Abstract: A device and method for assessing characteristics of follicular fluid in vivo comprises an aspiration needle for oocyte retrieval having one or more sensors disposed on its outer cannula wall or embedded in its outer cannula wall for sensing and measuring characteristics of follicular fluid constituents such as pH level and oxygen concentration. The sensors are microsensors that communicate through a physical connection or wirelessly with a meter and display. The measurements are recorded and optionally printed for later review and selection of the most viable oocytes. The method involves inserting into an ovary an aspiration needle with one or more sensors. The needle is guided to a first follicle and inserted in the first follicle. Characteristics of the follicular fluid are sensed and measured and accordingly displayed on the meter and recorded for later reference and selection. The fluid is collected into a first collection container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing fertility in mammalian females comprising sampling cervical-vaginal fluid, measuring one or more of the sample's viscoelastic properties, and evaluating the measurement to determine fertility. Preferable embodiments of the current invention may utilize measurement of the viscoelastic property of die swell ratio, or other viscoelastic properties of cervical-vaginal fluid.

Abstract: Method and device for the management of lactating animals wherein the reproduction stage of an animal is correlated with the lactation stage of the animal. A state of the animal is determined by means of automatically obtained sensor data. The state of the animal is graphically illustrated.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measurement of a woman's body. Embodiments include an apparatus having a body parameter input unit, a menstruation date input unit, and a physical condition phase estimation unit for estimating the phase of physical condition of the person under test for a measurement day based on formulas for estimation of phase of body condition. After determining a change in an input body parameter, a display unit displays advice for the person under test for the measurement day, based on the change in body parameter and the phase of physical condition of the person for the measurement day estimated by the physical condition phase estimation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a maternity biodata measurement system, wherein a sum of a pre-pregnancy energy expenditure and a pregnancy extra energy amount of a subject is determined as an energy amount necessary for the subject in a pregnancy period. In particular, the pregnancy extra energy amount is determined based on pre-pregnancy body-mass index data and elapsed pregnancy-period data about the subject, so as to allow the necessary energy amount to be determined as a value appropriate for the subject. The maternity biodata measurement system of the present invention makes it possible to measure a necessary energy amount for a pregnant woman on an individual basis.

Abstract: A system for delivering information through a computer. The system comprises: data collecting means for collecting personal data including menstrual data regarding a menstrual cycle on a woman from a user; phase identification means for identifying a phase within the menstrual cycle; storage means for storing predetermined information; selection means for selecting information from the storage means, which is personalized based on the phase identified by the phase identification means; and delivery means for delivering the personalized information.

Abstract: A health management device for pregnant women calculates the amount of change in body fat and the amount of change in total body water between a non-pregnant period and the time of measurement based on the amount of increase in body weight between the non-pregnant period and the time of measurement, and determines the health condition of a pregnant woman based on the calculated amount of change in body fat and amount of change in total body water.

Abstract: A pressure responsive estrus detector includes a housing having a first and second oppositely disposed side walls. A first interior wall is disposed within the housing and connected to the first side wall to create a first fluid chamber. The first interior wall has a top and bottom and an aperture disposed adjacent to the top. A second interior wall is disposed within the housing and connected to the second side wall to create a second fluid chamber. The second interior side wall is disposed adjacent to the first interior side wall. The second interior side wall has a top and bottom, aligned with the top and bottom of the first interior side wall. The second interior side wall includes an aperture disposed adjacent to the bottom. Fluid is disposed within the housing and flowable between the first and second fluid chambers via the first and second interior wall apertures by pressure applied to either one of said side walls by a mounting animal.

Abstract: The method of treating a human female menopausal condition, the steps that include determining need for increasing estrogen level in the blood, from a lower level associated with reduced ovarian estrogen production, the determining including measuring vaginal moisture or urethral fluid pH level, at repeated time intervals over a series of days. A test for FSH level in the blood, during those days, may be made for detection of high level FSH in conjunction with high pH level at the vagina to establish need for estrogen therapy, on a confirmatory basis.

Abstract: An electronic device for detecting estrus that may be affixed to the tail-head area of a cow is described. This device permits the accurate determination of optimal breeding time, natural or artificial, based on mounting activity. The device includes a water resistant housing, within which is contained the electronic portion of the device consisting of a controller means, a power means, an activation means, a read data means, and at least one display means; said device determining and subsequently indicating suspected and confirmed estrus based on an algorithm. The invention may be used, for example, with any non-human animal exhibiting standing heats and/or mounting behavior indicative of an estrus cycle for making mounting data determinations related to the estrus cycle and analyzing such data to determine optimal time to breed.

Abstract: A method for determining the time of maximum fertility in the mammalian ovulation cycle, for the purpose of assisting conception, wherein testing is conducted over a period of days in the current ovulation cycle on samples of body fluid obtained from an individual human subject to detect an elevated concentration of first analyte, such as luteinising hormone (LH) indicative of the event of ovulation, and additionally testing is conducted over a period of days in the current ovulation cycle on samples of body fluid obtained from the individual subject to detect an elevated concentration of a second analyte, such as estradiol or a metabolite thereof, especially estradiol-3-glucuronide (E3G), to provide advance warning of ovulation.

Abstract: An image processing system for predicting ovulation using a test channel for collecting saliva sample and a miniature camera for capturing the image of the saliva at dried state for analyzing the crystalline patterns for ovulation prediction. A rotary bristle element is attached to the drive head and a notch-like test channel traverses the width of the drive head. A conductivity sensor is mounted on a wall of the test channel for detecting filling and drying of the saliva sample. An algorithm in the microprocessor analyzes the image of the dried saliva and calculates the characteristic line length of line segments of connected saliva dots. A ferning index is also defined and calculated based on the percentage of area coverage of line segments which are exceeding the threshold line length. Trend curves are established based on the daily saliva analysis in a woman's menstrual cycle for predicting days from the ovulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for making a decision of possibility of pregnancy in terms of how the values of bioelectrical impedance vary after expiration of a certain length of time since the ovulation day.

Abstract: A fertility determining system employing hormone level measuring apparatus on selected days in a menstrual cycle to determine the levels of analytes, i.e., estrone-3-glucuronide (“E3G”) and luteinizing hormone (“LH”), in early morning urine. The fertility/infertility signalling algorithm relies upon data characterizing the user earlier in that menstrual cycle, and also upon her analyte pattern in past recent cycles. At a point in a menstrual cycle which is user-dependent, the early morning E3G urine level is compared against the lower E3G level earlier in the cycle. The beginning of the fertile period is signalled when a sufficient E3G increase occurs. The end of the fertile period (and, correspondingly, the reestablishment of a period requiring no contraception) is signalled a period after the LH surge. In the absence of an LH surge in any subject, the end of the fertile phase is signalled a period of time following the peak of the E3G urinary metabolite of estradiol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for detection estrus-state and/or non-pregnancy in mammals and methods for using the same. The device and/or methods may be of particular use in cattle. The devices disclosed include at least a housing of a size, shape, and outer surface quality permitting it to be securely maintained within a mammals vagina. The housing has at least one interior space for installation of instrument(s) for measuring, intra-vaginally, at least on indicia of estrus (heat) or non-pregnancy, converting the resulting measurement into a signal or signals (electronic or otherwise). The device also comprises a signal transmitting means and, optionally, a remote receiving station capable of interpreting the signal(s).

Abstract: A method and kit for enhancing the natural fertility process. The kit includes a vaginal douche that is used prior to intercourse to enhance the sperm transportation and sustaining properties of the cervical mucous. The douche contains a balanced electrolyte solution, polysaccharides, and pH buffers. The kit also includes nutriceuticals specifically formulated for both the male and female which include amino acids, minerals, vitamins, herbs, phytoestrogens, and antioxidants along with a specified dosing regimen. A basal body temperature thermometer and chart is provided with instructions to confirm when and if ovulation will/did occur. Commercially available urinary chemical reagent strips are provided with instructions so as to predict/confirm if and when ovulation will occur. A lubricating medium will also be provided and utilized at the time of intercourse which is nonspermicidal and which contains polysaccharides which influence natural sperm motility.

Abstract: This invention provides a new reagent for detecting a woman's period of ovulation in a quick convenient manner, comprising Component A which can conduct a color reaction with hydrogen peroxide, and Component B (hydrogen dioxide solution). This invention also provides a kit containing said reagent.

Abstract: There is provided a female physical condition management apparatus which facilitates a user planning activities, comprising physical condition data acquiring means, appearance time estimation means, estimation accuracy determination means, and display means, wherein the physical condition data acquiring means acquires data about physical conditions of a female which appear in a monthly cycle, the appearance time estimation means estimates the oncoming times of appearance of the physical conditions appearing in a monthly cycle of the female based on the acquired data about the physical conditions, the estimation accuracy determination means determines the accuracy of the estimations made by the appearance period estimation means, and the display means displays data about the estimated times of appearance and data about the determined estimation accuracy.

Abstract: A kit (11) is described for the detection of characteristics and parameters of body fluids such as saliva, urine and cervical mucus for the purposes of studying and identifying fertility periods in women, comprising a set of flat plate-shaped supports (3) for samples of said body fluids (F) and a viewer (1) provided with enlargement means, characterized in that each of said flat plate-shape supports (3) for body fluid (F) presents a shallow basin or trap (3p) with a convex bottom entirely surrounded by a raised rim (3r), and is equipped with locking fins (3t) suitable for coupling with structural elements present on said viewer (1) so that it is irreversibly locked onto the latter in a desired relative posititon.

Abstract: There is provided a moveable cart for use in transporting an animal, as a male hog, past one or more rows of cages containing sows to permit the determination of estrus in the sows and also to increase the success rate during artificial insemination by permitting snout to snout contact between the sow and male hog, the cart having a base with wheels mounted thereon, at least one wall extending upwardly from the base, and at least one panel for blocking visual access in at least one direction between the interior and exterior of the cart and at least one opening in the wall sized to permit the head of an animal to least partially extend therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for monitoring the status of women's health, including HRT monitoring and determination or diagnosis of ovulation, contraception, pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovarian disease, and female sexual dysfunction. The method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting a tear fluid from a female human; (b) determining the tear concentration of at least one hormone of relevance to female fertility, sexual differentiation or sexual dysfunction in a female human, wherein the tear concentration is diagnostics of the status of women's health.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for family planning and/or countraception, whereby the device has a means for determining basal temperature, a means for input of the first day of the cycle, a means for input of the property of the saliva, a device for processing the data made available by the means, a memory device for storing at least some of the data made available and a display device, whereby the device for processing the data is designed such that a conclusion regarding the woman's fertility on any given day is determined as a function of at least some of the data made available by each means and this conclusion can be displayed via the display device.

Abstract: A method of providing visual indications relating to various phases of a woman's menstrual cycle and an apparatus for providing visual indications relating to various phases of a woman's menstrual cycle are provided. As many as ten different types of beads are utilized in the method and apparatus of the present invention to provide the desired visual indications. Different beads are placed on a string each day during the woman's menstrual cycle depending upon the phase of the woman's menstrual cycle and other events observed during such phases.

Abstract: The invention is related to a menstrual cycle monitor for a human female which includes indicators representing a first day of menstrual bleeding, early infertile days, fertile days, and later infertile days in the menstrual cycle. The indicators together form an ordered set. One indicator of the ordered set is provided with different indicia from indicia provided to other indicators, so as to alert the user of the monitor that she should consult her health care provider if particular circumstances arise. A movable marker also may be provided for indexing with the indicators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female physical condition managing apparatus comprising: a bioelectrical impedance-meter; a memory for storing the so determined values of bioelectrical impedance; a decision-making unit for making a decision about the physical or mental condition of a woman on the basis of the time series analysis, which is made on the variation of the determined values of bioelectrical impedance; and a display showing the physical or mental condition of the woman in the form of graphs. This permits women to realize quickly what physical or mental condition they are put in. The female physical condition includes the premenstrual syndrome.

Abstract: An ovulation-monitoring electrical toothbrush containing a test channel for collecting saliva sample and a miniature camera for capturing the image of the saliva at dried state for analyzing the crystalline patterns for predicting ovulation. A rotary bristle element is attached to the drive head and a notch-like test channel traverses the width of the drive head. A conductivity sensor is mounted on a wall of the test channel for detecting filling and drying of the saliva sample. An algorithm in the microprocessor analyzes the image of the dried saliva and calculates the characteristic line length of line segments of connected saliva dots. A ferning index is also defined and calculated based on the percentage of area coverage of line segments which are exceeding the threshold line length. Trend curves are established based on the daily saliva analysis in a woman's menstrual cycle for predicting days from the ovulation.

Abstract: A prompting device that can be utilized to remind a user to periodically and regularly perform a breast self-examination is described. The device includes a controller to measure a predetermined interval of time. A proximity sensor is provided to detect a person within proximity of the device after the predetermined time interval has expired. If a person is detected, the controller triggers an alarm alerting the person to perform a task such as examining her breasts. If someone other than the intended user activates the proximity sensor, a means for indicating the person is not the intended user is provided so that the alarm can be disenabled for a delay time period before being re-enabled to subsequently notify the intended user. In at least one operational mode of the device, the predetermined time interval is measured cyclically so that the user is periodically reminded to perform the breast self-examination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnostic determination of the receptivity of the uterine epithelium, in particular the time of the window of implantation within the menstrual cycle, and to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Two electrodes for contacting consistently a selected position in the vaginal fornix of a mammalian female such as a cow are brought to the desired position so as to allow daily measurements indicative of the follicular waves and then of the optimal time for insemination. The detection of the follicular waves makes it possible to anticipate optimal breeding time first by 10 days and then by 3 days. The monitoring of the animal's reproductive cycle consists of daily measurements of admittance or small AC current generated by time-varying voltage of small amplitude and sufficiently high frequency. The consistent electrode placement is achieved using a configuration capable of entering the fornix and/or engaging the cervical protrusion in one of two ways. In one type of embodiment the electrodes are imbedded at the distal end of a probe shaft that is attached at its proximal end to an electrode-orientation mark carrier such as a self-contained electronic assembly.

Abstract: A breast self-examination prompter device having the purpose of prompting a user to perform a routine breast self-examination is described. The device includes a “Start” for activating the device and selecting a time cycle. A motion sensor is used to detect if a person is located near the device and cause the device to alert the person that the selected time cycle has been completed. The device also includes a micro-controller that provides control logic, timer and power control circuitry. An audio/visual component comprising one or both of an indicator light and an audible alarm is provided to alert the person. When the timing interval has expired and the motion sensor detects a person's presence, the micro-controller activates the audio/visual component. Also, the device includes a “Exam Complete” button for stopping the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female physical condition managing apparatus, which permits a female user to make a quick decision as to which physical phase of the monthly body condition she has presently in terms of how the value of BI is changing. Also, an advisory message appropriate for health care is given to her. For example, the degree of swelling appearing for the PMS period is determined, and a most appropriate advice is given to her. Likewise, she can be advised while continuously watching the difference between the present weight and the target weight. The values of BI measured every day are shown in the form of graph, accompanying pieces of information of physical condition as determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female physical condition managing apparatus comprising: a bioelectrical impedance-meter for determining BI values; a memory for storing the so determined BI values; a decision-making unit for making a decision about the monthly physical condition of a woman on the basis of the time series analysis of the variation of the BI values; and a display showing the so made decision on the monthly physical condition of the woman and a BI transition symbolic curve. This permits women to realize quickly what stage has been reached in the monthly physical condition. Presentation of measurement in the display is so dynamic that the viewer may not feel bored while the measurement is being made.

Abstract: The invention is related to a menstrual cycle monitor for a human female which includes indicators representing a first day of menstrual bleeding, early infertile days, fertile days, and later infertile days in the menstrual cycle. The indicators together form an ordered set. One indicator of the ordered set is provided with different indicia from indicia provided to other indicators, so as to alert the user of the monitor that she should consult her health care provider if particular circumstances arise. A movable marker also may be provided for indexing with the indicators.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronic device or chronometer for use by women of various ages to monitor their menstrual, ovulation and menopausal cycles, as well as their pregnancy. The device displays information relating to a woman's menstrual cycle or pregnancy readily useful to the woman, including the dates of her last and next menstrual cycles, the number of days that have elapsed since the last menstrual cycle, and the next peak ovulation day. If desired, the day(s) a woman expects PMS can also be displayed, such as for those who severely experience the associated symptoms. With respect to pregnancy, the date of conception, the baby's probable due date, and weeks into the pregnancy, among other things, can be displayed.

Abstract: A method and device to predict ovulation in a female human by measuring changes in the concentration of a number of ions in eccrine sweat is disclosed. The concentration, or changes in concentration, of one or more ions are determined throughout the day and analyzed against predetermined patterns in order to predict ovulation one to five days in advance. This permits the user to more accurately determine commencement of the fertile phase, which for female humans is generally considered to be about four days prior to ovulation to one day after ovulation. The concentration of the ions measured include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), ammonium (NH4+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl−) and nitrate (NO3−). To further increase the accuracy of the reading, a large number of readings can be obtained throughout a day and statistically analyzed to determine the change over time. In addition, the concentration of two or more ions can be obtained to increase accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of monitoring the menstrual cycle and/or the first half of pregnancy in a female by assessing the adhesion of lymphocytes from the female to uterine or lymphoid histological tissues from a pregnant animal or an animal that has been treated with gestational hormones. The method can be used to determine the ability of the lymphocyte donor's immune system to recognize and respond to an environment suitable for sustaining a pregnancy.

Abstract: A method and test kit for providing contraceptive advice during the human ovulation cycle, involving simply the measurement of urinary lutenising hormone (LH) concentration on a daily basis during the early phase of the cycle until the LH surge indicative of ovulation is detected, together with calender means to advise the user to abstain from unprotected intercourse during a time interval commencing not later than a predetermined first day of LH testing and ending at least 2 days following the day of LH surge detection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for delivering information through a computer. The system comprises: data collecting means for collecting personal data including menstrual data regarding a menstrual cycle on a woman from a user; and phase identification means for identifying a phase within the menstrual cycle. In one aspect of the invention, the system further comprises: storage means for storing predetermined information; selection means for selecting information, from the storage means, which is personalized based on the phase identified by the phase identification means; and delivery means for delivering the personalized information. In another aspect, the system comprises: storage means for storing predetermined information; and delivery means for delivering the predetermined information in response to the phase identified by the phase identification means.

Abstract: This invention introduces a high accuracy fertility-no-fertility choice device for women. The device-indicator is based on precise examination of the saliva estrogen and for that purpose is used either linear or circular polarized light, plus quick spectral and contrast analysis. All features of the device are built in a special purpose individual mini microscope.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for transducing vaginal conditions, affecting vaginal or body conditions, and/or stimulating perineal musculature and nerves. A separate, portable, non-implanted intravaginally containable combination probe and transceiver is provided that can sense vaginal conditions, can deliver signals or medication, and/or can stimulate perineal musculature and nerves. This probe unit is provided with 2-way wireless communication for transmitting information that is transduced and for receiving control and programming signals. In addition, a separate combination controller and transceiver is provided for wirelessly sending signals to the probe unit and for receiving signals therefrom. A real time wireless signal feedback loop is thus provided between the controller and the probe and/or external devices, networks and databases.

Abstract: A patch assembly having pre-applied pressure sensitive adhesive for semipermanent attachment to a live animal is described. This assembly permits the easy and clean attachment thereof to live animal. Further, the assembly prevents skin irritations while maintaining superior bond strength and, in turn, remaining intact and attached to the animal for extended periods of time. The invention may be used, for example, for device attachment to human and non-human animals.

Abstract: A device for detecting the condition of heat of an animal, in particular a pig, comprising a reaction-detecting means for detecting a heat-related reaction, such as a standing-reflex. There is disposed at least one stimulation means for stimulating the animal to give the heat-related reaction. The demonstrated reaction is compared with a reaction which is characteristic of a particular condition of heat.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronic device or chronometer for use by women of various ages to monitor their menstrual, ovulation and menopausal cycles. The chronometer displays information relating to a woman's menstrual cycle readily useful to the woman, including the dates of her last and next menstrual cycles, the number of days that have elapsed since the last menstrual cycle, and the next ovulation day. If desired, the day(s) a woman expects PMS can also be displayed, such as for those who severely experience the associated symptoms.

Abstract: A method and device to predict ovulation in a female human by measuring changes in the concentration of a number of ions in eccrine sweat is disclosed. The concentration, or changes in concentration, of one or more ions are determined throughout the day and analyzed against predetermined patterns in order to predict ovulation one to five days in advance. This permits the user to more accurately determine commencement of the fertile phase, which for female humans is generally considered to be about four days prior to ovulation to one day after ovulation. The concentration of the ions measured include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), ammonium (NH4+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl−) and nitrate (NO3−) To further increase the accuracy of the reading, a large number of readings can be obtained throughout a day and statistically analyzed to determine the change over time. In addition, the concentration of two or more ions can be obtained to increase accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measurement of woman's body, comprising: a body parameter input unit; a menstruation date input unit; a physical condition phase estimation unit; and a display unit. According to the present invention the body parameter input unit enters the body parameter of a person under test, and the menstruation date input unit enters the date of menstruation of the person under test. Furthermore, the physical condition phase estimation unit estimates the phase of physical condition of the person under test to which the measurement day belongs, based on the date of menstruation of the person under test entered by the menstruation date input unit and the formulas for estimation of phase of body condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring animal exhalation, to provide an indication of the condition of an animal is disclosed. Apparatus for collection and temporary or permanent storage of animal exhalation sample is disclosed, together with apparatus for conditioning a sample prior to analysis. A method of conditioning a sample prior to analysis is also disclosed. Use may be made of the above mentioned apparatus and method in the diagnosis of the condition of an animal. Conditions of interest include metabolic conditions of animals such as dairy cattle; these can be monitored by measuring analytes in the exhaled breath, emanations from the milk or both. Use may also be made of said apparatus and method in the detection of antibodies present in samples of blood, milk and mucus particulates in exhaled breath. It is preferred that the monitoring apparatus is portable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for detection estrus-state and/or non-pregnancy in mammals and methods for using the same. The device and/or methods may be of particular use in cattle. The devices disclosed include at least a housing of a size, shape, and outer surface quality permitting it to be securely maintained within a mammals vagina. The housing has at least one interior space for installation of instrument(s) for measuring, intra-vaginally, at least on indicia of estrus (heat) or non-pregnancy, converting the resulting measurement into a signal or signals (electronic or otherwise). The device also comprises a signal transmitting means and, optionally, a remote receiving station capable of interpreting the signal(s).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring, predicting and detecting ovulation during the menstrual cycle of a female subject is based upon daily changes in frequency of an oscillator circuit when a capacitive oral sensor is placed in contact with the subject's saliva. An oral sensor that forms a component in the oscillator circuit contained in a hand-held, portable device includes a pre-programmed integrated circuit device with data processing and control capacities, data storage and display means for measuring, recording and processing historical baseline data and relative frequency changes within the subject's current menstrual cycle.

Abstract: A process of determining the presence of an abnormal condition within the body of a non-human female with a probe which contains a first conductive helical surface and a second conductive helical surface. In this process, the probe is abraded until its conductive helical surfaces are substantially free of oxidation products. Thereafter the probe is sterilized, the first helical surface is charged with a negative polarity, the second helical surface is charged with a positive polarity, and the probe is inserted into a non-human female's vagina to stimulate the the flow of mucous. The resistance between the first and second helical surfaces is measured, and from this measurement is calculated the conductivity of the mucous within the non-human female's vagina. This process is repeated several times over a period of time determine whether the mucous conductivity pattern of such period of time is within normal bounds.

Abstract: A process of determining the presence of an abnormal condition within the body of a human female with a probe which contains a first conductive helical surface and a second conductive helical surface. In this process, the probe is abraded until its conductive helical surfaces are substantially free of oxidation products. Thereafter the probe is sterilized, the first helical surface is charged with a negative polarity, the second helical surface is charged with a positive polarity, and the probe is inserted into a human female's vagina to stimulate the flow of mucous. The resistance between the first and second helical surfaces is measured, and from this measurement is calculated the conductivity of the mucous within the female's vagina. This process is repeated several times over a period of time determine whether the mucous conductivity pattern of such period of time is within normal bounds.