When used correctly, the device has a 94% success rate at preventing pregnancy, which is comparable to other more conventional methods of contraception, such as the cap.
How is Persona Used?
Persona is a fertility monitor with test sticks similar to pregnancy tests. On the first day of your period, you press the 'M' button to set the machine. Then you do a urine test with your first urine of the morning. On your first cycle you would use 16 test sticks so that the machine has as much information about your cycle as possible. On subsequent cycles you will only need to use eight test sticks.
If a green light shows, then you are free to make love without contraception. If a red light shows, you must abstain or use condoms and if a yellow light shows then you need to do another test so the monitor has more information.
Don't Sperm Live For Days?
Yes. Sperm can live for up to a week, although most live for only two or three days and if they don't make it through the cervix, then they will perish within a few hours because the vaginal environment is usually too acidic for sperm to survive.
However, the egg only lives for one day after ovulation has occurred so the opportunity to get pregnant is very limited each month.
The Persona monitor takes into account sperm survival times when giving you the green light result.
Using in Reverse
It didn't take long before women realized that if they could monitor their cycle as a method of contraception, then they could also do it to find out when their fertile times were and have intercourse on those days to maximize the chances of having a baby.
Many couples who are struggling with fertility problems, where a doctor has found no medical cause, may simply be making love on the wrong days.
Conception Myths
- If you abstain to 'save up' sperm, you will lower your chances of getting pregnant unless your partner has a very low sperm count.
- If you attempt to make love during your ovulation you may fail at getting pregnant unless you monitor your cycle. Some women think they know when they ovulate, but they aren't always right and your cycle can change.
- Having a romantic bottle of wine before getting intimate could limit your chances of success, as regular alcohol consumption affects sperm and egg quality.
Try intercourse once a day for the best chance of success, or use your Persona contraceptive in reverse!
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