Mistiming of intercourse as a primary cause of failure to conceive: results of a survey on use of a home-use fertility monitor.
OBJECTIVE
To assess demographics, fecundity characteristics and fertility history of couples who successfully conceived using a home-use Fertility Monitor.


METHODS
This was a retrospective US observational study of couples who successfully conceived using a Fertility Monitor. Data were self-reported by volunteers using a questionnaire supplied and collected by mail. Of 276 surveys distributed, 196 (71.0%) were returned and evaluated.


RESULTS
Length of time trying to conceive was < 12 months for 70% of women; proportions were similar across age groupings. After switching to the Fertility Monitor, 49.5% and 91.9% of women had conceived within first and third cycles, respectively. Prior to Fertility Monitor use, conception aids were used by 84.2% and 64.3% had consulted a physician to seek help in attempting to conceive. Average costs of prior treatment were (in US dollars) 6637 dollars; median costs for infertility evaluation were 1075 dollars per cycle. Fertility Monitor costs ranged from 250 dollars for one cycle to 550 dollars after 10 cycles.


CONCLUSIONS
A probable cause for failure to conceive appeared to be mistiming of intercourse. The issue of early intervention with tests and medications were highlighted, resulting in escalating costs and strain on the couple. The use of a home Fertility Monitor that identifies all fertile days of the cycle and allows couples to target intercourse accordingly, should be considered as an alternative choice for couples seeking to conceive during the first year, before other attempts at infertility diagnosis are made, unless there are conflicting clinical reasons.
Robinson
Janet E
JE
Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Ellis
Jayne E
JE
D000328:Adult; D003075:Coitus; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000652:urine*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012252:Natural Family Planning Methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044384:Ovulation Prediction / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012648:Self Care / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone