Acceptability of a home monitor used to aid in conception: psychosocial factors and couple dynamics

Author affiliations (2)
  • University of Tennessee at Knoxville ROR
  • University of Florida ROR

Contraception, 73(1), 65-71, 2005

DOI 10.1016/j.contraception.2005.07.008 PMID 16371298

Abstract

Background

Assessing the psychological acceptability of technologies designed to assist couples in achieving pregnancy is complex.

Objective

The current study developed measures relating to the impact of one such technology on 52 couples' relationships, their feelings relating to pregnancy status and their feelings about the technology itself.

Methods

Pregnancy status and daily logs of sexual activity were recorded for four menstrual cycles, in addition to the completion of acceptability questionnaires.

Results

Baseline acceptability measures were more favorable among couples eventually achieving pregnancy. For couples not becoming pregnant, acceptability declined over time and relationships became more strained. Behavioral data clearly indicated a "targeting" and focusing of sexual activity in response to the information displayed by the monitor.

Conclusion

Expectations of success, couple disagreements about prior failure and partner communication patterns appear to be related to pregnancy success when using such technology.

Topics

home fertility monitor acceptability couple dynamics, fertility technology psychosocial impact couples trying to conceive, Severy fertility monitor acceptability pregnancy achievement, electronic fertility monitor relationship strain conception, couple communication patterns fertility technology use, timed intercourse fertility monitor behavioral targeting, psychological impact fertility monitoring sexual activity, home ovulation monitor couple acceptability prospective study, fertility device expectations pregnancy success predictors, sexual behavior changes fertility awareness technology
PMID 16371298 16371298 DOI 10.1016/j.contraception.2005.07.008 10.1016/j.contraception.2005.07.008

Cite this article

Severy, L. J., Robinson, J., Findley-Klein, C., & McNulty, J. (2006). Acceptability of a home monitor used to aid in conception: psychosocial factors and couple dynamics. *Contraception*, *73*(1), 65-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2005.07.008

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