Persona

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • hand-held computerised system (launched in 1996)

  • identifies fertile phase of a woman's menstrual cycle - by matching menstrual cycle to urinary oestrone 3-glucouronide and LH; couples should be advised to restrict unprotected sexual intercourse to the postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle

  • efficacy 94% - 6 pregnancies per 100 woman years of use (1,2)

  • suitability
    • women using Persona must have regular menstrual cycles (23-35 days)
    • unsuitable if a woman is taking oral contraceptive pill, HRT, tetracyclines, ovulation-inducing drugs

Reference:

  • 1) Prescriber (1999), 10 (16), 29-41.
  • 2) Prescriber (2001), 12 (5), 83-95.