For the self-help conception market, the only over the counter diagnostic tool available for predicting the timing of ovulation are the LH predictor kits, which are chemical urine analysis kits. These kits are designed to detect a surge of luteinizing hormone which precedes ovulation by sometimes only a few hours. A woman may need to buy at least 5 to 10 of these kits during her time of actively seeking conception. These chemical kits have a limited shelf life, and are sold through pharmacies, supermarkets and large discount stores. They are also offered by some gynecologists.
Physicians recommend use of the kits for lack of anything better available.
NFP is especially attractive to women who choose not to use chemical birth control methods. There is an NFP coordinator or contact person in each of the 187 Catholic dioceses in the United States. There is currently no effective device available to serve this population as a complementary diagnostic aid in identifying the fertile period. For reasons of health, resources, environment and economics, we are faced with a critical global need for safe, affordable and readily available means to control fertility. The world population has doubled since the 1950's, and could explode to 12.5 billion by the middle of the next century.