Everything you need to know about ovulation: A guide for couples trying to conceive
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If you're trying to get pregnant, understanding when you ovulate is crucial. Knowing about ovulation can significantly improve your chances of getting pregnant. In this article, you'll learn what ovulation is, how it works, and how to track it.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the point in your menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from one of your ovaries. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. This is the moment you can become pregnant.
The fertile window
The fertile window encompasses the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. This is the time when you have the highest chance of becoming pregnant. If sperm fertilizes the egg and implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine lining is successful, pregnancy can occur. If fertilization does not occur, your period usually begins after about 14 days.
How long does an egg live?
An egg only survives for 12-24 hours, making the window for fertilization seem small. However, sperm have a longer lifespan: They can survive in a woman's reproductive tract for up to five days. This means you can get pregnant even if you have sex five days before ovulation.
When does ovulation occur?
Ovulation usually occurs around the middle of your menstrual cycle, about 11 to 16 days after the start of your period if your cycle is regular. However, not everyone has a 28-day cycle, and ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle. A cycle of 21 to 35 days is considered normal.
Ovulation with hormonal contraception
If you use hormonal contraception such as the birth control pill, ovulation should not occur. Hormonal contraceptives prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Tracking ovulation: signs and methods
There are several ways to track ovulation:
1. Ovulation tests
Ovulation tests measure the concentration of LH (luteinizing hormone) in the urine. A sudden surge in LH indicates that ovulation will occur within the next 24-36 hours. This method is simple and reliable, but can produce inaccurate results in women with PCOS.
2. Calendar method
Another method for determining ovulation is tracking your menstrual cycle on a calendar or with an app. Tracking symptoms such as changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature can also help you better understand ovulation.
3. Changes in cervical mucus
Cervical mucus changes throughout the cycle. Before ovulation, it tends to be thick and creamy, while at ovulation, it becomes clear, stretchy, and slimy—similar to raw egg whites. This mucus facilitates the sperm's journey to the egg.
4. Basal temperature
You can measure your body temperature with a basal thermometer. After ovulation, your temperature rises by about 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius. To reliably detect ovulation, you should measure your temperature daily for several months.
5. Physical symptoms
Some women experience physical symptoms during ovulation, such as tender breasts, increased sex drive, mild abdominal pain (mittelschmerz), mood swings, or heightened sensory perception. However, these symptoms are not always a reliable indicator of ovulation.
Problems with ovulation
If you're not ovulating, there can be several reasons, including stress, obesity, PCOS, breastfeeding, or hormonal imbalances. If you're having trouble tracking ovulation or ovulating regularly, consulting a fertility specialist may be helpful. There are also medications and lifestyle changes that can help you increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Conclusion
Ovulation plays a central role in conception. If you track it correctly and know your fertile days, you can significantly increase your chances of pregnancy. Use various methods to do this, such as ovulation tests, temperature measurement, and monitoring cervical mucus. If you experience difficulties despite these measures, medical advice and further testing may be helpful.
