The present study aims at determining the scientific reliability of salivary ferning pattern as a method to detect ovulation in normal women. The saliva was collected from unmarried women in the age group of 20-30 years. The saliva, collected at three different phases (i.e., preovulatory (6^th-12^th day), ovulatory (13^th-14^th day) and postovulatory (15^th-28^th day)), was smeared in the glass slide and observed under microscope. The salivary fern pattern was compared with the different phases of the menstrual cycle. In the ovulation phase, estrogen crystals which formed clearly were observed in saliva, whereas in other phases few crystalline structures were visible. The results suggest that the appearance of fern formation may be due to the appearance of surge of estrogenic activity. This is confirmed by the estimation of electrolytes namely sodium, potassium, and subsequently estrogen. The present study emphasizes, that the salivary fern pattern can be used for ovulation prediction, and the test may, therefore, be clinically useful in the prediction of ovulation after suitable modification.

Identification of the period of ovulation in women is critical in the treatment of infertility. Success in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer has been associated with the exact time of ovulation. A variety of techniques have been used to assess the time of ovulation, including temperature charts, cervical mucous scoring, and measurement of plasma and urinary hormonal profiles (Kerin, 1982). Several methods such as hormone tests, ultrasound, and basal body temperature, individually or in combination, have been adopted to predict the fertile period in women (Moghissi, 1976; and Martinez, 1997). These methods one way or the other have several disadvantages, and the results are also inconsistent. Further, identification of this fertile period using nonclinical or traditional methods appears to be inaccurate, especially those who have irregular cycles. Therefore, a simple reliable method is needed to predict and detect ovulation in women.

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