Randomized comparison of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning

Richard J. Fehring; Mary Schneider; Kathleen Raviele; Dana Rodriguez; Jessica Pruszynski

doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.010

Randomized comparison of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning

Richard J. Fehring, Mary Schneider, Kathleen Raviele, Dana Rodriguez, Jessica Pruszynski

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

44 Scopus citations

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.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	24-30
Number of pages	7
Journal	Contraception
Volume	88
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.010
State	Published - Jul 2013

Keywords

Family planning
Fertility monitoring
Fertility-awareness-based methods
Natural family planning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Reproductive Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology

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10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.010

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title = "Randomized comparison of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning",

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 = "Family planning, Fertility monitoring, Fertility-awareness-based methods, Natural family planning",

author = "Fehring, {Richard J.} and Mary Schneider and Kathleen Raviele and Dana Rodriguez and Jessica Pruszynski",

note = "Funding Information: This study was funded by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service (Office of Population Affairs) (number FPRPA006034-02-01 ). We thank Susana Crespo, BSN, RN, for her moni toring and consulting with the Spanish-speaking participants in this study. ",

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AU - Raviele, Kathleen

AU - Rodriguez, Dana

AU - Pruszynski, Jessica

N1 - Funding Information: This study was funded by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service (Office of Population Affairs) (number FPRPA006034-02-01 ). We thank Susana Crespo, BSN, RN, for her moni toring and consulting with the Spanish-speaking participants in this study.

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N2 - 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.

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Randomized comparison of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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