OVACUE SYSTEM FAQ

How does the OVACUEŽ differ from the Clear Plan Easy Fertility Monitor?
The OVACUEŽ is more convenient than the ClearPlan because it is a direct measurement and doesn't require the use of urine. ClearPlan's early warning' is based on the presence of a specific level of an estrogen metabolite in urine. OVACUEŽ 's is based on changes in saliva produced by the hormone interaction that triggers this rise in estrogen. The OVACUEŽ does not require that the hormone reach a specific chemical threshold, rather it reports the individualized hormone pattern. The confirmation signal in ClearPlan is the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine. Sometimes this signal is seen on the day of ovulation and sometimes on the day after ovulation. The OVACUEŽ signal is based on the shift from estrogen dominance to progesterone dominance, which produces changes in the electrolyte characteristics of the vaginal mucus. The lowest OVACUEŽ vaginal reading occurs on the day before the shift; a marked rise in OVACUEŽ vaginal reading usually occurs on the day of ovulation. Another advantage of the OVACUEŽ is that there are no recurring costs for sensor covers.

How easy is the OVACUEŽ to use?
Very easy. It requires that you take an oral reading every morning for 3-5 seconds to predict ovulation. To confirm ovulation, all that is required is that a vaginal reading be taken daily from the time of the OVACUEŽ Peak until ovulation is confirmed (usually about 6-8 days). 

Do I need the optional vaginal sensor?
No. The CUE will operate as intended with excellent results using just saliva sensor. However using both methods is scientifically more precise and the additional data can result in better predictions.

Where does fertilization occur? 
For an egg (ovum) to be fertilized, it must find sperm waiting in the Fallopian tube. For the sperm to have time to traverse to the Fallopian tube, it must be deposited well in advance. 

How much advance notice of ovulation will the OVACUEŽ give? 
The OVACUEŽ will give 5-7 days advance notice of upcoming ovulation. The longer the cycle, the more notice the OVACUEŽ offers. 

Can I get pregnant after ovulation? 
No. Once the egg has passed the Fallopian tube without being fertilized, you can not become pregnant in that cycle, except in rare cases. 

When do I take vaginal readings? 
To confirm ovulation, vaginal readings should be taken from the time of the OVACUEŽ Peak until ovulation is confirmed (usually about 6-8 days). 

Do I have to take oral readings all month? 
No, but to have a full picture of your cycle and to establish the habit, it is recommend that oral readings be taken every day. 

I am in my 40's, can I still use the OVACUEŽ? 
Yes. The OVACUEŽ was designed to be used by women of any age, once they have begun to ovulate. 

I have irregular cycles, can I still use the OVACUEŽ? 
Yes. The OVACUEŽ was designed to be used by women with varying cycle lengths. 

I have long cycles, can I still use the OVACUEŽ? 
Yes. The OVACUEŽ was designed to be used by women with very long or unpredictable cycles. 

Does it work while taking infertility drugs? 
Yes. The OVACUEŽ can still be used by those taking Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid, Serophene, etc.) and other fertility drugs. 

How much salt does it take to throw off the readings? 
A very large amount that is significantly different than normal, esp. high-soy sauce Chinese food. You will know this has occurred because you will have a reading that does not follow the existing pattern. 

Is it safe? 
Yes. The OVACUEŽ is minimally invasive and has been approved as a safe and effective aid to conception by the U.S. FDA and the Vatican. 

Does it work? Is it accurate? 
Yes. The OVACUEŽ has been clinically proven to be 98% accurate in predicting and confirming ovulation in both clinical and consumer trials. 

Can I use the OVACUEŽ for Birth Control/NFP? 
Not Presently. The OVACUEŽ II has not been 'approved' by the FDA for use in avoiding conception. Two preliminary studies of its potential for this use and hope eventually to be able to provide it for this purpose. 

When taking the oral tests in the morning, does the test have to be taken the same time every morning? 
Yes, if possible. Variances of fewer than two hours are not going to change your result, but for the most accurate data, please try to take the readings at the same time every day. 

When seeing if the OVACUEŽ Peak has occurred, do the 2 lower numbers have to be consecutive? For example, if on Day 6 I have a number of 250 and on Day 7 I have a number of 240 and Day 8 I have a number of 245, does this mean my OVACUEŽ Peak is on Day 6 even though Day 7 and Day 8 are not consecutively lower? 
No, as long as the two numbers are lower, they do not have to be consecutive. 

Should I have intercourse after seeing my OVACUEŽ Peak every day until I ovulate? or should I wait until the day that is specified in the handbook? Does it matter? 
If there is no concern of sperm count or motility, you can have intercourse every day, but every other day is better to allow the sperm to rejuvenate. 

When taking the vaginal tests, how long should I keep the wand inside? Should I just wait until the numbers stop? 
Keep the wand in place until the numbers stop moving, usually 3-5 seconds. 

Why are the vaginal numbers seem different if I take them 2 times in a row? 
Simply taking the reading affects the quantity and quality of the vaginal mucus. You may see the same affect if you take two oral readings in a row. 

Does it matter if I take a shower before taking the Oral test? 
No, what is important is that you not allow anything to enter your mouth, especially toothpaste, food, cigarettes, etc. 

I accidentally had a sip of coffee before taking the Oral test; will this effect it greatly? 
Although a sip of coffee will not change the readings significantly, it is best to take the reading before anything is consumed. 

Why is advance notice of ovulation important? 
Because sperm needs time to traverse to the proper place in the Fallopian tube for fertilization of the ovum. 

Are there recurring costs for using the OVACUEŽ? 
No. Unlike other electronic ovulation prediction devices, there is nothing more to buy with your OVACUEŽ (except replacing the battery) and it can be used safely and dependably for many years. 

What does the OVACUEŽ measure? 
The changes in electrolytes in salivary and vaginal fluids that signal the onset and completion of the ovulatory process. 

How long has it been on the market? 
The OVACUEŽ II has been available since October 1999. The Electrolyte Method and this technology were discovered in 1983. The original OVACUEŽ has been available since 1990.