In the 70's the oft-used temperature charts were used religiously to
determine whether or not ovulation was taking place or not in most
fertility clinics across Australia; but I can remember many instances as
an intern when couples relied upon the very slight (in most) rise in
temperature to plan their monthly condom-free love-making OR the change in
vaginal discharge (amount & consistency)which also supposedly occurs
with ovulation.
I think most physicians would agree that the now accurate hormonal
assays available are the only reliable method to pinpoint ovulation and
that the supposed "subjective sensations" in the pelvic area along with
temperature charts and vaginal discharge be relegated to 'rough guess-
work' at best.
With due respect the number of various pelvic (and elsewhere)
sensations of unknown aetiology - but mostly attributed to hormonal
variability in the form of PMT, peri-menopausal, taking the OC pill etc.-
are so numerous it would take some expert 'detective work' to seperate one
from the other.
Rapid Response:
Reply to response by James Bogash 17/11/00
In the 70's the oft-used temperature charts were used religiously to
determine whether or not ovulation was taking place or not in most
fertility clinics across Australia; but I can remember many instances as
an intern when couples relied upon the very slight (in most) rise in
temperature to plan their monthly condom-free love-making OR the change in
vaginal discharge (amount & consistency)which also supposedly occurs
with ovulation.
I think most physicians would agree that the now accurate hormonal
assays available are the only reliable method to pinpoint ovulation and
that the supposed "subjective sensations" in the pelvic area along with
temperature charts and vaginal discharge be relegated to 'rough guess-
work' at best.
With due respect the number of various pelvic (and elsewhere)
sensations of unknown aetiology - but mostly attributed to hormonal
variability in the form of PMT, peri-menopausal, taking the OC pill etc.-
are so numerous it would take some expert 'detective work' to seperate one
from the other.
Competing interests: No competing interests