Fertility Computers
A fertility computer, or fertility monitor, is a handheld device that tells a woman which days of the month intercourse may result in pregnancy.
There are several different types of fertility computers, some that can predict fertility based on hormones that are present in a women's urine (Persona, ClearPlan), and others that can determine fertility based on a woman's basal temperature (LadyComp, BabyComp). Fertility computers can be used for pregnancy prevention or to achieve pregnancy. To prevent pregnancy, a couple abstains from sex on days the device indicates the woman is fertile. No fertility computers are approved by the US FDA yet for contraception. Fertility computers for pregnancy prevention may, however, be purchased in Europe and Canada.
It is hard to say exactly how effective these methods are because not enough studies have been done by anyone other than the manufacturers of the devices. According to the manufacturers, the failure rate for perfect users is about 6% per year, but the actual rate is likely somewhat higher. The effectiveness of these methods depends heavily on the motivation of the user. Like other natual methods, this method is completely ineffective if used improperly.
Like other methods of natural family planning, there are no side effects or health risks. There are no hormones to take, chemicals that go in the body, or surgical procedures involved.
Most Christians do not have any moral objections to this type of natural birth control. Fertility computers are also acceptable to the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: Hatcher et al, Contraceptive Technology, Ardent Media, 2005.
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