An evaluation of the Bioself 110 electronic fertility indicator as a contraceptive aid
Flynn, A.; Pulcrano, J.; Royston, P.; Spieler, J.
Contraception 44(2): 125-139
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 1893707 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(91)90113-tDocument Number: 315022
The Bioself 110 is a handheld electronic device that combines the BBT and calendar methods of fertility regulation for planning or preventing pregnancy. A pilot study was undertaken in 3 centers in the United KIngdom to evaluate the Bioself 110 as a contraceptive aid. This paper deals with 1238 cycles from 131 women. There was only 1 unplanned pregnancy which occurred when a volunteer correctly used the Bioself 110 and had intercourse on what was supposed to be a "safe" day. A 2nd pregnancy was experienced by another volunteer who incorrectly used the device and had intercourse on what was also thought to be a "safe" day. Another 11 unplanned pregnancies occurred due to barrier method failures, as well as another 11 where the volunteers knowingly had unprotected intercourse during the fertile phase. There were 5 planned pregnancies. The Bioself 110 was used correctly in 71% of the studied cycles. 84% of the volunteers indicated that they were satisfied with the Bioself 110 after 6-12 cycles of use. It was concluded that the Bioself 110 can serve as an effective family planning aid and should be added to the contraceptive choices available to women today.