Ovulation Prediction Methods.

Biochemical Ovulation Predictor Tests

These tests are designed to measure the increase in LH in urine, at the time of ovulation, and they provide a very accurate way of detecting the most fertile days of your menstrual cycle. They are commonly known as ovulation predictor kits (OPK's), are simple to use, and provide results within a few minutes. There is no doubt that they provide very accurate and reliable results.

Salivary Ferning.

For many years the 'gold standard' test for ovulation in hospitals has been based upon taking a sample of cervical mucus, placing it on a microscope slide and allowing it to dry, and see if it forms a distinct 'ferning' pattern. This test could only be performed reliably in hospitals or clinics but was generally a reliable indicator of ovulation. The ferning pattern was believed to be caused by changes in oestrogen levels and certain minerals in the cervical mucus at ovulation.

However, there is also a change in content of hormones and minerals in the saliva around the time of ovulation which causes the saliva to form fern like crystals when it dries. This phenomenon is used by a miniature microscope we have available which is a useful aid for the detection of ovulation (see Fertile Focus).

A sample of saliva is placed on the microscope lens and allowed to dry before the result is viewed through the microscope. If you see fern like crystals (as in the figure above) then you are likely to be at your most fertile, whereas if you just see shapeless dots then your are likely to be at the infertile stage of your menstrual cycle.

The device is relatively inexpensive because it is reusable and you can check your fertility at any time, anyplace. The "fern" structure starts 3-4 days before ovulation and ends 2-3 days after ovulation ceases - the fertile period lasts less than one week. In practice this means that this simpe device can help identify the right time of the month in which to have intercourse for the best chances of becoming pregnant. Click Here for more details on how to use this device.

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