If a woman does not know how to control her reproductive health, it usually results in surprises like unwanted pregnancy, which can be a headache especially if it comes at an untimely time. To avoid such a situation, a fertility monitor will be handy, not only will it help in knowing the safe days but also aid in determining the best time to have conception in your ovulatory cycle. Fertility monitoring can also be very great for couples who are struggling, but not succeeding to conceive, since it can actually pinpoint the exact time of the month that having sexual intercourse will maximize your chances of getting pregnant.
What is a fertility monitor and how does it work?
The answer is simple; It is a computerized device usually battery operated, and held on the palm that is used to monitor fertility. It does this by analyzing the hormonal level in the urine, sweat and saliva as ovulation approaches. The result is shown on a display and is easy to interpret.
It is important not to confuse ovulation test, with fertility monitors. Ovulation test, works by detecting Luteinising Hormone (LH) surge which occur approximately 24- 36 hours prior to ovulation. On the other hand, Fertility monitors work by detecting more fertile days within each cycle. Fertility monitors not only detects the level of LH surge, but it is also able to pinpoint 2 peak fertility periods, and can also identify up to five additional fertile days.
There are basically three types of fertility monitors
• Urine based monitors- works by measuring the level of luteinizing hormone in the urine; it stores the reading and compares it to subsequent readings.
• Saliva based monitors- works by measuring the, electrolyte levels, in the saliva which indicates an increase or decrease in estrogen levels
• Skin-based monitors-measures the changes of electrolytic levels in sweat, changes in the electrolytic level are affected by changes in estrogen and luteinizing hormone levels.
Types of fertility monitors available in the market – Marks
• Clearblue Easy- it uses disposable Urine test sticks. It can identify up to six fertile days per cycle. It is manufactured by the Swiss Precision Diagnostics(SPD)
• Duo Fertility- composed of a thermometer that is worn on the arm. When worn overnight it is able to record over 20,000 temperature readings and the purpose of this many recordings is to be able to pinpoint ovulation more accurately compared to other systems. This fertility monitor was developed in Cambridge University department of temperature concepts. It can detect fertile days with accuracy of 99%.
• Ovacue- This fertility monitor works by measuring the electrolyte composition of saliva to determine approaching ovulation. This fertility monitor is sold with an optimal vaginal sensor that aids in confirming the date the ovulation occurred. It is distributed by Fairhaven Health.
• Persona- This fertility monitor can be used to avoid pregnancy, and increase the chances of having pregnancy. This fertility monitor is hand-held and uses disposable urine test sticks in determining if ovulation is approaching.
• Cyclotest- It uses an integrated digital thermometer to measure the basal body temperature in identifying and predicting ovulation. The results are displayed on an LCD screen which enables the user to see their entire cycle it is equipped with a USB connectivity for the user to be able to download their cycle Data.
Cost of Fertility Monitors
Prices range from $100 to $700 for a single electronic fertility monitor. For fertility monitors that work by analyzing urine, you will be required to regularly purchase urine sticks. Although, the initial price is expensive, these devices are designed to last for many years and in the long-run, it is cheaper in comparison to buying other contraceptives such as condoms or the birth control pills.
Advantages of using fertility monitors
• They are simple to use and interpret results
• They clearly indicate fertility days as either Low, high or peak
• High accuracy most of them are up to 99% accurate
Disadvantages of fertility monitors
• Initial cost is expensive
• It does not take into account individual differences.
Are fertility monitors effective?
Fertility has proven to be very effective and reliable.
Caution when using
Certain medications have been known to affect the reliability, and validity of results. Misleading results may be obtained when using antibiotics, hormonal treatment, and fertility treatments.
Conclusion
Control of ovulation is a subject that has been with humanity for ages and historical documents is rich on how control of reproductive health has evolved from the time of the Egyptian kingdom, the Roman Empire up to now. The choice of fertility monitors will always be governed by individual tastes and preferences, Fertility monitors are being improved on with the aim of improving validity and reliability and ultimately give women control over their reproductive health.
