What Does
Ovulation Microscope Mean?
An ovulation microscope is a tool used to monitor and track a woman’s fertility by detecting the hormonal changes in a dried saliva sample before and during ovulation. The process is known as salivary ferning analysis and the microscope is used to determine peak fertility and by extension, the best time to try to conceive.
As ovulation approaches, there is a gradual increase in a woman’s estrogen levels. This increases the salinity in the saliva which causes structural changes in the saliva’s structure, specifically the formation of crystalline patterns referred to as ferning.
FertilitySmarts Explains Ovulation Microscope
To use the microscope, a drop of saliva is applied to a slide and left to dry. The sample is then viewed under the microscope to determine if there is a ferning or crystalline pattern present. If so, it indicates that there was an increase in estrogen, meaning that ovulation is approaching, likely within the next 24 to 72 hours.
The accuracy rate of ovulation microscopes is reported to range from 84 – 86.5% depending on the brand. According to the U.S. FDA, a positive test can be used as an indication that ovulation is approaching, but a negative test cannot be used as contraception.
After ovulation, an egg can last for 12 to 24 hours, but a fertile window can last as long as six days because of how long sperm can remain in the female reproductive tract under optimal conditions. Intercourse a few days before to one day after ovulation can increase the odds of becoming pregnant.