Timing Fertility
ACOG NEWS RELEASEFor Release: November 29, 2002
Timing Fertility: Out with the Old, In with the New
WASHINGTON, DC — New evidence on conception and fertility may change the rationale behind when and how women should time intercourse to achieve pregnancy, suggests a commentary in the December issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Researchers from The University of Utah reviewed new data that examined the timing of intercourse relative to the estimated day a woman ovulates. They found that a woman is most likely to become pregnant one to two days prior to ovulation rather than on the actual day of ovulation, as popularly believed.
In addition to identifying when a woman is most fertile, the researchers analyzed the latest methods used to predict the approach of ovulation. They concluded that either a commercial fertility monitor or techniques that chart fertility based on changes in vaginal discharge were most effective in determining the optimal window of fertility. Traditional methods such as monitoring basal body temperature and using menstrual calendar calculations are not clinically based nor as reliable in determining the period of time before ovulation, say researchers.
Researchers hope that their analysis will assist ob-gyns in advising women who want to get pregnant. Preconception counseling on assessing fertility and timing of intercourse may reduce the time it takes to conceive for many couples, and also reduce unnecessary interventions and cost.
Contact: Joseph Stanford, MD, MSPH, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, at jstanford@dfpm.utah.edu.
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Studies published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of ACOG. ACOG is the national medical organization representing over 40,000 physicians who provide health care for women.
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