Spinnbarkeit and Cervical Discharge in the Fertile Window: A look at Biotechnology applied to NaProTechnology

Murcia Lora JM; Martínez Martínez O; Simoni D; Jennifer Simoni; Martínez Calvo M; Falces de Andrés A

Journal of Labor and Childbirth, 1(2), 03, 2018

Spinnbarkeit and Cervical Discharge in the Fertile Window: A look at Biotechnology applied to NaProTechnology

Murcia Lora JM, Martínez Martínez O, Simoni D, Simoni J, Martínez Calvo M, Falces de Andrés A

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Le Moyne College ROR

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Abstract

Design

Observational Study.

Objective

The objective of the study was to contrast the evolution and progression of the viscoelasticity of the cervical secretion in the fertile window of ovulatory menstrual cycles compared with a software tool.

Interventions

12 records obtained by vaginal discharge of the cervical secretion (VDRS) analyzed by means of the key filament of the Creighton Model Fertility (CrMS), and a computer software tool applied to the recognition of viscoelasticity.

Main Outcome Measure

Peak day of cervical discharge “P” established as the estimated day of ovulation (EDO). The clinical window in this article was established as CFW: (mucus-mucus: CrMS/filancia) by retrospective evaluation of the aforementioned scale taking into account the previous 6 days at peak day: P (-6). The calculated fertile window was defined as SFW: (Soft-CrMS/filancia), which was obtained from an applied computer tool, SFW: (Soft-CrMS/filancia) was calculated without contributing EDO to the integration of the computer calculation. The verification and justification of the calculation of the fertile window was based on the analysis of the progression of the elasticity of the cervical secretion. The methodology used consisted of comparing the two fertile windows with EDO. To check the evolution in the characterization of the viscoelasticity parameter of cervical secretion, the last day of maximum fertility was established, with the letter “P” of peak day, according to the rules of recognition of the Peak day of CrMS.

Results

The fertile window was detected in 100% of the cases with both methods. A correlation coefficient of 0.71 was obtained, between the clinical fertile window detected by means of the parameter of viscoelasticity of the cervical secretion, and the prediction of viscoelasticity by means of a software computer tool. Analysis of the interval using SFW (Soft-CrMS / filance) showed a normal distribution with a mean of 5.08 (SD of + - 2.87). In this context, it is evident that as soon as the cervical mucus stretches more, and the elasticity increases, both the days before the peak day and the days after the vescoelasticity parameter it was possible to record it. Within another of the biophysical parameters, the characteristics of the last days of maximum fertility were taken into account through the concept of: Last Max Spinbarkheit (LMS) & Transparency by “K” of CrMS LMS

Conclusion

The assessment of viscoelasticity using Spinbarkheit/ streching algoritm allowed in this pilot study to detect the fertile window, and to describe the evolutionary pattern of cervical discharge throughout the fertile window. The determination of the filancia and combination of transparency parameters may in conjunction detect by a clinical method to identify and describe the fertile window. The assessment of viscoelasticity using Spinbarkheit allowed in this pilot series to detect the fertile window in 100% of the cases, and it was possible to describe the evolutionary pattern of cervical secretion throughout the menstrual cycle. The fertile window interval can be observed with a 75% accuracy rate by viscoelasticity. The prediction in the progression of the elasticity pattern of the cervical secretion allows detecting the typical evolution of the cervical secretion in 70% around the peak day of ovulation. The determination of the filancia is a parameter that in conjunction with a clinical method can help to identify and characterize the fertile window.

Topics

Fertility Awareness: Technology Cycle Tracking Apps
Menstrual Cycle: Cycle Biomarkers Cervical Mucus
Diagnostics: Cycle Biomarkers Cervical Mucus Monitoring

Murcia Lora et al. 2018, Murcia Lora 2018

Cite this article

Murcia Lora, J. M., Martínez Martínez, O., Simoni, D., Simoni, J., Martínez Calvo, M., & Falces de Andrés, A. (2018). Spinnbarkeit and Cervical Discharge in the Fertile Window: A look at Biotechnology applied to NaProTechnology. Journal of Labor and Childbirth, 1(2), 03.

Biomarkers · Cervical Mucus

Fertile window and biophysical biomarkers of cervical secretion in subfertile cycles: a look at biotechnology applied to NaProTechnology

Lora J et al., 2022 Clin. Exp. Obstet. Gynecol. Open Access

The principal objective of this study was to correlate biophysical properties of vaginal discharge present in the cervical mucus with the timing of the fertile window. In particular, we produce measures of the viscoelasticity of the cervical secretion using two methods. The first uses only the elasticity extracted from the Creighton Model Fertility Care System (CrMs) scale, calculated P-6 ovulation estimated day (OED) with respect to the peak day of the CrMs. The second uses a numerical method that takes into account the changes in viscoelasticity, but without reference to the peak day calculated using the CrMs model. Using both methods, twelve records were obtained from a single female subject. The methodology used to evaluate the viscoelasticity factor was by measuring the approximate length in centimeters (cm) of the vaginal discharge of cervical discharge. For this, the scale of the stretching graph established by observing the stretching of CrMS was used, taking into account the previous 6 days at peak day P-6. The first method, which we termed CFW (Clinical Fertile Window), uses a measure based on the approximate length (cm) of the maximal stretchiness of the vaginal discharge. The second method we termed SFW (Software-CrMS/strectching) (Software-based Fertile Window). The fertile window was detected correctly in 100% of the cases using either method, and a correlation value of 0.71 was observed between the two methods. We conclude that the assessment of viscoelasticity using SFW algorithm allowed in this pilot study to detect the fertile window and to describe the evolution pattern of cervical discharge throughout the fertile window. Our study provides support for the use of computational methods in detecting the fertile window, taking only into account the time evolution of the cervical discharge throughout the menstrual cycle.

NaProTechnology · Protocols and Framework

Naprotechnologia – szansa na potomstwo czy oszustwo?

Kandzia T, 2021 Sympozjum

NaProTECHNOLOGY – a chance for offspring or fraud? In the media space in Poland, you can meet the concept of Naprotechnology as an alternative to the in vitro procedure. Often, many myths and untruths appear in the discussion regarding this method of treatment. Naprotechnology is a new look at the health of women and men created by prof. Thomas Hilgers. It takes into account natural fertility biomarkers thanks to observation with the Creighton Model based on the female mucus. At every stage of diagnosis and treatment, Naprotechnology respects human life from the moment of conception and the mutual dignity of the spouses. It also does not use assisted reproductive procedures for ethical reasons. Naprotechnology is part of the broader scientific discipline of restorative medicine in infertility. Thanks to the accurate diagnosis and observation of the cycle, it is possible to correctly diagnose the cause of infertility. A proper diagnosis is the starting point for the implementation of specialized pharmacological and surgical treatment for both women and men. Properly used Naprotechnology and restorative medicine are highly effective in treating marital infertility. W przestrzeni medialnej w Polsce można spotkać pojęcie Naprotechnologii jako alternatywy dla procedury in vitro. Często w dyskusji pojawia się wiele mitów i nieprawdy dotyczących takiego sposobu leczenia. Naprotechnologia, stworzona przez prof. Thomasa Hilgersa, jest nowym spojrzeniem na zdrowie kobiety i mężczyzny. Uwzględnia ona naturalne biomarkery płodności dzięki obserwacji za pomocą Modelu Creighton bazującego na kobiecym śluzie. Na każdym etapie diagnostyki i leczenia Naprotechnologia szanuje ludzkie życie od samego poczęcia oraz wzajemną godność małżonków. Nie stosuje ona też procedur wspomaganego rozrodu z powodów etycznych. Naprotechnologia jest częścią szerszej dyscypliny naukowej, jaką jest przyczynowe leczenie niepłodności. Dzięki dokładnej diagnostyce i obserwacji cyklu możliwe jest postawienie prawidłowej diagnozy dotyczącej przyczyny niepłodności. Właściwa diagnoza jest punktem wyjścia dla wdrożenia specjalistycznego leczenia farmakologicznego i chirurgicznego zarówno wobec kobiety, jak i mężczyzny. Prawidłowo stosowana Naprotechnologia i przyczynowe leczenie niepłodności cechują się wysoką skutecznością leczenia niepłodności małżeńskiej.

Effectiveness · Comparative Effectiveness

Comparison of woman-picked, expert-picked, and computer-picked Peak Day of cervical mucus with blinded urine luteinising hormone surge for concurrent identification of ovulation

Chang CP et al., 2020 Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol

Previous research has demonstrated that women instructed in fertility awareness methods can identify the Peak Day of cervical mucus discharge for each menstrual cycle, and the Peak Day has high agreement with other indicators of the day of ovulation. However, previous studies enrolled experienced users of fertility awareness methods or were not fully blinded. To assess the agreement between cervical mucus Peak Day identified by fertile women without prior experience on assessing cervical mucus discharge with the estimated day of ovulation (1 day after urine luteinising hormone surge). This study is a secondary analysis of data from a randomised trial of the Creighton Model FertilityCare(TM) System (CrM), conducted 2003-2006, for women trying to conceive. Women who had no prior experience tracking cervical mucus recorded vulvar observations daily using a standardised assessment of mucus characteristics for up to seven menstrual cycles. Four approaches were used to identify the Peak Day. The referent day was defined as one day after the first identified day of luteinising hormone (LH) surge in the urine, assessed blindly. The percentage of agreement between the Peak Day and the referent day of ovulation was calculated. Fifty-seven women with 187 complete cycles were included. A Peak Day was identified in 117 (63%) cycles by women, 185 (99%) cycles by experts, and 187 (100%) by computer algorithm. The woman-picked Peak Day was the same as the referent day in 25% of 117 cycles, within ±1 day in 58% of cycles, ±2 days in 84%, ±3 days in 87%, and ±4 days in 92%. The ±1 day and ± 4 days' agreement was 50% and 90% for the expert-picked and 47% and 87% for the computer-picked Peak Day, respectively. Women's daily tracking of cervical mucus is a low-cost alternative for identifying the estimated day of ovulation.

Effectiveness · Fertile Window Estimation

Stratification of fertility potential according to cervical mucus symptoms: achieving pregnancy in fertile and infertile couples

Marshell M et al., 2019 Hum Fertil (Camb)

Women wishing to conceive are largely unaware of fertility symptoms at the time of ovulation. This study investigated the effectiveness of fertility-awareness in achieving pregnancy, particularly fertile mucus pattern, in the context of infertility. The 384 eligible participants were taken from consecutive women desiring pregnancy who attended 17 Australian Billings Ovulation Method(®) clinics from 1999-2003. This cohort included couples with infertility ≥12 months (51%) and female age >35 years (28%). Under fertility-awareness instruction, pregnancy was achieved by 240 couples (62.5%) after maximum follow-up of two years. Mucus symptom observations effectively stratified 'low pregnancy-potential' (35.2%) and 'high pregnancy-potential' groups. Pregnancy rates were ∼30% higher in the latter group (44.4% versus 72.3%) in addition to consistent effects observed on pregnancy achievements within subgroups defined by prognostic factors such as duration of infertility (p = 0.001) and increasing female age (p = 0.04). Fertile symptoms were also associated with significantly shorter time to conception (4.2 versus 6.4 months) in a survival analysis (p = 0.003). Billings Ovulation Method(®) observations strongly predicted successful conception. This has the capacity to provide a rapid, reliable and cost-effective approach to stratifying fertility potential, including directing timely and targeted investigations/management, and is accessible for women who may be remote from primary or specialist care.

Spinnbarkeit and Cervical Discharge in the Fertile Window: A look at Biotechnology applied to NaProTechnology

Abstract

Topics

Cite this article

Related articles

Fertile window and biophysical biomarkers of cervical secretion in subfertile cycles: a look at biotechnology applied to NaProTechnology

Naprotechnologia – szansa na potomstwo czy oszustwo?

Comparison of woman-picked, expert-picked, and computer-picked Peak Day of cervical mucus with blinded urine luteinising hormone surge for concurrent identification of ovulation

Stratification of fertility potential according to cervical mucus symptoms: achieving pregnancy in fertile and infertile couples