One of the newest and possibly the most reliable ways to predict not only ovulation but a variety of hormonal activity is through saliva. How is this possible?
The latest research shows that many of the biochemical changes that occur in your reproductive hormones correspond to biochemical changes in saliva. By analyzing those changes, you can learn a great deal of information about not only your menstrual cycle but particularly your ovulation pattern. In fact, some saliva analysis can predict ovulation up to seven days before it occurs. In light of the new studies on the six-day window of conception opportunity, the saliva test may soon be one of the more valuable tools for couples trying to conceive.
Although there are a variety of systems available to analyze saliva, including a laboratory test and a home fertility “microscope,” I believe the most reliable system is a product known as the OvaCue Fertility Monitor* – introduced in its original form in the first edition of this book. So many couples wrote to tell me how well it worked to help them conceive, I was delighted when I learned that a less expensive and even more sensitive version is available now, one that helps predict ovulation a full seven days before it occurs!
HOW THE OVACUE WORKS:
The basis of the system is a small, palm-sized box to which are connected two electronic probes – one that goes into the mouth and a second one for the vagina. The test begins by placing the oral probe into the mouth every morning. After a few seconds, a “saliva reading” is registered on a digital screen. A separate booklet tells you what the numbers mean in relation to your ovulation. You begin taking the oral test on the first day of your menstrual cycle and continue daily until the OvaCue indicates you are within seven days of ovulation. Research results from the medical school of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, as well as other studies, show the OvaCue is more than 90 percent successful in predicting the most fertile days of the cycle.
To get pregnant fast: Begin having sex within twenty-four hours after the OvaCue says you will ovulate within a week, and continue for the remaining six days. Usually intercourse every other day will be sufficient, but if your partner’s sperm count is high, and he is in otherwise good health, feel free to make love every day during this valuable fertile time. You can also continue to monitor your saliva daily – it won’t hurt you.
At the same time, however, you should also begin using the special OvaCue vaginal sensor, a tiny probe that, in just a few short minutes, confirms when ovulation has occurred. If you use the vaginal probe every night during the seven days before ovulation, you will be able to pinpoint almost the exact time your egg left your ovary. If you don’t conceive during that month, having this precise ovulation information can be very valuable in the coming months, as you go forward charting your most fertile time. It’s also information that can be extremely useful to your doctor – and save you a lot of money as well – if you should seek professional fertility testing or treatment.
*References to “CUE II” within the body of this excerpt, the previous name of the OvaCue Fertility Monitor, have been replaced with OvaCue Fertility Monitor.
**The current price of the OvaCue Fertility Monitor is $249.
