OvaCue Fertility Monitor

The OvaCue Fertility Monitor uses changes in the content of salts, or electrolytes, in a woman's saliva to detect ovulation rather than urine. It works by applying a spoon size sensor to a woman's tongue for five seconds every morning, starting on the second day of her menstrual cycle. It then displays her fertility status on a scale from one to seven bars, seven being highly fertile. An additional vaginal sensor (*Est. $100) is also offered as changes in the salt levels of vaginal fluid can help confirm ovulation. One benefit of the OvaCue is that couples can use it as a method of pregnancy avoidance as well trying to conceive. Though the scientific research behind the OvaCue is not as extensive as that of the urine luteinizing (LH) tests, it has been shown to detect the fertile phase and ovulation accurately when compared with ultrasound evidence of ovulation. Consumers like the OvaCue because once they buy the monitor and the sensor, that's it; users won't need to buy additional test sticks or sensors each month. Consumer reviews vary widely on the OvaCue. Some users report that they have used the monitor to successfully avoid pregnancy and others to conceive, but there are also some users who question the monitor's accuracy and say it is not worth the cost. If a consumer wants a fertility monitor that has more research and consumer reviews backing it, then the best option is the Clearblue Easy Ovulation Monitor (*Est. $170). Of note, the Clearblue Easy Ovulation Monitor cannot be used in place of contraception.

We found a scientific study published in Contraception that verified the accuracy of the device. In addition, one review names the OvaCue one of the best fertility gadgets, and user reviews at Amazon.com, though limited, provided useful real world experience with the monitor.