A Study on the Relationship between Basocytopenia and Ovulation

Most common cause of female infertility is ovulatory problem. Lack of visible manifestations of ovulation, makes it difficult to predict for couples trying to conceive. Several signs of ovulation like change in basal body temperature, spinbarkeit, are identified by researchers. Tests like transvaginal ultrasonography, fern test are also present to detect ovulation. A study was done, which identified an obvious relationship between basophil count and ovulation.

The Aim of the present study is to prove that Absolute basophil count decreases during ovulation and it would return back to normal in luteal phase of an ovulating menstrual cycle. So that, Absolute basophil count test can also be used to predict ovulation. This would be of great significance to couples suffering with infertility.

140 female subjects who were 18–25 year old, with regular menstrual cycles were chosen for this study. Their day of ovulation is calculated depending on the duration of menstrual cycle. The day of ovulation is confirmed using transvaginal ultrasonography. Absolute basophil count (ABC) was done using Thick smear method of S. Roger Hirsch & Alfred A. Rimm The basophils were then manually counted under oil immersion objective of the microscope. The basophils were counted in the follicular phase, one day before ovulation, day of ovulation and in the luteal phase. Statistical differences were calculated using ANOVA Test. Results: A statistically significant fall in absolute basophil count was observed during ovulation. In the follicular phase, the mean basophil count was 32.9 cells/cumm +/-4.2, One day before ovulation, 26.94 cells/cumm+/-2.9, on the day of ovulation 20.84 cells/cumm +/-2.3, in the luteal phase 36.5 cells/cumm +/-5.6 with P value <0.05.

We conclude that the absolute basophil count decreases during ovulation. This should be further researched upon and can be used as an easy, inexpensive test to confirm ovulation, to prevent infertility.