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.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 14, 2012
Accepted:
October 6,
2012
Received in revised form:
October 4,
2012
Received:
June 6,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
