Focusing on Fertility: Saliva Ovulation Tests

FAQ for Saliva Ovulation Testers

When a woman is about to ovulate, her saliva begins to form a distinct fern-like pattern (when viewed under a microscope) due to an increase in the level of estrogen present, which in turn causes and increase in salinity. Salinity, produces ferns. This ferning pattern begins to appear around 3 days prior to ovulation.

A “personal ovulation microscope” (e.g. Fertile Focus) allows you to predict fertility by observing the visual changes that take place in your saliva throughout your cycle. When you are on the verge of ovulation, the visible make-up of a woman's saliva undergoes several changes. This fern-like or ferning pattern can be easily identified when examined under the power of a 40X to 60X magnification lens - helping you predict ovulation and peak fertility.

With the ovulation microscopes, you simply apply saliva to a slide and wait five minutes. The slide is then inserted into the magnifying scope, allowing you to identify the fern-like pattern and predict ovulation. This ferning pattern can be easily identified when examined under the power of the microscope, helping you predict fertile or infertile times in your cycle.

* Saliva Ovulation Test TIP! Test first thing in the morning - but never after eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. These activities may interfere with saliva fertility test results.

Ovulation and "Ferning"

When you are about to ovulate, the make-up of your saliva will change. In the image below, you will see a ferning pattern on the far left image, indicating ovulation and fertility. The images on the right display the appearance of saliva during non-fertile periods as well as transitional periods between fertility and infertility. The ovulation / ferning visual has also been described as the appearance of frost on a window.

According to research studies, saliva ovulation predictor tests are 98% accurate in clinical settings when all instructions are adhered to. Other advantages of saliva ovulation predictors stem from the fact that they are re-usable, discreet, and easy-to-use.

Quality ovulation microscopes consist of a cylindrical container (avoid plastic housing) that look like a lipstick container, a focalizable eyepiece (simply turn the lens) and a slide or glass face where the saliva sample (or cervical fluid sample) can be applied. The sample is illuminated with an LED light. To purchase a Saliva Ovulation Predictor, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saliva Testers

How do Saliva Ovulation Tests work?
Saliva Ovulation Tests detect hormone changes that occur prior to and during ovulation. As estrogen increases, "ferning" or crystal patterns can be viewed in dried samples of saliva. These patterns indicate that ovulation is about to take place. The duration of your most fertile time lasts from several days before ovulation to 24 or so hours after ovulation. The duration of a woman's fertile period is typically around six days, ending 24 hours following ovulation. Unlike urine LH tests, Saliva Ovulation Tests allowsyou to track fertility and your cycle changes. When you observe a positive result (crystal/ferning patterns), ovulation is likely to occur within 24 to 72 hours.

When do I use Saliva Ovulation Tests?
Test on a daily basis and record results on a fertility chart or calendar. Test first thing in the morning - but never after eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. These activities may interfere with results. If you test later in the day, try to wait at least two to three hours after eating or drinking.

Are Saliva Ovulation Tests Accurate?
When instructions are followed, determining fertility through ovulation microscopy has been shown to be 98% accurate.

What is an "estrogen surge" or "estrogen spike"?
While estrogen is present in your body throughout your cycle, just prior to ovulation you may have an “estrogen surge” - a marked increase in the presence of estrogen. The increase of estrogen facilitates the ferning patterns in your saliva. An estrogen surge or ovulation may not occur in all cycles for all women.

Are ferning patterns observable at other times in my cycle?
A second second estrogen surge may occur right at the end of your cycle. By monitoring cycle length, and keeping daily results, the second surge should not be confounded with the estrogen surge preceding ovulation. Also, as different women produce differing levels of estrogen, ferning patterns may vary a bit in appearance and duration.

Can Ovulation Microscopes be used as a contraceptive device?
Ovulation microscopes should not be used as a contraceptive device.

How do I apply a saliva sample?
For best results, collect a sublingual saliva sample as saliva glands are located below the tongue. Collect a dab of saliva and place it on the surface of the lens. Try to avoid making bubbles and allow the sample to dry for at least five minutes before attempting to read results. Apply saliva with applicator, clean dry finger, or by swirling fresh saliva onto the tonque and apply directly.

Will Clomid interfere with test results?
Clomid will not interfere with Saliva Ovulation Test results, though it may intensify the appearance and duration of ferning. If you are taking Clomid, consult your physician for details.

Can I use a Saliva Ovulation Test if my cycle is irregular?
Yes, Fertile-Focus can be used by women with both regular and irregular cycles.

What are some tips for optimizing results?
Do not eat, drink beverages (besides water), or brush teeth for at least 2-3 hours before taking the test. Apply sublingual saliva sample to the exterior lens (pull the lens from the housing/do not unscrew lens). Always allow the saliva sample to dry, avoid air bubbles in the sample and focus by turning the focalizable lens (remove eye-glasses).

What can interfere with results?
Pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal imbalance, supplemental estrogen, and recent discontinuation of birth control medication may interfere with results. In continued absence of any ferning, your body may not be producing sufficient estrogen. Consult your physician.

Ovulation microscopes should not be used as a contraceptive device.

See Also:
> How do OPKs work?
> How do I interpret ovulation test results?
> Fertile Market: Saliva-Based Tests