Evaluation of Salivary Ferning for Predicting Ovulation in Menstruating Women with a Normal Cycle: An Easy, Cost-effective and Noninvasive Approach

Abstract

Introduction: The erudition of the fecundity period is essential for women for both successful conceiving and effective contraception with a need for research in developing a cost-effective, easy-to-use, multiuse, home-based method for prediction of ovulation. Aim: To evaluate the ferning patterns in saliva among various phases of the menstrual cycle (Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal) in normally menstruating women using a compound light microscope. Setting and design: A total of 45 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 25 who had a regular menstrual cycle participated in the current study. Methods and materials: Selected individuals were instructed on how to collect samples and when. The presence, absence, and intensity of the ferning pattern were determined by examining the dried saliva smears under a low power objective (10×). Following the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Friedman’s Test was used to statistically analyze the data. Results: The present study’s findings indicate that among all study participants, there is a strong positive link between the occurrence of salivary ferning and the timing of ovulation. The maximum intensity of ferning is observed in the mid-day of the menstrual cycle in a subsection of women who were evaluated on multiple days in the ovulatory phase. Conclusion: The salivary fern test is a non-invasive and cost-effective method can serve as a reliable indicator of ovulation for effective conception or contraception and that the technique can be taught easily and effectively to the participants. Clinical significance: The presence of the salivary ferning pattern throughout the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle will serve as an aid in defining the women’s fertile time and, consequently, will further help for successful conception or contraception.