SCIENTIFIC VERIFICATION OF THE OVULATION METHOD BY DR RUTH S TAYLOR
Ruth S. Taylor, M.D. (Retired)Medical Director, Natural Family Planning,
St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas.
Head, Cytogenetics Section,
St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas.
Cytopathologist, St. Francis Hospital,
Wichita, Kansas.
Medical Director and Program
Director, St. Francis Hospital School of
Cytotechnology, Wichita, Kansas.
COMPOSITE OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The composite of the various processes which make up a woman's menstrual cycle is reminiscent of the musical score for a symphony orchestra. Recall, if you will, that each line of an orchestra's score represents the part for each instrument to follow and, as each instrument performs its designated role, a harmonious composition will be rendered. So, too, with the menstrual cycle.
OVARIAN CYCLE
Ovulation is the paramount event in the menstrual cycle and is a function of the ovary. All of the menstrual processes focus on this fantastic event, which indicates the optimum time for pregnancy. Contrary to some textbooks which claim that ovulation occurs on the 14th day of the cycle, ovulation actually takes place approximately 14 days before the subsequent menstrual flow, regardless of the length of the cycle.
PITUITARY AND OVARIAN HORMONES
Ovulation is orchestrated by the hypothalamus of the brain through the pituitary hormones, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH], and the ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These four hormones interplay in a series crescendos and decrescendos to insure the proper stimulation for the ripened ovum to wander from its family home and be captured by the fallopian tube where it will lie in wait for its conqueror. The interaction of these hormones assures that the ovulatory event will not repeat itself in the same cycle. This is accomplished through feedback mechanisms causing the rising ovarian estrogens to peak and abruptly precipitate and allow LH to spike like a crashing cymbal triggering the eruption of the ovum from the follicle 16 hours later.
BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE (BBT)
Due to the performance of progesterone, which rises rapidly in the corpus luteum following ovulation, the basal body temperature (BBT) also becomes elevated after ovulation, indicating a slightly increased metabolism and providing a warmer environment for the developing new life should pregnancy occur.
VAGINAL CELLS KARYOPYKNOTIC INDEX (KPI)
Even the vaginal lining performs in this cyclic menstrual review, becoming thick, lush, and most protective near ovulation in response to estrogens, which alone can mature the vaginal epithelial cells. By evaluating the ratio of mature to immature cell forms microscopically in vaginal smears this maturation can be indicated by what is known as the Karyopyknotic Index (KPI). KPI peak reflects the estrogen peak near ovulation.
LEUKOCYTES (WHITE CELLS)
Leukocytes or white cells are common inhabitants of the cervical-vaginal tract as a part of the body's defense mechanism by phagocytizing predators. Sperm are one of those predators they readily destroy. Interestingly, leukocytes essentially disappear in the cervical mucus and the vagina near ovulation (another function of the mature vaginal epithelium). Hence, the chance of more sperm reaching their goal in the fallopian tube is made less difficult during this critical time.
CERVICAL MUCUS
Without a doubt, the greatest assistance given sperm during their long arduous and amorous journey, is provided by the cervical mucus, whose role is to perform like a biological valve, facilitating passage, providing nourishment, storage and release of selected sperm when the objective, the ovum, is ready and waiting to be pursued. At other times during the menstrual cycle, the mucus, changed in response to progesterone secretion or before estrogen stimulation, effectively blocks the passage of sperm from entering the cervix. Women using the Ovulation Method can accurately identify their fertile phase. The peak mucus symptom defined by the Ovulation Method rules is not surpassed by any of the other ovulatory indicators mentioned above: pituitary or ovarian hormones, BBT or KPI.
SUMMARY
The spectacular and complex symphonic poem which represents the woman's fertility, composed of components of the menstrual cycle, will function normally in the majority of women, with proper care. Conversely, fertility can be harmed by many things and, in today's society, the opposite is too often the case, i.e. many women's menstrual functions have been damaged, frequently permanently, by sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, devices and surgical sterilizing procedures. Appreciation of the precious gift of fertility, i.e. men and women's ability to give life to another human being of equal value to themselves, can best be assured by cooperation with the natural processes of their reproductive physiology. Natural family planning offers this opportunity.
