Ovulation Predictor Kits: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentThis in-depth clinical review describes various ovulation testing methods and how they work. Benefits and limitations of each are listed as well as the results of several medical studies. Although a few brands are specifically mentioned, the article focuses more on fertility prediction techniques in general. Prediction methods include basal body temperature (BBT) monitoring, urine luteinizing hormone (LH) tests, urine LH and estrone-3-glucuronide (E3G) monitoring, saliva testing and a combination of saliva and cervical mucus monitoring. For urine LH and E3G monitoring, the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor is chosen as a favorite because it is easy to use, has clear results and provides more information for the patient, despite its high cost. Urine LH tests are reviewed in general, though the Clearblue Easy is found to be the most sensitive at 22 mIU/ml per a previous study. Saliva microscopy is found to be inexpensive but also difficult to read and to use to define the fertile window. BBT charting, urine LH tests and the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor are preferred over saliva testing and the OvaCue Fertility Monitor (a saliva and cervical mucus monitor).

Our AssessmentThis scientific study looked at the effectiveness of the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor in helping couples to conceive. More than 300 women were provided the monitor while another group of more than 300 women were not as a control group. Both groups were allowed to use any other methods they wished to increase their fertility. After two cycles, the cumulative pregnancy rate for the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor group was 22.7 percent, while for the control group it was 14.4 percent. Even women who had been trying to conceive for more than a year had an increased rate of pregnancy. No other fertility device, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus or the calendar method, was shown to increase the chance of conception. The only other factor apart from the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor that significantly predicted an increase in the rate of pregnancy was how long a woman had been trying to conceive. A woman who had been trying to conceive for less than six months was more likely to conceive than a woman who had been trying for longer than six months. Of note, the authors of this study work for Unipath, the manufacturer of the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor.

Our AssessmentThis study evaluates the ability of the ClearPlan Easy Fertility Monitor, now known as Clearblue, to determine ovulation when compared with hormone measurements and vaginal ultrasound scans. During the two peak fertility days listed by the monitor, ovulation occurred 91.1 percent of the time. Peak fertility never occurred after ovulation. Of note, Unipath Ltd, the manufacturer of the ClearPlan Easy Fertility Monitor, supported this study.

Our AssessmentThis study examines the accuracy of the CUE method, now known as Ovacue, for determining ovulation. The CUE method works by measuring the electrical resistance in saliva and vaginal mucus, and when compared with urine luteinizing hormone levels and vaginal ultrasound in this study, it was able to adequately detect the fertile phase. Though this study recommends the CUE method as a natural form of birth control, it can also be used when trying to conceive.

Our AssessmentThis study examines the accuracy of urine luteinizing hormone (LH) tests in predicting ovulation when compared to transvaginal ultrasound, and LH and progesterone levels as determined by a blood test. Researchers found that urine LH tests were able to reliably predict ovulation within 48 hours. Though no specific urine LH test is recommended, the study does verify the validity of using urine LH tests to predict ovulation.

Our AssessmentThis review analyzed the data from four published studies to assess the accuracy of using cervical mucus to determine the peak day of fertility. When compared with urine luteinizing hormone (LH), researchers found the self-determined peak day of cervical mucus occurred on the same day as the LH surge.

Our AssessmentThis presentation is written by Genine Thormahlen, a doctor of pharmacy at the University of Montana, to inform pharmacists about the various types of fertility monitoring devices. She describes and compares seven different devices with suggestions for which patients are well suited to each type as well as limitations of each, but she does not rate them. The author says, in summary, that all ovulation predictor tests are equally effective, but some of the studies that she quotes say otherwise. Studies of saliva microscopes, for example, suggest that they aren't as reliable or easy to interpret as other devices. The Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor, on the other hand, is shown to be reliable in studies and is able to give a five-day warning of ovulation.

Our AssessmentThis article describes traditional fertility monitoring and then details the OV-Watch Fertility Predictor and the clinical studies that support its use. The OV-Watch works by sensing the change in chloride ions in the sweat as it sits on the skin and then identifies a six-day fertile window. According to the clinical studies the researchers cite, the OV-Watch works as well as urine luteinizing hormone (LH) detection kits and is able to detect more fertile days than the LH kits.

Our AssessmentRobin Elise Weiss, About.com's pregnancy guide, gives the OV Watch Fertility Predictor a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. She says it predicted her fertility as well as a urine LH testing kit she used concurrently and was easy to use. On the plus side, it provided four more fertile days than the standard LH testing, but she says the initial expense is high and you do have to replace the sensor monthly. Overall she says the OV Watch works well, though she wishes it was a little less clunky and a bit more fashionable.

Our AssessmentThere are only a handful of ovulation tests listed for sale at Drugstore.com. The Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor is reviewed most often and receives a good rating. The Rite Aid One Step Ovulation Predictor, BD Basal Digital Thermometer and Clearblue Easy Digital Ovulation Test are not reviewed as often but also do well in reviews.

Our AssessmentThis forum is a bit cumbersome to search through but may be a great support for those trying to conceive. There is abundant information about fertility and ovulation issues including recommendations for various products. The Clearblue Easy Digital Ovulation Test and the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor are both mentioned frequently and receive praise.