CA2207636A1

CA2207636A1 - Fertilscan 2000

Info

Publication number: CA2207636A1
Application number: CA 2207636
Authority: CA
Inventors: Heinz Krohn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-06-27
Filing date: 1997-06-27
Publication date: 1998-12-27

Abstract

FERTILSCAN is a new device for women to measure the four most important parameters of fertility, and thus determine the hours of highest fertility within the menstrual cycle. Used like a special vaginal tampon every morning, like the traditional thermometer, it indicates:
the body temperature, as well as the cervical mucus, the fertility associated compound and the luteinizing hormone surge. The measures are taken by the tip of the probe containing five highly sensitive sensors without chemicals nor current. The built-in, programmed chip, using a 3 volt lithium battery, processes the measures which are displayed on an integrated small screen for manual recording, as well as stored within the probe for 64 measurement days. The data can be printed out via an interface to a standard computer.

Description

ABSTRACT, SPECIFICATION AND DRAWING FOR
FERTILSCAN 2000 Wl'l H INTERFACE
ABSTRACT
FERTILSCAN is a new device for women to measure the four most important parameters of fertility, and thus determine the hours of highest fertility within the menstrual cycle.
Used like a special vaginal tampon every morning, like the traditional thermometer, it indicates: the body temperature, as well as the cervical mucus, the fertility associated compound and the luteinizing hormone surge. The measures are taken by the tip of the probe cont~ining five highly sensitive sensors without chemicals nor current. The built-in, programmed chip, using a 3 volt lithium battery, processes the measures which are displayed on an integrated small screen for manual recording, as well as stored within the probe for 64 measurement days. The data can be printed out via an interface to a standard computer.
SPECIFICATION
General character This invention relates to the daily measurement of four parameters of the femalemenstrual cycle in order to determine the optimal time for conception.
Previous methods The traditional parameter measured daily by a woman is the body temperature, which is an approximate indicator of the menstrual situation. The basal temperature is not sufficient to predict the time of ovulation. From its curve over a cycle, the doctor can read if the ovaries function normally or wether there is a disorder to be treated, but not forecaast the precise time of ovulation. Since sperm and ova have a restricted survival time, fertilisation is only most probable within about a day. Therefore, determination of the most favorable hours of coition represents a significant step in the treatment of childless couples.
The conventional methods to determine the conception optimum are: cervixscore according to Insler, measuring of the LH-peak, and determining of the ovary size; these can only be carried out under clinical conditions. A number of chemical tests are available for daily use by a woman at home, but they are cumbersome, unreliable and costly.
The three additional parameters measured by FERTILSCAN 2000 are explained herewith:
The LH-Peak (Luteinizing Hormone Surge) generates the ovulation and the release of the egg. The LH-Value is essential to determine the time of ovulation, because it increases five-fold during a short time 16 to 24 hours before ovulation.
The FAC (Fertility Associated Compound) sums up all the important hormones and proteins formed in the uterus (epithelium and endometrium). It is responsible for controlling the movement of the matured follicle, which is similarly enriched with FAC.

A fertilized egg is able to nest in the uterus only with the aid of an intrinsically formed active protein which is part of FAC.
The CF measures the transparency of the Cervical Fluid or Mucus, which is normaly cloudy, but becomes crystal clear 3 to 4 days before ovulation, when estrogen level increases. The fertile phase of the cycle starts at that time.
Innovation FERTILSCAN 2000 is a programmed vaginal probe that measures in two minutes the four most important parameters of fertility. After the start-button is pushed, they are successively displayed on a four-digit small screen for daily manual recording and interpretation of the optimal time for conception. They are also memorized up to 64 days (two full cycles) for subsequent print-out and interpretation by a doctor/gynecologist.
The probe is hygienic without any chemical nor current, although the internal processor uses a 3-volt lithium battery. It should be for personal use by one woman, in order to prevent the tr~n~mi~sion of any disease. It needs only a regular cleaning with alcohol, and the change of the small battery about yearly.
A special interface allows to transmit the memorized data of up to 64 days to a standard computer for printing, as normally operated at a pharmacy or medical office.
FERTILSCAN 2000 is very easy to use by any woman at home, where daily measures can be recorded. It allows to determine ovulation and highest fertility time, as well as a possible irregularity to be interpreted and treated by a gynecologist. It advantageously replaces the simple thermometer and a number of chemical or clinical tests.
Patent claims The embodiments of the invention on which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.
The first element is the measurement of the four parameters with one single vaginal probe: CF (Cervical Mucus transparency), FAC (Fertility Associated Compound), LH-Peak (Luteneizing Hormone Surge), together with the BT (Body Temperature).
The second element is the high-tech tip of the probe, with five highly sensitive tiny sensors, and the use of an infrared beam to measure transparency of the cervical mucus.
(To be further described later.) Drawing Attached (20x33cm) to show the instrument full size with particularities identified ek mw~ c97061815

Claims

claims The embodiments of the invention on which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.
The first element is the measurement of the four parameters with one single vaginal probe: CF (Cervical Mucus transparency), FAC (Fertility Associated Compound), LH-Peak (Luteneizing Hormone Surge), together with the BT (Body Temperature).
The second element is the high-tech tip of the probe, with five highly sensitive tiny sensors, and the use of an infrared beam to measure transparency of the cervical mucus.
(To be further described later.) Drawing Attached (20x33cm) to show the instrument full size with particularities identified