Saliva Fertility Monitorsby Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger 14 Mar 2008 07:28 PM If you are trying to conceive, it is important to identify your most fertile days. Ovulation test kits and fertility monitors are very helpful for predicting ovulation, particularly for women with irregular menstrual cycles. Many fertility monitors use urine samples to check for the presence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) or both. Some of the newer monitors use saliva to test for ovulation. These monitors work by measuring changes in electrolytes in saliva which occur as ovulation approaches. To use a saliva monitor, you will take a sample of your saliva and place it on the lens. After it has dried for five minutes, you look through the microscope lens and look for changes in the saliva. As ovulation approaches, you will see a crystal type pattern known as "ferning." The monitor will come with directions and sample pictures depicting the look of saliva samples at various stages of the menstrual cycle. This is helpful as you learn to use the monitor and track ovulation. Saliva fertility monitors are easy to use. First thing in the morning is the best time to test. Do not eat, drink or smoke prior to testing. Don't brush your teeth either. These things can interfere with the results of the test. Track your results on an ovulation chart. There are several benefits to using saliva monitors over other devices designed to predict ovulation. One benefit is saliva monitors predict ovulation earlier than other methods. Once you get good at identifying changes in your saliva, you will be able to predict ovulation up to five days in advance. Another main benefit of saliva monitors is the convenience. Since urine is not needed, these can be used anywhere. The size of these monitors is another benefit. They are about the size of a tube of lipstick, so they are easy to carry. Related Articles: How Long Should it Take to Get Pregnant? Learn more about Pattie Hughes  Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. Relevantpregnancy tags User Comments  oweirdo (33813) 20 Apr 2008 07:16 AMPattie I used one, and loved it! It also seemed cheaper than having to buy tests every month. It was very easy to use, and watching the changes in the ferning was very interesting. I could always tell when the window was starting to open. Discuss this article
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