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Which Fertility Monitor & Ovulation Predictor Test
is Right for You?
We've collected some facts about the various types of products out there to assist you in your selection.
Remember most of these test will not confirm that you have actually ovulated
except the OvaCue (through it's optional vaginal sensor) and Basal Thermometers.
Basal Body Temperature:
 What
It Tells:
The temperature of a healthy person when taken immediately upon awakening is
considered to be the BBT. Basal conditions are defined as being found 12 hours
after the following: a restful sleep, eating, with no exercise, and with no
emotional excitement, and before getting out of bed.. Ultimately the BBT method
will tell you that you have ovulated, and should be used in conjunction with
Cervical Mucus monitoring, Cervical Position monitoring and recording your results
daily.. We recommend reading a book such as Taking Charge of Your Fertility
while using this method, in order to understand the signs that come along with
impending ovulation. This method must used every single day for maximum information.
Who Should Use This Method:
- Women who are just in the beginning stages of trying to conceive. It helps you
understand your own individual cycle.
Who Should Not Use This Method:
- Women who have very irratic sleeping schedules and can not consistantly take
their temperature the same time each day.
- You snore or have apnea.
See
our selection of Basal Thermometers
Urine Ovulation Tests (OPK's):
 What They Do:
They measure the concentration of LH in your urine. A surge in LH levels represents
impending ovulation, usually within 24 to 48 hours from a positive result. They
must be used daily usually from the 10th day of your cycle until you get a positive
result. Charts supplied with these tests will help your determine what day to
begin testing on.
Who Should Use Them:
- Women who have fairly regular cycles
- If you are using fertility drugs such as clomid or pergonal, please check with
your doctor as to using this form of ovulation preditction. Using them too soon
after your last dosage of clomid may result in a false postive.
Who Should Not Use Them:
- Women who have very irregular cycles, as it does become very expensive.
See
our selection of Urine Ovulation Tests and Predictors
Saliva Ovulation Predictor Tests:
 What They Do:
Your body during the first half of your cycle is Estrogen Dominant. As you approach
ovulation the estrogen rises, and so does the salt content in your saliva. These
tests measure your fertility by allowing you to view the salt concentration
in your saliva after drying. The highest concentration occurs just before ovulation
and appears thru the lens as small ferns. Monitoring daily allows you to view
the rise and fall of your estrogen. With these units you get more notice of
ovulation approaching because you can watch as ferns begin to appear. You should
have no food or beverage intake for at least 2 hours before using.
Who Should Use Them:
- They are perfect for women with long or erratic cycles, since you can use the
product daily without additional supplies needed.
- You are fairly regular.
- If you are using fertility medications.
Who Should Not Use Them:
- Some women with high estrogen levels (many overweight women) will find they
appear fertile more often than they actually are.
See
our selection of Saliva Ovulation Microscopes
ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor:
 What It Does:
It tracks 2 hormones, estrogen and LH through urine samples. After inserting
the test sticks into the unit, a result will given as to whether you are in
a Low, High, or Peak Fertile period. The ClearBlue Fertility Monitor stores
your information for several months.
Who Should Use It:
- You are fairly regular
- You are looking for a method that requires no self interpretation, as it does
all the work for you.
- You may still use the ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor if you are taking Clomid,
but please be aware that the Fertility Monitor may not reliably detect High
Fertility. However, it may still be possible to detect Peak Fertility. Therefore,
if you are taking Clomid and trying to conceive, you may still benefit from
using the ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor, but consult with your physician
first. In a recent study on patients using the Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor
while taking Clomid, some patients did experience more High Fertility days when
taking Clomid but their Peak Fertility days were still accurately identified.
You Should Not Use the Clearblue Fertility Monitor If::
- Your doctor has determined that you are not ovulating spontaneously
- Your cycles are shorter than 22 days or longer than 42 days.
- Your cycles are erratic and very irregular
- You have been diagnosed with PCOS
- You have recently been pregnant, are currently/recently stopped breast feeding,
stopped using hormonal contraception. You should have at least 2 natural cycles
before using this product.
- You have impaired kidney function
- You can not reliably take the test the same time every morning.
- You are on anti-biotics that contains tetracyclines
- You are using hormonal contraception, certain fertility treatments (especially
those containing hCG and LH) and hormone replacement therapy.
See
our selection of ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor products
OvaCue Fertility Monitor:
 What the Ovacue Does:
Measures your fertility levels by tracking electrolytes in your saliva.
Electrolytes rise in levels as ovulation approaches. It will store your information
for you, and with the download of the OvaCue software, allow you to save and
view the information on your computer.
Who Should Use the Ovacue Fertility Monitor:
- If your cycles are less than 45 days long.
- If you are looking for a method of ovulation prediction that requires no self
interpretation, and no additional supplies for long term use.
- If you would like
to confirm that you have ovulated, the use of the vaginal sensor will give you
this additional information.
Who Should Not Use the Ovacue:
- If your doctor has determined that you are not ovulating spontaneously.
See
more information on the Ovacue Fertility Monitor
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