An Affordable, Accurate Fertility Saliva Ovulation Test
Designed by leading fertility expert, Dr. Amos Grunebaum, ObGyn, Fertile-Focus is the affordable high-quality saliva-based fertility test (or personal ovulation microscope) that predicts ovulation – up to 72 hours in advance.
Fertile-Focus allows you to identify their most fertile days by testing and viewing the visual changes that take place in saliva throughout the monthly cycle. Just prior to ovulation, women experience an “estrogen surge,” and a distinct fern-like pattern becomes visible in saliva due to the hormonal changes. Fertile-Focus provides the highest quality, powerful 50x magnification lens for easily identifying these crystal “ferning” patterns.
Ranked as a top customer favorite for quality, convenience and price, Fertile-Focus offers accuracy without the mess and monthly expense of urine ovulation tests.
All-natural, hygienic, and effortless to use, the technique of ovulation microscopy is also backed by published research. For women who are trying to conceive, ovulation microscopy has been found to be a highly accurate method. Ideal for women with both regular or irregular menstrual cycles, Fertile-Focus offers you a natural and affordable way to increase your chances of conception.
Actual customer photo of her ferning pattern just prior to ovulation.
To use Fertile Focus, simply place a drop of saliva from under your tongue on the lens. Once the sample has dried (typically within 5 minutes), press the LED light button and view resultant pattern through the lab-quality magnifying lens. If you are ovulating – or if you’re about to ovulate – a distinct “ferning” crystal-like pattern can be viewed. This is your indication that it’s time to make love for babymaking purposes!
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IMPORTANT - Reviews represent the experiences of individual customers only, and are not intended to serve as an indication of generally expected results. This product is not intended to cure, prevent, or treat any disease, and is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Highlights
- High quality – 50x magnifying high quality lens.
- Clear, easy-to-read results.
- Reusable for unlimited tests, with long-lasting replaceable battery.
- All-natural, safe and hygienic.
- Discreetly packaged in a durable metal lipstick-design case.
- Simple, 5-minute results without messy urine LH testing.
Instructions
Fertile-Focus is a personal ovulation microscope that allows you to predict ovulation – your most fertile time of the month to conceive. When a woman is about to ovulate, her saliva begins to form a distinct crystal, fern-like pattern due to an increase in hormone levels – as seen through Fertile-Focus. This “ferning” pattern begins to appear around 3 to 5 days prior to ovulation, allowing you to predict peak fertility.
Using Fertile-Focus Ovulation Microscope
With Fertile-Focus, PULL the lens from the tube and add a drop of saliva. Let the sample dry. In about five minutes, view the sample through the microscope. Press the LED light button and focus by turning the eyepiece of the microscope. If you are ovulating – or about to ovulate – a ferning, crystal-like pattern can be viewed. NOTE: Test first thing in the morning using a sublingual saliva sample (fresh from below the tongue). Do not test after eating, drinking, smoking, or brushing teeth.
STEP 1
Carefully remove the lens by pulling it out of the casing. Pull the lens – do not unscrew.
STEP 2
Place a drop of saliva on the surface of the lens. Try to avoid creating air bubbles.
STEP 3
Allow the saliva sample to dry for at least five minutes and replace the lens into the body of the microscope.
STEP 4
Look into the lens and push the light button to observe the test result. To focus, rotate the lens while bringing it close to the eye.
Interpreting Fertile-Focus Results
 |
 |
| Not Fertile: Simple dot patterns and lines indicate no ovulation. You are not fertile at this time. |
| Transitional: Small ferning patterns – or crystal forms – appear among the spots and lines. Ovulation may occur in 3-4 days. At this time, conception is possible, though not yet likely. |
| Fertile: Strong ferning – or crystal – patterns dominate the sample. Ovulation is about to occur or already occurring. At this time, conception is likely. This is your most fertile time of the month. Conception is possible from between 5 days before to 24 hours after ovulation. |
For best results, test on a daily basis, preferably first thing in the morning before eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. Track each day’s results on a calendar or fertility chart. When you begin to see a ferning pattern, the onset of ovulation is approaching. This is the beginning of your most fertile time to conceive.
Understanding How Fertile-Focus Works
The science behind Fertile Focus is really quite simple in principle. As you approach the time of the month when you are most fertile, the level of the hormone estrogen increases in your body (see the blue line below). As the estrogen surge intensifies, so does the concentration of electrolytes (salinity) in your saliva. This is the cause of the crystal ferning patterns that indicate that you may be about to ovulate. By detecting changes in electrolytes in saliva – which are caused by an increase of the hormone estrogen – you can learn when you are most likely to conceive a baby!
The Blue Line represents the hormone estrogen that increases in your body before you ovulate – and causes the ferning patterns viewable in dry saliva samples. As the blue line rises, indicating an estrogen surge, so increases the intensity of ferning patterns, indicating that ovulation is about to take place – or is already taking place.
Notice how the blue line increases earlier than the green line? The green line is LH – or luteinizing hormone. Lh ovulation (urine) tests tell you when you are going to ovulate just a day or two before ovulation happens. Fertile Focus can alert you to when you will ovulate up to several days before peak fertility!
FAQ
Here’s our list of most frequently asked questions. If your question is not listed or you need further clarification, please contact us directly.
What is the best way to collect a saliva sample?
We recommend you collect your saliva sample prior to eating or drinking anything. We recommend that you take the sample from underneath your tongue, with the tip of your finger. You will want to ensure that you are waiting until your sample has completely dried prior to interpreting your result.
Can I test at any point in the day?
We only recommend that you test first thing in the morning (before eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth) as it will be the most accurate sample. If you were to test later on in the day, all the food and drink you’ve consumed will alter the results.
Is this reusable?
Yes, you will use the microscope daily. After each use, you will want to clean your lens with a damp cloth.
Do the results stay on the lens of the microscope until I wipe it off?
Yes, your saliva will dry on the lens and remain there until you clean it.
What should your results look like if you are pregnant OR before menstruation starts?
If you’ve conceived, you may see extended ferning patterns. You may also see ferning around menstruation.
Will my ferning pattern change if I review the results after 5 minutes?
No, your pattern will be the same. You do want to ensure that your saliva is entirely dry before interpreting the results. If you notice no patterning at the 5 minute review time, then you can either try to apply less saliva for a quicker dry time, or you can just read the results after 30-60 minutes.
What is the accuracy of this tracking tool?
The FertileFocus is 98% accurate.
What if I don’t see any results?
For the majority of your cycle, you will not see any patterning. This is completely normal! Ferning will become visible in saliva only when estrogen is present. So, as you approach your fertile window you will see transitional ferning become full ferning as estrogen increases and ovulation is approaching.
Will this product work for someone that has irregular cycles?
The FertileFocus can be used by women with irregular cycles. It may take a cycle or two to understand your specific trends, however.
How would exclusive breastfeeding affect the results?
When breastfeeding, it’s common to see more ferning patterns due to your hormonal fluctuations.
What type of battery is required?
The FertileFocus comes with a battery ready for your use. If you have to replace the battery on your unit, you will want to purchase a standard watch battery, code GPA76.
My eyes are sensitive to the light. Any tips on reviewing results?
We recommend that you use a piece of tissue to soften the light.
Can I use the FertileFocus with another tracking tool?
Yes, we highly recommend that you are using as many tracking tools as possible to best pinpoint your fertile window. If you are using the OvaCue or tracking your BBT, then we would encourage that you take these readings before taking your saliva sample for review.
In the News
Fertile Focus in the News
Video
IMPORTANT – Reviews represent the experiences of individual customers only, and are not intended to serve as an indication of generally expected results. This product is not intended to cure, prevent, or treat any disease, and is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Introduction to Fertile Focus
User Results
Customer Reviews
In the News
Research
Studies indicate that ovulation microscopy is a very accurate means of predicting fertility. As estrogen increases in the body prior to ovulation, the levels of electrolytes in saliva also increase. Elevated levels of estrogen – and corresponding salivary electrolytes – create visible ferns or ferning patterns in dry samples of saliva (when viewed under a microscope).
Research
International Review of Medical Sciences
A New Test For Female Ovulation Diagnosis
REPRINT Vol 6 – Nº 1, 1994 Edizioni Universitarie Romane Fertility Tester G. GALATI*, E.TRAPANI, M.YACOUB, M.R. TOCCACELI, G.M. GALATI,C. FIORELLI, F. BANDIERA, A. PAOLILLO // III Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” (Direttore: Prof. L. Marzetti)
Abstract
The Authors performed the saliva test on nº328 women using the Saliva Tester. In nº48 cases the test results revealed a fern-like crystallized structures as illustrated in “Figure 3″below. In nº20 cases they performed a Transvaginal Ultrasonography (T.V.U.S.). In nº16 cases (80%) they found an ovarian follicle greater than 2 cm.
To know the days of their menstrual cycle when fecundation is possible has always been a demand felt by women and this both in the case when they want to avoid it (1). Many methodologies exist that enable us to verify or not the presence of a mature ovarian follicle or its happened explosion. A very simple methodology was reached with observation and testing of the Saliva Tester; results that may be easily and directly realized by any woman, at any moment of the day, anywhere. The prospective advantages that descend as to the knowledge of the useful days for a fecundation are such that they led us to directly and correctly try this new test.
Material and Method
It has been considered the use of a mini-microscope, or “Saliva Fertility Tester”, made up of a small cylindrical body or eyepiece where we note an optical part with an opposite small slide where a sample of saliva is placed. As soon as the sample of saliva has dried, the small eyepiece body is put into a cylindrical container, that leads down to a lighting system. By focusing the lens, a fern-like characteristic crystallization is pointed out, in a very near correlation with the ovulation period (Figure 3). Out of the fertile days there are no fern-like crystallization structures seen, as pictures named “Figure 1” (during the non-fertile period) and “Figure 2” (during the intermediate period) indicate. See image below.
We have taken into consideration 328 women between 15 and 50 years old, not using OCP who were placed under our observation at the out-patients’ departments of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University “La Sapienza” in Rome. No selective principle has been adopted. We have only invited the patient to leave a sample of saliva on the slide of the mini-microscope, and afterwards age, day of the cycle in which the patient was and length of her cycle were noted. 48 women, whose sample of saliva gave the fern-like characteristically stratification were invited to undergo an ultrasonography with transvaginal sound for the control of the ovarium and of the presence or not of the pertinent follicle. 20 women accepted our request, 28 women refused.
Results
Results are reported by Tables 1,2 and 3. In Table 1 we see nº48 women of nº328 who, as far as anamnesis is concerned, are in the ovulation period; nº40 of these women gave us the picture “Figure 3” type after test, nº40 gave us the picture “Figure 2” and nº248 the picture “Figure 1” type (Table 2). At the anamnesis, nº 36 women were in the intermediate period; in all 36 cases of this group, we have noted a picture “Figure 2” type. At the anamnesis, nº 244 women were in the non-fertile period and we have noted a picture “Figure 1” type in all the 244 cases. In the Table 3, are pointed out the nº20 cases who, at the saliva test, showed a picture “Figure 3” type and have accepted to undergo sonographic control by means of transvaginal sound.
Table 1 – Number of women undergoing the saliva test, correlated to the supposed fertile or non-fertile period of the cycle.
| Day of the cycle |
Non-fertile period |
Intermediate period |
Fertile period |
Total |
| N° of women undergoing test |
244 |
36 |
48 |
328 |
Table 2 – Picture stressed by means of the saliva test.
| Stressed picture |
Figure 1 |
Figure 2 |
Figure 3 |
Total |
| N° Cases |
248 |
40 |
40 |
328 |
Table 3 – Echographic control of nº 20 women by means of picture Figure 3 type of the saliva test.
| Ovarium Echographic Control |
Follicle Absence |
Follicle < 1 cm |
Follicle > 2 cm |
| N° cases |
0 |
4 |
16 |
In 16 cases, equal to 80% of the total, an ovarian follicle has been stressed having dimension over 2 cm, in 4 cases a follicle having diameter less than 1 cm has been stressed.
References
1) Zondek B., Rozin S.: Cervical mucus arborization: its use in determining of corpus luteum function. Obstet. and Gynec., 3: 463, 1954.
2) Barbato M., Boerci M., et al.: Natural methods for fertility control. New Trends Gynaec. Obstet., 2: 325, 1986.
3) Calamera J.C., Vilar O., Nicholson R., change in sialic acid concentration in human saliva during the menstrual cycle. Int.Fertility 1986, 31; s.43-45
4) Folan J., Gosling J.P., Finn M.F., Fottrell P.F.; Solid Phase, Enzimoimmunoassay of estrone in saliva, Clin.Chem., 1989, 35; s.569-571
5) Mancuso S., Van Look P.F.A.: Natural fertility regulation today. Intern. J. Gynecol. Obstet., Suppl. I, 1989.
Conclusions
The Saliva Fertility Tester can be used to determine the fertile period: the fertile cycle will be identified with a continuous use, cycle after cycle. The Tester will also allow, by repeating every month the tests, to obtain some significant indications about the monthly cycle behavior and the hormonal situation of the woman. The Fertility Tester can be used to avoid an undesired pregnancy: the comparison of the figures given in Tables1 and 2 indicate the following: at the anamnesis n° 244 women were in the non-fertile period and we have noted a picture “Figure 1” type. In all 244 cases at the anamnesis n° 36 women were in the intermediate period; in all 36 cases of this group, we have noted a picture “Figure 2” type. In both cases we had a perfect coincidence between supposed fertile or infertile days of the cycle and tests executed with “The Saliva Fertility Tester”. At the anamnesis 48 women were in the fertile period; in 40 of them we have noted a picture “Figure 3” type. Such difference is due to the fact that 4 of them had a meal one hour before testing, thus invalidating the result, and the other 4 may have not correctly performed the test. Therefore, even if we assume that all these 8 women were in fact fertile (very unlikely), the final result of such test is that ONLY 8 women out a panel of 328, i.e. less than 3%, resulted in false negative (in fact fertile) at the saliva testing.
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Janice –
It’s a handy little product but I tried it last month and couldn’t find the point when I ovulated, perhaps it was because I was using a lightbulb to look at the sample instead of the little light as I found the little light tricky to use.
Anyway, this month I also used ovulation sticks so that I knew 100% when I ovulated so that I could then see what I was looking for when using the product. ( I know the instructions tell me what I am looking for when I ovulate but mine did not look exactly like the description). Now that I know what I am looking for I feel more confident.
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Sheri –
I am in my mid 40’s & want to know how often I am still ovulating. I realized about a year ago that I was not ovulating on a regular basis. A friend recommended this product to me. It is reusable, which had me sold right away. Also, you use it every day, which makes it an easy product to use. I am now in the habit of checking every day for signs of ovulation.
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Brittany –
I’ve been buying opks for years and I just discovered the fertile focus. It’s a reasonable price and you don’t have to pee on it or keep buying test strips. When I received the product I used the product right away to experiment with jt. It takes some time to learn the patterns but when you are fertile you will definitely know!
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Faye –
Works like a charm and is so much more cost efficient than buying an ovulation kit every month. Thanks for inventing this!!!
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Becky –
This works exactly as described. I am completely pleased & only wish I’d ordered this sooner. Amazingly clear results.
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Nosono –
This was recommended to me and I was so excited to receive it to try, as I was getting tired of the other tests, etc. Unfortunately, it didn’t even last 3 months…..since I have a blocked tube, this was yet another huge disappointment, as I technically could only conceive every other month…I never got around calling their customer service, as I just plummeted into depression and just didn’t want to deal with anything more than what I had to.
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GAMom2Be –
I highly recommend this product! After trying to conceive for 5 months in a row using the urine-based ovulation predictor strips, I finally figured that perhaps the ovulation strips just weren’t going to work for me. They often turn positive after ovulation has already occurred, which defeats the whole purpose of TTC. However, the very first cycle in which I used Fertile Focus, I became pregnant! I am now 5 weeks along with my first child and so excited! Fertile Focus worked for me because it allowed me to see the transitional time-frame leading up to ovulation, which is extremely helpful and important for timing intercourse in order to achieve pregnancy. Besides, it was just pretty neat to see how various changes could be detected in only my saliva! The ferning pattern was actually beautiful! Just remember to use the right kind of saliva for your samples. The saliva should come from UNDER your tongue, and not just anywhere in your mouth. Follow the instructions accurately and I think you’ll also find that Fertile Focus is a very helpful tool in your TTC journey.
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Yanni –
Hi, bought this Fertile focus last month. Even thou I’m on my fertile period & ovulate, I tested everyday but I still did not get any ferning patterns at all. This is disappointing indeed. It doesn’t work for me at all.
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KACYE –
Great product but the light stopped working & there seems to be no way to replace it. I had this product less than a year & only used it about a half a dozen times. Was rather disappointed with light. Was not dropped, so I know I didn’t break it.
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Jessi –
I first heard about fertility microscopes about 14 years ago, and I thought it was a fantastic idea. I’ve wanted one ever since. Then I found this one. It is the only one I found.
It is, disappointing in construction. Paying what it costs, I had imagined something a little sturdier.
Firstly, as other reviews have stated, the green light makes it harder to read (as I found out in the course of my own story with it.) the batteries died quite quickly, so I took it apart to get to them, and that flimsy little plastic tube cracked – not a big deal, the batteries themselves are annoying as I can’t find them anywhere. Just looking at the construction on the inside is so fragile it will break if you handle it wrong.
I can still use the microscope, I have to hold it up to a light source, a lightbulb, the sunlight, anything works. It also makes it much easier to read.
Also, as others have said, the instructions are a little misleading. If you put “a drop” of saliva, it will take forever to dry and be unreadable.
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Kathleen –
I do as the instructions say to do. Every morning was the same thing..spots, that is it! I did not get a “ferning” pattern while I was ovulating either. Disappointed, as I thought it would help me out.
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Hopefully Pregnant –
I have two children already and I have been trying for a third but I got a cortizone shot in my back which totally messed up my cycle. I bought fertile focus to help me specifically determine when I am ovulating. It is amazing how it transforms from nothing on the microscope to ferns all over the place! I am also using ovulation urine strips and recording my tempurature. All of these results are matching up perfectly around the time I am ovulating! So my fingers are crossed that this month works!
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Lula –
Me and my bf been struggling to get pregnant for the last
Year and half tried everything I could think of, ate better exercised
More and still nothing. Then I came across these fair heaven
Products heard some great stuff so I purchased fertilaid
For men and that cervical semen used them for about 4 months
Or so then I had a friend that told me about this fertile focus so I
Ordered it and came just in time for my ovulation:):) used it got strong
ferning got it on wit the hubby lol
Now I’m 4 weeks 3 days..super joy definitely recommend it..:)
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MM –
I get ferning almost all the time no ferning total 4 ramdom days in 2 weeks and I did not ovulated in those 2 weeks.
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Lori –
I was really hoping to use fertile focus as a core ttc tool along with bbt. I found that often I would have partial ferning that would throw off my understanding of my fertile window rather than help me understand it better. I was able to see an estrogen serge reliably at the end of my cycle and if I would catch it just right would also see full ferning mid cycle. I did like that I could use it multiple times a day, whenever I wanted. Maybe this tool works better for other women.
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Michelle –
I’ve been using this for about two months and it’s helpful in charting ovulation. The microscope is easy to use and I’ve always been able to see the ferning pattern each month. Worth the price instead of paying for strips.
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Quinn –
I ordred Fertile Focus, as well as Fertilaid for Men and Fertile CM after TTC for 6 months after a miscarriage with no luck. I had a regular 28 day cycle before the MC, but after my cycles were anywhere from 31 days-38 days. I got the products on CD 12, and decided not to take the Fertile CM thinking it was too late in my cycle for it to make a difference, although my husband used the Fertilaid for Men starting that day. I used the Fertile Focus as directed, only in the mornings before brushing my teeth, eating or drinking. On CD 16 I got a partial ferning, and on CD 17 I got partial ferning, although it was less than the day before. I’m assuming I missed my surge, but i BD as soon as I saw partial ferning on CD16, and BD on CD 17 as well. I’m very happy to say I’m 13 weeks pregnant and baby is perfectly healthy. I’m going to save my products and use them as soon as we TTC baby #2!!
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Polly Layton –
Love the microscope. I find it easier to view the lens with a small flashlight rather than the green light the microscope comes with. I bought one to give to my sister.
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Fertile-Focus Purchaser –
I used ths product about 8-9 times and then I went to place the end in to view sample (without twisting as the instructions states) and a large crack formed down the side of the cylinder… needless to say that was extremely disappointing considering how careful I was to follow the directions specifically. Fairhaven Health offered to replace it if I paid for the shipping to Canada, but in all honesty, out of principle I wasn’t going to spend another dime on this product.
It’s too bad because I think it’s a great concept, but it has a few flaws that could be improved.
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MicheleV –
1) Do NOT put the lens back on the tube with the light to see the result. It is WAAAAY too close to the light and you will only see blur. Hold the lens away from the light a couple of inches and adjust based on your vision and when it comes into focus for you. You will get very clear image this way.
2) Do NOT put a lot of saliva on the lens. NOT a drop, this is WAAAAY too much and will only result in thick dots not a true reading. It will give you a “no ferning” result. Touch under your tongue with your fingertip and smear across the lens. Very very little is all you need.
Once you get it down how LITTLE saliva is needed and how to focus the image with distance from the light, it works amazing!
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