Finding the Fertile Phase: Low-Cost Luteinizing Hormone Sticks Versus Electronic Fertility Monitor

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology
• Fertility awareness-based methods

Background:

• The Marquette Method utilizes an electronic hormonal fertility monitor (EHFM) to detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge for family planning.
• Increased costs of EHFM and associated test sticks necessitate exploring alternative, affordable detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sensitivity of generic Wondfo ovulation sticks (WLH) for detecting the LH surge within the Marquette Fertility Algorithm.
• To compare the efficacy of WLH sticks against the EHFM for identifying peak fertility.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 54 women using the Marquette Method were recruited.
• Participants used both EHFM and WLH sticks daily after cycle day 6 until the LH surge was detected by EHFM.

Main Results:

• Wondfo ovulation sticks (WLH) demonstrated a higher detection rate (92.7%) of the LH surge compared to EHFM (83.1%).
• Agreement between WLH and EHFM in identifying the LH surge day was high (97.7%).
• WLH provided earlier high fertility warnings (67%) versus EHFM (47.7%).

Conclusions:

• Generic Wondfo ovulation sticks (WLH) are sufficiently sensitive for use with the Marquette Fertility Algorithm.
• WLH sticks present a more affordable and flexible alternative to EHFM for peak fertility detection.