Women's experiences of ovulation testing: a qualitative analysis
Georgina Jones1, Jill Carlton2, Sarah Weddell3
1Health Economics and Decision Science (HEDS), School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK. g.l.jones@sheffield.ac.uk.
Reproductive Health
|December 23, 2015
Summary
Home digital ovulation tests (OTs) offer benefits like understanding the menstrual cycle and confirming ovulation, but can also cause emotional distress. Women trying to conceive reported both positive and negative experiences with OTs, similar to those without using them.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Women's Health
- Fertility Studies
Background:
- Home digital ovulation tests (OTs) are available to help women optimize intercourse timing for conception.
- Little is understood about women's lived experiences using these digital ovulation tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore women's experiences using home digital ovulation tests (OTs) when trying to conceive.
- To identify the impacts of OTs on women's emotional and relational well-being during conception attempts.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with women trying to conceive.
- Participants were recruited from a randomized controlled trial comparing digital OTs to timed intercourse advice.
- Framework analysis was used to identify key themes from 36 transcribed interviews.
Main Results:
- The use of OTs elicited 10 key themes within three overarching issues: positive impact, negative impact, and general conception experiences.
- Positive impacts included understanding the menstrual cycle and emotional support.
- Negative impacts involved changes to sexual life, emotional consequences of prolonged use, and uncertainty about results.
Conclusions:
- Home digital ovulation tests (OTs) significantly influence women's thoughts and feelings during conception attempts.
- While some negative experiences were reported with OTs, similar issues arose when not using them.
- Positive themes included enhanced understanding of the menstrual cycle and confirmation of ovulation timing, offering support during conception efforts.
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