Detection and diagnosis of ovulation
Garcia, Celso Ramon
Clin Obstet Gynecol 10(2): 380-389
1967
DOI: 10.1097/00003081-196706000-00011Document Number: 520177
Survey of various methods of determining and timing ovulation in the human which are available reveals that no single method is universally reliable for precise pinpointing of this phenomenon. Although direct evidence of ovulation is proof positive of its occurrence, even when isolated coitus has preceded a pregnancy or the corpus luteum can be dated, precise timing is not feasible. Endometrial histology, exfoliative cytology, basal body temperature graphs or urinary changes in estrogens, pregnanediol or gonadotropins and blood progesterone or LH are only moderately reliable. More reliable confirmation can be achieved with the application of 3 or more. Myometrial contractibility patterns, vaginal pH, vulvar fluorescence, vascular changes, electropotential observations and blood, urinary or alveolar CO2 patterns are less helpful. Clinical signs and symptoms are unreliable parameters. Enzymatic variations in body fluids may yet disclose impending ovulation.