Ovacue Product Review
OvaCue Fertility Monitor:
High-Tech Fertility Testing (without the mess!)
Back in the good old days (like about five years ago) you had only a few choices when it came to fertility testing: an expensive drug-store brand urine ovulation test or a more expensive drug-store brand ovulation test. My how things have changed... Today you can select from numerous fertility prediction kits - from very affordable clinical lh test strips [1] (you get to play doctor) to ovulation microscopes like Fertile Focus and high-tech fertility monitors like the ClearBlue and the OvaCue.
OvaCue [2] is the latest entry into the hi-tech fertility monitor game. This interesting electronic device is not only accurate and easy-to-use, its FDA approved and offers a unique digital technology that allows you to predict ovulation seven days ahead of schedule. Clearly, this provides sharp advantages for women and couples on the go, offering wider latitude and flexibility in planning intimacy (or timing intercourse, if you prefer).
OvaCue separates itself from other tests not only because it is digital, but because it detects a different hormone than urine-based tests. Your average drug-store ovulation test measures qualitative changes in the amount of LH (luteinizing hormone) in urine samples. OvaCue detects a different sex hormone - and uses saliva samples right from the tip of your tongue. Instead of LH, OvaCue measures changes in the electrolyte concentration in good old spit. The electrolyte concentration is saliva increases or decreases based on the amount of estrogen in a woman's system. Hence, as estrogen increases (this takes place starting about a week before you ovulate) the more electrolytes we have in our saliva.
OvaCue [2] works by detecting this gradual increase in the hormone estrogen. Unlike the LH surge, which is like a sharp, quick spike in luteinizing hormone, the estrogen surge develops more slowly and gradually. The estrogen surge is like a soft curve rather than a precipitous spike. The result of this slower, steady build up in estrogen is that you are able to detect signs of ovulation several days to a week before you ovulate. That means you can see the beginning and the end of your fertility cycle - and time sex accordingly to maximize your chances of seeing a big-fat-positive after your two-week-wait.
What's nice about the OvaCue is that it is very easy-to-use and reading results is breeze. Simply touch a sensor to your tongue and bingo - you have your results a minute, in clear digital terms: "low", "high" or "peak". Each result is stored and tracked. It's like having your own digital ovulation calculator or fertility calendar.
While the makers of OvaCue [2] (and other monitors) see this new product as an alternative to other tests, we see it as an addition to an existing set of reliable tools. Instead of tossing your lh strips, you now have another diagnostic means to better help you predict, pinpoint and plan. And rather than tossing your basal thermometer (we'd never advise that), you have another tool to confirm when ovulation has taken place. And certainly OvaCue won't make a mess.
OvaCue Facts: The OvaCue [2] is FDA approved and doctor recommended. It is designed to predict ovulation several days in advance. There is an additional vaginal sensor which can be purchased for increased accuracy (but the OvaCue is, by itself, already 98% accurate in determining your most fertile time). While more expensive than other tests, the OvaCue does offer accuracy and ease and brings a new "early warning" technology to fertility charting.
Right now, Early Pregnancy Tests.com [2] is offering free tests and free shipping with every OvaCue (as well as 40 page e-book on trying to conceive.