Simple test to find your fertile days

The calendar method is the most commonly used strategy by women who are trying to pinpoint their fertile days for conception. Test results for an over the counter product, Clearblue Digital ovulation test, show that this product is more reliable than the calendar method.

At the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) annual conference this product and the test results were discussed. The reliability of this product is attributed to its ability to cope with the cycle variability, which is not possible in the calendar method. Studies show the calendar method accurately predicts ovulation about 25% of the time. Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test predicted accurately a whopping 99% of the time.

Dr. Jane Ellis, Director of Scientific and Medical Affairs at Swiss Precision Diagnostics (SPD) explained to the group how it works. The kit delivers results by detecting an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) which is responsible for triggering ovulation. The digital reader and urine test sticks are easy to use. “The test stick is held in the urine stream, and if the LH levels are elevated a smiley face appears on the screen. This indicates that the woman is in a highly fertile phase. If there is no hormone surge, a circle is shown on the screen and the woman can test again the following day.”

The calendar method, while cheap and convenient and even supported by apps, is based on simple math and scientifically backed. Additionally, the Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test may also be used by women looking to avoid pregnancy by avoiding those days when the LH factor is high.

Source: ESHRE, Medical News Today