Mistiming of intercourse as a primary cause of failure to conceive: results of a survey on use of a home-use fertility monitor

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess demographics, fecundity character­istics and fertility history of couples who successfully conceived using a home-use Fertility Monitor.

Study design: This was a retrospective US observational study of couples who successfully con­ceived using a Fertility Monitor. Data were self-reported by volunteers using a questionnaire supplied and collected by mail. Of 276 surveys distributed, 196 (71.0%) were returned and evaluated.

Results: Length of time trying to conceive was < 12 months for 70% of women; proportions were similar across age groupings. After switching to the Fertility Monitor, 49.5% and 91.9% of women had conceived within first and third cycles, respectively. Prior to Fertility Monitor use, conception aids were used by 84.2% and 64.3% had consulted a physician to seek help in attempting to conceive. Average costs of prior treatment were (in US dollars) $6637; median costs for infertility evaluation were $1075 per cycle. Fertility Monitor costs ranged from $250 for one cycle to $550 after 10 cycles.

Conclusions: A probable cause for failure to conceive appeared to be mistiming of intercourse. The issue of early intervention with tests and medications were highlighted, resulting in escalating costs and strain on the couple. The use of a home Fertility Monitor that identifies all fertile days of the cycle and allows couples to target intercourse accordingly, should be considered as an alternative choice for couples seeking to conceive during the first year, before other attempts at infertility diagnosis are made, unless there are conflicting clinical reasons.

Key words: :

• Conception
• Fertility Monitor
• Infertility
• Pregnancy