07/11/2008 by admin.

Persona is marketed in the UK by Unipath, the makers of the Clearblue range of pregnancy tests, ovulation tests & the fertility monitor.

Persona is sold as a digital hand held unit which comes with 16 test sticks which are used in the first month to set up or calibrate the device. After this the user on average uses 6-8 Persona test sticks per month and the monitor indicates the onset of the possible fertile periods occuring in each mentrual cycle.

Persona works by monitoring the changes in hormones (Persona measures both luteinising hormone and oestrogen) which control your cycle and identifies the days when you are at significant risk of becoming pregnant.

The Persona monitor  reads, stores and uses the information from the Persona test sticks to let you know whether you are at risk of becoming pregnant (‘Red’ Day) or free to make love without a contraceptive* (‘Green’ Day).

As part of the calculation is cycle time based, women must have a regular cycle

The manufacturer lists the following as excluding Persona as a suitable method (ie You should not us Persona if…….)

PERSONA is 94% reliable when used according to the instructions and as the only method of contraception. 

Persona is often recommended by contraception clinics as “It is best for couples in stable relationships, whom are seeking to avoid

 pregnancy, but for whom an unplanned pregnancy would not be a disaster.”

Persona has a UK RRP of £64.99 for the starter pack and £9.99 for a box of 8 test sticks.

Persona Monitor and test sticks are not available on prescription and have to be purchased by the user.

Click here for more information on Discount Persona Monitor Starter Pack or to buy

Click here for more information on Discount Persona test sticks or to buy

Posted in Persona, Fertility Monitor | Print | 1 Comment »

29/10/2008 by admin.

How accurate is  the Clearblue fertility Monitor ?

The Clearblue Fertility Monitor was launched a couple of years ago under the Clearblue range of fertility products. The Clearblue fertility Monitor is 99% accurate at detecting the fertile period in each monthly cycle. It identifies peak and high fertility days to maximise the chance of conception and builds up a detailed picture of your unique hormone cycles.
The Clearblue fertility Monitor is unique in that it gives unmistakable results- the monitor interprets the results for you and displays these in words

Clearblue Fertility Monitor can maximise your chances of becoming pregnant by reliably indicating the days of your cycle when you are most likely to conceive.

Most home ovulation tests identify the 2 peak fertility days during a woman’s cycle by detecting the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation. The Clearblue Fertility Monitor not only shows these 2 peak fertility days, but ALSO identifies additional ‘high fertility days’ when you can conceive.

Is the Clearblue fertility Monitor suitable for me ?

The Clearblue Fertility Monitor is suitable for women whose natural cycle normally lasts between 21 and 42 days. The earliest you can begin to use the Monitor is the first day of your next cycle (but not before).

Certain medical conditions and medications can adversely affect the performance of the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. Women who have menopausal symptoms, polycystic ovarian syndrome, impaired liver or kidney function, are pregnant or have recently been pregnant (even if not carried to full term), may get misleading results.

Similarly misleading results may be obtained by women using antibiotics containing tetracyclines, hormonal treatments (e.g. hormonal contraception, hormone replacement therapy), fertility treatments containing human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) or Luteinising Hormone (LH), or any treatment that might affect their cycle. Clomiphene citrate may elevate estrogen levels and this may result in High Fertility being declared early in the cycle and more High Days being displayed, and in some cases the Monitor may not show Peak Fertility even when ovulation occurs.

The manufacturer recommend that women taking clomiphene citrate consult their doctor for advice before using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. Always read the manufacturers instructions for any medication that you are taking before conducting a test.

Women who have recently been breastfeeding, using hormonal treatments (e.g. hormonal contraception, including emergency contraception, fertility treatments, hormone replacement therapy), or any other treatment that might affect their cycle, may wish to wait until they have at least two natural menstrual cycles in a row (each lasting 21-42 days), before using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor.

Women who have recently been pregnant (even if not carried to full term) may still have hCG in their bodies. HCG can adversely affect the performance of the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. Therefore they are advised to wait until they have had at least two natural menstrual cycles in a row (each lasting 21-42 days), before using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor.

How do I use the Clearblue Fertility  Monitor ?

The Clearblue fertility Monitor uses test sticks whci are available in packs of 20 tests.

On the first cycle 20 sticks will be used, and in subsequent cycles an average of 10 test sticks are used.

The majority of women will need 10 Test Sticks in each subsequent cycle. However, women with irregular or long cycles may have to use 20 Test Sticks each cycle in order to detect their most fertile time.

How does the Clearblue Fertility Monitor Predict my fertile time ?

The Clearblue Fertility Monitor detects the days in each cycle when you are most fertile, and are therefore more likely to get pregnant.

It monitors the hormones: estrogen and lutenising hormone (LH).

High estrogen is associated with the appearance of ‘fertile mucus’, which is thin and slippery. Sperm can swim more easily through this mucus and can survive in it for several days. If you make love during this time, there may still be sperm present several days later, when you release an egg. When the Clearblue Fertility Monitor detects a rise in estrogen, it displays High Fertility status.

A high estrogen level triggers the surge of LH. Ovulation normally occurs 24 to 36 hours after the LH surge when the follicle ruptures, releasing an egg. Detection of the LH surge indicates that you are about to release an egg, and you are at Peak Fertility.

Where can I buy the Clearblue Fertility Monitor ?

When buying the Clearblue Fertility Monitor make sure you also purchase test sticks and batteries as they are not included with the digital monitor pack.

Click here to Buy the Clearblue Fertility Monitor online from www.buyclearblue.co.uk  

The Clearblue fertility Monitor is also widely available in chemists & pharmacies.

Posted in LH Tests, Fertility Monitor, LH Surge, Ovulation Tests, Clearblue, Fertility Tests | Print | 3 Comments »