meticulous use of adhesion barriers (Gore-Tex) and microsurgical methods virtually eliminated the problem of postoperative adhesions in his cases (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association). Such findings underscore that with proper technique, reproductive surgeries can be done without compromising future fertility – an insight that has influenced other surgeons as well (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
Multiple peer-reviewed studies validate the success of NaProTechnology in infertility treatment. The Irish and Canadian cohort studies cited earlier (Stanford et al. 2008 (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility) and Tham et al. 2012 (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility)) both concluded that NaProTechnology is an effective approach, with live birth rates comparable to those seen in assisted reproduction, despite their patients often having prior failed treatments.
An editorial in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine noted these studies “demonstrate the success” family physicians can have using NaPro to help infertile couples (Natural Procreative Technology for Treating Infertility | AAFP). In fact, the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals (the professional organization for NaPro providers) has trained hundreds of physicians worldwide, and they frequently cite these outcomes as evidence that restorative reproductive medicine can rival ART results (Natural Procreative Technology for Treating Infertility | AAFP) (Natural Procreative Technology for Treating Infertility | AAFP).
The AMA Journal of Ethics (2013) profiled NaProTechnology as a viable option for physicians who conscientiously object to IVF, and in doing so it highlighted the scientific merits of NaPro’s surgical approach. The article emphasized the “unique medical and surgical application” of NaPro and specifically lauded its adhesion prevention achievement and strong pregnancy success rates (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association) (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
It even referenced a meta-analysis supporting surgery over IVF in endometriosis cases, bolstering the argument that conventional gynecologic surgery – when done in the advanced manner of NaPro – can outperform assisted reproduction in certain scenarios (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
At the Pope Paul VI Institute (the center founded by Dr. Hilgers in Omaha, Nebraska), NaProTechnology has been applied for decades, and they report high aggregate success. According to the institute’s data, up to 80% of couples treated (especially those with diagnoses like PCOS or endometriosis) eventually achieve pregnancy using NaPro methods (Infertility). Even in more challenging infertility cases, average success rates around 50% or higher are claimed, which are quite competitive with standard infertility care (Infertility).
These numbers are frequently cited by NaPro practitioners as evidence that a majority of couples can be helped without resorting to IVF. While some of these figures come from internal analyses, they are backed by the published studies mentioned and decades of clinical experience.
Expert opinions often stress that NaProTechnology aligns medical practice with patient wellness. For instance, Dr. Paul A. Byrne (a NaPro surgeon) and others have commented that NaPro’s emphasis on normalizing the woman’s cycle and health leads to better outcomes not just in terms of pregnancy, but also in reducing miscarriages and improving gynecologic conditions like PMS or postpartum depression (since NaPro also manages hormonal issues holistically) (NaProTechnology Benefits and Applications for Modern Women - FACTS About Fertility) (NaProTechnology Benefits and Applications for Modern Women - FACTS About Fertility).
Fertility specialists who have adopted NaPro techniques note that they are able to find and fix problems that standard protocols might overlook – as one patient testimony put it, NaPro doctors “found something my other fertility doctor missed for years” (NaProTECHNOLOGY - Information and Benefits). This kind of qualitative success has helped build a positive reputation for NaPro among patients seeking alternatives to IVF.
In summary, numerous studies and expert reviews support the efficacy of NaProTechnology surgery. Its proponents – including peer-reviewed research authors and ethics commentators – highlight the approach’s ability to achieve competitive pregnancy rates, its advances in surgical technique (especially adhesion reduction), and its alignment with a more patient-centered, healing philosophy of care (Natural Procreative Technology for Treating Infertility | AAFP) (NaProTECHNOLOGY and Conscientious OB/GYN Medicine | Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association).
As awareness grows, NaProTechnology is increasingly recognized as a valid and effective option for treating infertility and gynecologic disorders, offering hope to couples who want to conceive by correcting underlying issues rather than by artificial reproduction (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility).
The call for further research is ongoing, but existing evidence and expert experience strongly support NaProTechnology surgery as a beneficial alternative or complement to conventional treatments (NaProTechnology for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage: A Review of Research - FACTS About Fertility).
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