Randomized comparison of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning

  • DeKalb Medical Center ROR
  • Marquette University ROR
  • Medical College of Wisconsin ROR

Contraception, 88(1), 24-30

DOI 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.010 PMID 23153900

Abstract

Background

The aim was to compare the efficacy and acceptability of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning.

Study Design

Six hundred and sixty-seven women and their male partners were randomized into either an electronic hormonal fertility monitor (EHFM) group or a cervical mucus monitoring (CMM) group. Both groups utilized a Web site with instructions, charts and support. Acceptability was assessed online at 1, 3 and 6 months. Pregnancy rates were determined by survival analysis.

Results

The EHFM participants (N=197) had a total pregnancy rate of 7 per 100 users over 12 months of use compared with 18.5 for the CMM group (N=164). The log rank survival test showed a significant difference (p<.01) in survival functions. Mean acceptability for both groups increased significantly over time (p<.0001). Continuation rates at 12 months were 40.6% for the monitor group and 36.6% for the mucus group.

Conclusion

In comparison with the CMM, the EHFM method of family planning was more effective. All users had an increase in acceptability over time. Results are tempered by the high dropout rate.

Topics

Fehring electronic hormonal fertility monitor family planning efficacy, internet supported fertility awareness method randomized trial, cervical mucus monitoring vs hormonal fertility monitor pregnancy rates, Clearblue fertility monitor family planning effectiveness, web-based fertility awareness method instruction support, EHFM vs CMM randomized comparison family planning, fertility awareness based methods dropout continuation rates, Fehring Schneider online fertility monitoring RCT, Marquette method electronic fertility monitor pregnancy rate, fertility awareness method acceptability over time
PMID 23153900 23153900 DOI 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.010 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.010

Cite this article

Fehring, R. J., Schneider, M., Raviele, K., Rodriguez, D., & Pruszynski, J. (2013). Randomized comparison of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning. *Contraception*, *88*(1), 24-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.010

Related articles