Fertility Monitor

Q: I read your article "Enhancing Fertility: What Works". In the article, you mention three different methods for monitoring the most fertile days in a woman's cycle. Recently, I heard about a new method that you did not mention, called "the Cue" by a company called Zetek. I was wondering if you had ever heard of it and what your take was regarding its effectiveness. 

Thank you.  --G.A.P.

Dear G.A.P.,

Thanks for calling my attention to this new product. We have updated the fertility article and it now includes information about this product.  I have no experience with this product, but can share the following information about it.

The Cue™ is a new product which helps identify peak fertility days.  Like the Clear Plan Easy Fertility Monitor™, it is a palm-sized electronic monitoring system. Unlike the Clear Plan Monitor, it is based upon measuring the electrolyte changes (sodium and potassium) in the saliva that accompany ovulation and peak fertility. (The Clear Plan monitor measures LH and estriol in the urine.) The Cue gives a user up to 7 days advance notice of ovulation, whereas the Clear Plan Monitor identifies a user's 5-6 most fertile days.  Using an additional vaginal sensor (purchased separately), the Cue will also confirm ovulation on the day it occurs.  The Cue costs $385 and the optional vaginal sensor costs an additional $85.  The manufacturer, Zetek, will also rent these monitors for $45 per month.  A more advanced model, OvaCue is able to store and retrieve data from month to month. This monitor costs $485, plus $85 for the vaginal sensor.

To use the Cue, you simply put a spoon-sized sensor on your tongue for eight seconds each morning and record the number shown on the Cue's digital display. These readings are then plotted on the accompanying "Cue Chart", which will enable you to identify the 5-7 days before ovulation.  To use the vaginal sensor, insert it into the vagina (it's about the size of a tampon) and connect it to the unit to take an eight second reading. These readings are plotted on the Cue Charts and will drop and then rise sharply if ovulation has occurred.

Couples who are ready to get pregnant should plan for intercourse the day the Cue Peak is identified and every other day after that until ovulation is confirmed. Once ovulation is confirmed, wait 2-3 weeks. If your menstrual period does not begin, a pregnancy test may be in order.

For more information about this product, go to www.zetek.com.

Created: 4/30/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.