What is the KNOWHEN® Advanced Ovulation Test Kit?
The KNOWHEN® Advanced Ovulation Test is a clinically proven saliva-based method for determining a woman’s most fertile days during each menstrual cycle. This daily use kit uses only a mini-microscope and a drop of saliva for highly accurate results. After the saliva has dried, the user checks the lens. On the most fertile days, a distinct “ferning” pattern appears. This method of testing is completely natural as well as simple to use, unlike messy urine sticks.
Is saliva a more accurate predictor of fertility than urine?
Yes. Urine tests track a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which usually happens somewhat abruptly and only about 36 hours before ovulation. On the other hand, saliva testing measures a far more gradual increase of estrogen that occurs prior to or during ovulation, and thus gives the user a greater planning “window” -- predicting her five most fertile days during her cycle. In addition, fertility drugs and medications influence the LH levels in the urine and thus invalidate test results. Smoking and eating can affect saliva ovulation test results, but as long as the user follows the instructions, they are more than 98% effective even with medications.
How does KNOWHEN® differ from urine test kits?
First, there’s a huge cost differentiation. Although the average unit price of urine tests is cheaper than the KNOWHEN® Saliva Ovulation Test upon initial purchase, the KNOWHEN® costs less in the long run. A KNOWHEN® Saliva Test is a one-time purchase, and can last years with daily use, while urine strips must be disposed of after one use and replenished every 30 days.
How does KNOWHEN® compare to the BBT (basal body temperature method)?
The basal body temperature method (which means taking your temperature first thing in the morning before getting out of bed) has been used for years to detect ovulation, however it is only effective in showing that ovulation has already occurred. For many years this was the only method available to help women monitor their ovulation pattern when trying to get pregnant.
On average women have eleven to twelve chances per year to get pregnant, and having intercourse before, during and after ovulation will dramatically increase her chance of getting pregnant. The KNOWHEN® Advanced Ovulation Test Kit not only shows a woman when she has ovulated, but shows her the crucial few days prior to ovulation when she is most fertile and has a higher probability of conceiving.
What role does KNOWHEN® play in my overall reproductive health?
More than a simple ovulation test, KNOWHEN® also comes with a free personal fertility monitoring app, allowing women to track their ovulation, menstrual cycles, and sexual activity throughout their reproductive years. This not only gives her a better understanding of her reproductive health, but also creates a storehouse of invaluable, long-term information to share with her healthcare provider as needed.
When is the best time to use the KNOWHEN® Advanced Ovulation Test Kit?
For accurate, reliable test results the ONLY recommended time to test saliva is first thing in the morning before brushing your teeth, eating or drinking. Certain factors such as food, alcohol or smoking may negatively affect the analysis of saliva. Therefore, we recommend not eating or drinking anything before the test.
Can I use the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test during menstruation?
It can be used at any point in the menstrual cycle. It is a good idea to use it every day, even during the menstrual cycle, to make testing part of your daily morning routine. It is not unheard of to accidentally ovulate during a menstrual cycle and get pregnant.
Can the KNOWHEN® give me misleading results?
Yes. If you test your saliva at any other time than first thing in the morning you can get a false result. Any food or drink you consume that contains salt can change your result and this is why we recommend testing first thing in the morning when saliva is uncontaminated.
Will I need more than one KNOWHEN® Advanced Ovulation Test Kit?
Women that travel often, or live in two locations, frequently purchase more than one KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test for personal convenience.
What will the monitor show if I am already pregnant?
In most cases, the reading will only show a dotted infertile picture.
Why do some women have regular menstrual cycles and still have a problem conceiving?
Menstrual cycles and ovulation cycles are separate. An estrogen surge or ovulation may not occur every time you menstruate.
Will I see ovulation at the same time each month?
While it is possible to ovulate at the same time each month, most women do not. Women who do ovulate at or near the same time each month can attribute this to a second estrogen surge near the end of their cycle. Some women over the age of 27 ovulate only once every 10 months.
Have any clinical studies been done on the KNOWHEN®?
Yes. Several clinical trials have been done on the KNOWHEN® Advanced Ovulation Test Kit and all the results show a 98+% accuracy rate on the day of ovulation, which appears as a fern pattern on the microscope. The studies correlated the detection of a surge in the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) present in the body at the time when ovulation is about to occur and shows the appearance of a fern pattern within dried saliva on the KNOWHEN® mini-ovulation microscope. According to the Clinical Study that was published in 2015 in the U.S., "THE DETECTION OF A SALIVARY FERNING PATTERN USING THE KNOWHEN OVULATION MONITORING SYSTEM AS AN INDICATOR OF OVULATION”, it was indicated that the presence or absence of a ferning pattern in saliva correlated or was the same as the actual documentation of ovulation using transvaginal ultrasound examination and blood tests.
Can I show my fern pattern results to someone?
Yes, just do not touch or disturb the saliva. Undisturbed saliva will keep its fern pattern results as long as it is not touched, disturbed or subjected to other environmental changes.
How do I clean my KNOWHEN® microscope lens?
After the saliva from your daily use dries and you have viewed and recorded the results, simply wipe the lens with the special cloth provided in the kit and it will be clean and ready for the next use. Do NOT rinse off with water or any other cleaning solution, which can damage the lens.
How long does the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test last?
With careful use the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test can last years, as long as you do not get it wet, drop it, or interfere with the light housing unit.
How long does the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test battery last?
Under normal use the batteries in the KNOWHEN® device will last several years.
Are there any side effects?
Absolutely not! KNOWHEN® is completely natural, uses no chemicals and does not interfere with the body’s natural processes.
How long does the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test light last?
Under normal conditions the KNOWHEN® light will last several years, but if you drop the device the light could break. If this happens you will need to order a completely new Light Housing System.
Why is the picture unclear?
There are several explanations. You may have applied too much saliva, the saliva has not completely dried, the picture has not been focused, or the diopter has not been adjusted. Simply twist the lens and adjust the focus.
Can an oral or gynecologic infection affect the picture results of the device?
It might. Certain types of infections and diseases may affect the saliva crystalline structure.
Can I share the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test with someone else?
Yes but for reasons of convenience and hygiene, we don't recommend it.
The light on the device is not turning on. What should I do?
The light system is designed for long-term use. Considering that the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test should not be stored in the bathroom or in other humid areas, your batteries should last at least a year or more if kept in dry conditions. We do not have control over the warehousing conditions of retailers where you purchased the product, so we recommend that you make sure the batteries inside your device are kept clean and dry.
Health Questions:
My menstrual cycle is irregular, can I still use KNOWHEN®?
Yes. Nobody is more familiar with your monthly cycle than you. Fertility cycles average 28 days, but can be much shorter or longer. The KNOWHEN® Advanced Ovulation Test can help you determine the window of time you are ovulating each month, and this is not dependent on your cycles being regular.
What will the monitor show if I am already pregnant?
In most cases, the reading will only show a dotted infertile picture.
Why do some women have regular menstrual cycles and still have a problem conceiving?
Menstrual cycles and ovulation cycles are separate. An estrogen surge or ovulation may not occur every time you menstruate.
Will I see ovulation at the same time each month?
You may although most women do not. For those women who do ovulate at or near the same time each month can attribute this to a second estrogen surge near the end of their cycle. Some women over the age of 27 ovulate only once every 10 months.
Have any clinical studies been done on the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test?
Yes. Several clinical trials have been done on the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test and all the results show a 98+% accuracy rate on the day of ovulation, which appears as a fern pattern on the microscope. The studies correlated the detection of a surge in the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) present in the body at the time when ovulation is about to occur and shows the appearance of a fern pattern within dried saliva on the KNOWHEN® mini-ovulation microscope.
Why not use the traditional Basal Body Temperature Method to detect ovulation?
Using the Basal Body Temperature (which means taking your temperature first thing in the morning before you get out of bed) has been used for years to detect ovulation BUT it will only show you that ovulation has occurred. For many years this was the only method available to help women monitor their ovulation pattern when trying to get pregnant.
On average women have eleven to twelve chances per year to get pregnant, and having intercourse before, during and after ovulation will dramatically increase your chances of getting pregnant. The KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test not only shows a woman when she has ovulated, but shows her the crucial few days prior to ovulation when she is most fertile and has a higher probability of conceiving.
Can fertility drugs affect the results seen on the KNOWHEN® Ovulation Test?
Yes, and this is why if you have monitored your ovulation cycle for a few months prior to taking traditional infertility medication, you will know your normal pattern. Knowing your normal pattern allows you to see the effect of traditional infertility medication on your cycle and it can help you detect when ovulation is about to occur.
Can I show my fern pattern results to someone?
Yes, just do not touch or disturb the saliva. Undisturbed saliva will keep its fern pattern results as long as it is not touched, disturbed or subjected to other environmental changes.