Fertile Focus Ovulation Microscope

The Fertile Focus Ovulation Microscope is a small microscope used to predict ovulation by monitoring saliva for "salivary ferning". As a woman approaches ovulation, the salt content in her saliva increases. If this saliva is then placed on a slide and dried, the salt crystals will crystallize forming a fern-like pattern, hence salivary ferning. The Fertile Focus resembles a tube of lipstick, but it contains a slide for the saliva, a small microscope and an eyepiece. Saliva microscopy has received mixed results in the scientific world. One small study found that it did correlate to urine luteinizing hormone (LH) test results, but users found it difficult to fully define their fertile window using just the evidence of salivary ferning. Another study found that when compared with the gold standard, ultrasound, salivary ferning correlated only 36.8 percent of the time with ovulation.

Regardless, the Fertile Focus receives good to above average reviews on consumer websites. Many users say that it's easy to use and that they have successfully used it to conceive. However there are drawbacks. First, you must use what is termed "passive saliva", meaning the first saliva of the morning, as eating or drinking anything can alter the results. Second, the battery and bulb in the Fertile Focus are not replaceable so if either dies, the user will need to buy a whole new microscope. Last, some women say they never saw salivary ferning, though a urine LH test confirmed ovulation. If you want an ovulation predictor with more research and reviews behind it, the Clearblue Easy Ovulation Test (*Est. $21 for 7 tests) is a better choice, though it is more expensive. If you prefer to just monitor the monthly body changes that occur with ovulation, then the BD Digital Basal Thermometer (*Est. $11) is your best bet.

We found a scientific studies and reviews on saliva microscopy, in general, in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy and Fertility and Sterility. User reviews from Amazon.com and Drugstore.com were the only reviews on the Fertile Focus in particular.