Ecochard R, Duterque O, Leiva R, Bouchard T, Vigil P. Self-identification of the clinical fertile window and the ovulation period.
Fertil Steril 2015;
103:1319-25.e3. [PMID:
25724738 DOI:
10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.01.031]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the self-identified fertile window.
DESIGN
Observational study.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
A total of 107 women.
INTERVENTION(S)
Women recorded cervical mucus observation and basal body temperature daily while undergoing daily ovarian ultrasound.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The biological fertile window, defined as the 6 days up to and including the day of ovulation; and the 2-day ovulation window, defined as the day before and the day of ovulation.
RESULT(S)
The self-identification of the biological fertile window by the observation of any type of cervical mucus provides 100% sensitivity but poor specificity, yielding a clinical fertile window of 11 days. However, the identification of the biological fertile window by peak mucus (defined as clear, slippery, or stretchy mucus related to estrogen) yielded 96% sensitivity and improved specificity. The appearance of the peak mucus preceded the biological fertile window in less than 10% of the cycles. Likewise, this type of mucus identified the ovulation window with 88% sensitivity.
CONCLUSION(S)
These results suggest that, when perceived accurately, more accurate clinical self-detection of the fertile window can be obtained by identification of peak mucus. This may improve efforts to focus intercourse in the fertile phase for couples with fertility concerns.
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