Basal Temperature, Cervical Mucous, and Both Combination as Diagnostic Tools to Detect Ovulation

Akurasi Suhu Basal Tubuh, Lendir Serviks, dan Kombinasi Keduanya sebagai Alat Pendeteksi Ovulasi

Abstract

Objective: To make basal body temperature examination and
cervical mucus as an alternative examination in detecting
ovulation, especially in health facilities that do not have ultrasound.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient
clinic of RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo in the year
2016-2017. A total of 49 infertile female patients who had normal
menstrual cycles were asked to participate and performed
basal body temperature measurements, cervical mucus
sampling and transvaginal ultrasound examination, the data
are subsequently grouped into 3 Days Estimated Ovulation
(DEO); DEO-2 days, DEO and DEO+ 2 days. Diagnostic tests
were performed and accurate comparison between basal body
temperature, cervical mucus and a combination of both were
later assessed.

Results: The best accuracy was found on cervical mucus and
combination of both with 65% in detecting ovulation, whilst
the lowest was basal body temperature (59%) with sensitivity
46.7%, and specificity 78.9%. Cervical mucus in diagnosing
ovulation has a sensitivity of 70% and specificity 57.8%. The
combination of temperature-cervical mucus in diagnosing ovulation
has sensitivity of 46.67% and specificity of 94.73%.

Conclusion: Cervical mucus examination has better accuracy compared
with basal body temperature examination in detecting ovulation.
Further research for validating these diagnostic tools to the
wider community and not only in patients with infertility is needed.

Keywords: basal body temperature, cervical mucus, infertility, ovulation
detection, ultrasound