Abstract

MURCIA-LORA, José María  and  ESPARZA-ENCINA, María Luisa. THE FERTILE WINDOW AND BIOMARKERS: A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF NORMAL OVULATION CYCLES. pers.bioét. [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.2, pp.149-165. ISSN 0123-3122.

The purpose of this article is to review the principle concepts in literature concerning the fertile window in patients with normal menstrual cycles. The basic concepts of ovulation are examined as well. The primary emphasis is on an analysis of Brown's theory of ovulation and a look at the basic concepts concerning secretion, the metabolism of follicle-stimulating hormones, and clinical, ultrasound and biochemical study of the follicular development of the fertile window. Also examined are the clinical biomarkers and the different endocrinal metabolites that have been tested in the fertile phase of the cycle. A number of studies are reviewed in which measured concentrations of sex steroid hormones in plasma and urine were shown to have a direct bearing on identifying the fertile period. This knowledge is relevant for different interest groups, particularly couples who are interested in fertility awareness and can benefit by applying currently available technical know-how to detect the fertile window. Couples involved in fertility regulation programs (FRP) who want to prevent pregnancy can benefit as well, as can those who want to pinpoint the most fertile time for becoming pregnant. Other target groups include persons who have no experience with FRP courses, but would like to improve their fertility awareness through a short interview, or couples who are looking for pregnancy options through NaProTechnology programs or have taken family orientation courses.

Keywords : Fertility; reproduction; biological markers; ovulation.

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