Zykluscomputer und -Apps

Abstract

Background: New cycle computers and fertility apps appear on the market almost daily, which promise to support women in the determination of their fertile days. Objective and methods: In the study the credibility of cycle computers and apps was assessed according to certain criteria. The various cycle computers and apps were assessed based on the results of own published studies on this topic and publications on determination of the fertile window. Results: For some of the cycle computers own results are available, sometimes in comparative studies. New ways of recording intravaginal temperatures and continuous temperature measurement procedures have made the development of new devices possible but objective results generated by prospective studies on effectiveness are not available. For hormone computers efficiency data reported in the literature from Europe and the USA differ, sometimes greatly but comparative prospective efficiency studies are practically completely lacking. There is a similar situation with devices for measuring resistance. With apps there are principally two different versions available on the market: calender and symptom-based apps; however, no results from good effectiveness studies are available. Conclusion: Prospective efficiency studies must still be carried out for the majority of these developments. Otherwise the user will be consciously misled.