Most free smartphone menstrual cycle tracking apps for patient use are inaccurate. Few cite medical literature or health professional involvement. We list accurate apps to aid health care providers in understanding the key components they can use to evaluate and recommend apps for patients.
(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2016;127:1153–1160)
Tracking of menstrual cycles is a form of self-monitoring that promotes patient empowerment and informed decision making. Tracking is useful in women for self-understanding and achieving fertility goals.
INTRODUCTION:The utility and accuracy of hysterosalpingogram in a community hospital setting were evaluated for accuracy in predicting uterine cavity pathology.METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all hysteroscopic procedures that had a hysterosalpingogram performed between August 1, 2012, and August 25, 2014, at a single community hospital in an inner-city setting. Hysterosalpingogram reports by a radiologist were reviewed, and hysteroscopy operative reports were reviewed that were performed by a reproductive endocrinologist.
RESULTS:A total of 60 patients were identified. Average age was 31.3 years (median 34 years). Findings correlated for tubal diagnosis in 88.4% of patients. However, for uterine cavity defects, the accuracy was lowest for the finding of uterine septum on hysteroscopy; hysterosalpingogram reported normal findings on all six patients encountered in this series. High sensitivity and correlation were found for findings of intrauterine adhesions (95%), submucosal myomas, and endometrial polyps (90%). The findings for submucosal myomas and endometrial polyps were confirmed with final pathology.CONCLUSION: Hysterosalpingogram has a low sensitivity for finding of uterine septum in this setting. Further studies are needed for correlation with clinical impression by a reproductive endocrinologist.INTRODUCTION: Reproductive health care providers need recommendations on applications (apps) for patient use, particularly apps for menstrual cycle and fertility tracking, because these apps are frequently downloaded by women and can be used by clinicians when evaluating menstrual problems. METHODS: We searched PubMed and OVID MEDLINE for literature on women's reproductive health apps and searched the Apple iTunes store for menstrual cycle and fertility tracking apps. We recorded price, user rating, functionality, and whether an app was developed or recommended by medical experts.
RESULTS:We identified six articles, all published since 2012, that discuss apps for patient use regarding women's reproductive health; none focused specifically on menstrual cycle or fertility tracking. The apps search identified 94 unique apps for menstrual cycle tracking, priced from free to $16.99. Sixteen (17%) free apps also had paid versions. User ratings ranged from 1.5-4.5 of 5 stars. App functionality included the ability to create a password (43%), tailor for irregular cycles (23%), back up or restore data (22%), select a pregnancy mode (20%), export or e-mail data (10%), or connect to social media (7%).
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