The OvaCue Vaginal Sensor

While the vaginal sensor is not required for predicting your fertile window, it is necessary for confirming that ovulation has occurred. As a result, using the vaginal sensor along with the oral sensor is highly recommended.  Just as the OvaCue® oral sensor measures electrolytes in saliva, the OvaCue Vaginal Sensor measures electrolyte changes in cervical mucus. With measurements taken from the vaginal sensor, the OvaCue® is able to detect the hormonal shifts that accompany ovulation.  Specifically, it will identify the estrogen surge that occurs just prior to ovulation and the subsequent shift from estrogen dominance to progesterone dominance that occurs at the time of ovulation.  The OvaCue® will display a pink box on the day that this hormonal shift is detected, indicating that ovulation occurred on that day.  While only a vaginal ultrasound can confirm successful ovulation with 100% accuracy, the OvaCue® provides valuable information about the hormonal changes that are necessary for ovulation to take place.

In addition to confirming that ovulation has occurred, the measurements taken by the vaginal sensor provide valuable insight about your cycle.  Tracking the trends in your vaginal readings can help identify a hormonal imbalance or an ovulatory disorder that might be impacting your fertility.  Also, for women with irregular cycles or an existing ovulatory disorder, ovulation can be difficult to predict and confirm.  The OvaCue® vaginal sensor is essential for these women.

Finally, for women using the fertility monitor for Natural Family Planning, using the vaginal sensor allows you to know exactly when your fertile window is closed.  Read about the use of fertility monitors in Natural Family Planning (NFP) to achieve or avoid conception.