Efficacy of cervical mucus observations plus electronic hormonal fertility monitoring as a method of natural family planning.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of an electronic hormonal fertility monitor plus cervical mucus monitoring to avoid pregnancy.


METHODS
A 12-month prospective clinical efficacy trial.


METHODS
One hundred ninety five (195) women (mean age 29.8 years) seeking to avoid pregnancy with a natural method at 5 clinical sites in 4 cities.


METHODS
Each participant was taught to track fertility by self-observation of cervical mucus and an electronic monitor that measures urinary levels of estrone-3-glucuronide and luteinizing hormone.


METHODS
Correct- and typical-use unintended pregnancy rates.


RESULTS
There were a total of 26 unintended pregnancies, 3 with correct use. With 1,795 months of use, the correct-use pregnancy rate was 2.1% per 12 months of use (i.e., 97.9% effective in avoiding pregnancy when rules of the method were always followed) and the imperfect-use pregnancy rate was 14.2% per 12 months of use (i.e., 85.8% effective in avoiding pregnancy when rules of the method were not always followed and all unintended pregnancies and months of use were included in the calculations).


CONCLUSIONS
Correct use of an electronic hormonal fertility monitor with cervical mucus observations can be as effective as other fertility awareness-based methods of natural family planning. Comparative studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Fehring
Richard J
RJ
Institute for Natural Family Planning, Marquette University, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA. richard.fehring@marquette.edu
Schneider
Mary
M
Raviele
Kathleen
K
Barron
Mary Lee
ML
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000523:psychology*; D012252:Natural Family Planning Methods / Q000379:methods*; D010061:Ovulation Detection / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D011446:Prospective Studies
D015415:Biomarkers