An evaluation of the Bioself 110 electronic fertility indicator as a contraceptive aid

• Published in: Contraception (Stoneham) Vol. 44; no. 2; p. 125
• Main Authors: Flynn, A, Pulcrano, J, Royston, P, Spieler, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-08-1991
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Basal Metabolism; Body Temperature; Coitus; Contraception - methods; Electronics, Medical; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Ovulation Detection - methods; Patient Compliance; Pilot Projects; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unwanted; Contraceptive Usage; Menstrual Cycle; Contraception Failure; Research Methodology; Natural Family Planning; Contraceptive Effectiveness; Reproduction; Fertility; Fertility Measurements; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Population Characteristics; Population; Behavior; Demographic Factors; Method Acceptability; Pregnancy Rate; Basal Body Temperature Method; Evaluation; Menstruation; Northern Europe; Europe; Reproductive Behavior; United Kingdom; Contraception; Rhythm Method, Calendar; Family Planning; Studies; Pilot Projects; Developed Countries; Contraception Termination > indications; Sex Behavior; Equipment And Supplies; Family Planning, Behavioral Methods; Population Dynamics
• ISSN: 0010-7824
• DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(91)90113-T

The Bioself 110 is a hand-held electronic device that combines the BBT and calendar methods of fertility regulation for planning or preventing pregnancy. A pilot study was undertaken in three centers in the United Kingdom to evaluate the Bioself 110 as a contraceptive aid. This paper deals with 1238 cycles from 131 women. Only one unplanned pregnancy occurred where a volunteer correctly used the Bioself 110 and had intercourse on a supposedly "safe" day. A second pregnancy was experienced by a volunteer who incorrectly used the device and had intercourse on what she though was a "safe" day. Another 11 unplanned pregnancies occurred due to barrier method failures, as well as 11 pregnancies where the volunteers knowingly had unprotected intercourse during the fertile phase. There were five planned pregnancies. The Bioself 110 was correctly used in 71% of the cycles studied. Eighty-four percent of the volunteers indicated that they were satisfied with the Bioself 110 after six to twelve cycles of use. It was concluded that the Bioself 110 can serve as an effective family planning aid and should be added to the menu of contraceptive methods available to women today.