In 1957, scientists discovered that increased levels of the female hormone estrogen in the three to four days before ovulation and the two or three days following ovulation could be detected in saliva. The hormone causes fern-like patterns to form when saliva is placed on glass slides. These can be easily seen with the aid of a microscope.
This technology is now available for use in the privacy and comfort of your own home. The Maybe Baby™ ovulation testing device, available from London Drugs, is a mini microscope (viewfinder) that allows a woman to perform this simple, accurate fertility test at any time, anywhere.
It only takes a few moments to use the fertility test. Simply place a small amount of saliva on the lens, allow it to dry, and look through the lipstick-sized, portable viewfinder. If you see a frost-like fern-leaf pattern, you are at your most fertile. (You will see formless spots if estrogen levels are not elevated.)
The Maybe Baby™ ovulation testing device may be used over and over and is a cost-effective alternative to other methods of predicting when ovulation is occurring. (This can be useful in preventing pregnancy as well as for increasing its likelihood.) If natural pregnancy prevention is your goal, remember that health professionals view only IUDs (inter-uterine devices) and birth control pills as effective methods of birth control. You should therefore consider using a condom with spermicide as well.