Diagnosis of Secondary Fertility

For users of the OvaCue with Vaginal Sensor

"Secondary Fertility" is a term Zetek has developed to explain the process of irregular ovulatory cycles with multiple follicular stimulation.  In such cases, a follicle, which carries the egg, is released from the ovary and for some reason (usually timing of LH) does not rupture or mature, which allows the egg to be released from the hard casing of the follicle.  Pregnancy cannot occur unless the egg is released from the follicle.  Typically the body will recognize that this has happened and release another follicle 3-5 days later — causing a second indication of fertility during that cycle.  This is one of the main reasons that women experience cycle lengths that become 3-5 days longer than usual on occasion.

To get pregnant when experiencing these types of cycles, it is important to identify the secondary follicle release by looking for the second peak in the OvaCue® Fertility Monitor oral readings.  This second "Cue Peak" indicates that a new follicle has been released and will normally be followed by a trend downwards in OvaCue vaginal readings due to increasing estrogen that occurs as the follicle matures.  The lowest vaginal reading is usually the best day to try to conceive, as once the body has switched from estrogen to progesterone dominance (as indicated by a sharp rise in vaginal readings) ovulation will occur within 12-24 hours. You cannot conceive after ovulation has occurred.

Secondary fertility can be identified by using the OvaCue and the optional vaginal sensor and is indicated by a darker pink or purple color on the OvaCue fertility calendar.  If you see this secondary fertility color, it is important to continue intercourse beyond the norm until ovulation has occurred, as indicated by the OvaCue or as seen by a shift in BBT or spike in urine LH.

Women with PCOS or other diagnosed ovulatory disorders are most likely to see this pattern and should be especially diligent in taking and viewing OvaCue readings as to not miss this second opportunity to conceive in a given cycle.

For more information or assistance please e-mail info@fairhavenhealth.com.