Evaluation of Salivary Ferning for Predicting Ovulation in Menstruating Women with a Normal Cycle - An Easy, Cost-effective and Noninvasive Approach

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Theodore

Evaluation focuses on whether salivary ferning patterns can predict ovulation across Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal phases in women with normally regular cycles. Forty-five healthy participants (18–25 years) collected saliva samples as instructed, and dried smears were examined under a low-power (10×) compound light microscope. Ferning presence, absence, and intensity were statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Friedman’s Test. Results show a strong positive association between salivary ferning timing and ovulation, with peak intensity mid-cycle during the ovulatory phase, supporting a noninvasive, low-cost indicator.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical Significance

Keywords

ORIGINAL ARTICLE Evaluation of Salivary Ferning for Predicting Ovulation in Menstruating Women with a Normal Cycle: An Easy, Cost-effective and Noninvasive Approach Rishika Das1, Uzma Iqbal Belgaumi2, Nupura Vibhute3, Vidya Kadashetti4, Wasim Kamate5 Received on: 04 December 2022; Accepted on: 15 March 2023; Published on: 31 July 2023 AbstrAct Introduction: The erudition of the fecundity period is essential for women for both successful conceiving and effective contraception with a need for research in developing a cost-effective, easy-to-use, multiuse, home-based method for prediction of ovulation. Aim: To evaluate the ferning patterns in saliva among various phases of the menstrual cycle (Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal) in normally menstruating women using a compound light microscope. Setting and design: A total of 45 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 25 who hada regular menstrual cycle participated in the current study. Methods and materials: Selected individuals were instructed on how to collect samples and when. The presence, absence, and intensity of the ferning pattern were determined by examining the dried saliva smears under a low power objective (10×). Following the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Friedman’s Test was used to statistically analyze the data. Results: The present study’s findings indicate that among all study participants, there is a strong positive link between the occurrence of salivary ferning and the timing of ovulation. The maximum intensity of ferning is observed in the mid-day of the menstrual cycle in a subsection of women who were evaluated on multiple days in the ovulatory phase. Conclusion: The salivary fern test is a non-invasive and cost-effective method can serve as a reliable indicator of ovulation for effective conception or contraception and that the technique can be taught easily and effectively to the participants. Clinical significance: The presence of the salivary ferning pattern throughout the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle will serve as an aid in defining the women’s fertile time and, consequently, will further help for successful conception or contraception. Keywords: Estrogen, Menstrual cycle, Ovulation, Salivary ferning. Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2023): 10.5005/jp-journals-10006-2248 IntroductIon Ovulation is the process that results in the release of one or more eggs from the ovary usually once a month. It is brought on by an increase in the hormone luteinizing hormone, which in turn raises the body’s estrogen levels. There is only a small window of about 6 days each month during which one can conceive. Hence, it is especially important for a woman to have knowledge about their fertility period for both effective conception and/or contraception.1,2 There are various methods used in assessing the ovulation time. Some of the simple methods are based on basal body temperature and calendar-based method that helps determine the time of ovulation. However, these methods require a daily commitment.3 Ultrasonography is a standard reference for ovulation detection since it can be used to observe the maximized follicle (>15 mm on ultrasound). It is used widely as an investigative tool in assisted reproductive techniques. Yet, it requires expensive diagnostic protocols and needs medical assistance. Hormonal tests like luteinizing hormone (LH) surge determination in serum or urine, are extremely sentient and provide great accuracy in determining conception capacity.4 Many over-the-counter home-based methods use this principle. Nevertheless, these ovulation diagnostic kits can be expensive and inaccessible to many. The ferning pattern, also known as arborization or palm-leaf design, is widely recognized to appear during the ovulatory period as a result of high estrogen levels found in the cervix’s mucus. Saliva 1–5Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed t

FAQs

What is the study designed to evaluate?

The study evaluates salivary ferning patterns in different menstrual cycle phases (Follicular, Ovulatory, Luteal) to predict ovulation in women with a normal cycle.

How were saliva samples collected and assessed?

Forty-five healthy women collected saliva samples as instructed, and dried saliva smears were examined under a compound light microscope at low power (10×) to determine ferning presence and intensity.

What did the study find about the link between ferning and ovulation?

Salivary ferning showed a strong positive association with the timing of ovulation, and the maximum ferning intensity was observed around mid-cycle during the ovulatory phase.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Theodore