The prediction of ovulation and monitoring of the fertile period.

Simple and reliable methods have been sought for both predicting and confirming ovulation. Application of these methods could include management of infertile couples to aid in conception and for increasing the reliability of natural family planning (NFP) as a method of birth control. With the advent of specific hormone assays, serial measurements of estrogens, progesterone (and metabolites), and luteinizing hormone have been the gold standard of monitoring ovarian function in women. However, newer and simpler methodologies have been described and are currently either in use or being tested. These include the measurement of basal body temperature (BBT), the evaluation of the volume, consistency and electro-conductivity of cervicovaginal fluid, salivary steroid content and cellular enzymatic activity, the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays applied to solid-phase formats, and the investigation of new hormonal molecules as markers of reproductive state and function. These new technologies are described herein and their potential for monitoring ovarian function is discussed.