One of the most obvious questions women may ask when trying to conceive is, “How do I track ovulation?” It is essential to understand that it is not always possible to get pregnant at any time. You must wait until you are ovulating or are about to ovulate to conceive. If you are in Illinois, you can receive the top fertility education in Peoria at Invia Fertility.
There are a few ways to track ovulation that can help when you’re looking to get pregnant. It can also help women to better understand their bodies and menstrual cycles, in general.
What is Ovulation? How do I Track Ovulation?
Ovulation is the time when an ovary releases a mature egg. The egg travels down a fallopian tube, and a sperm fertilizes the egg if the sperm can meet it at the right time.
Women ovulate sometime during the middle of their menstrual cycles. While many believe it takes place during the 14th day of the cycle, this time varies depending on the person. A menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 21 to 32 days, on average. Ovulation only lasts for around 12 to 48 hours. Still, it is possible for sperm to live in the woman’s reproductive tract for about 72 hours before ovulation and still eventually fertilize an egg. In addition to these factors, a woman’s body undergoes specific other changes during ovulation.
How to Track Ovulation: the Calendar Method
Women who ask how to track ovulation should know there are a few methods they can use. One way involves the calendar method. However, this is only effective if the menstrual cycle is regular and lasts the same number of days each month. It also may not work for women who have irregular periods, such as for women who have endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Basal Body Temperature Method for Tracking Ovulation
If a woman wants to track her ovulation, one of the best methods for tracking involves taking one’s basal body temperature. Also known as BBT tracking, a special thermometer determines when a woman is most fertile and when she has ovulated. You can use the thermometer either in the mouth or vagina.
Cervical Mucus Method
Another answer to the question of how to track ovulation is with the cervical mucus method. This method involves checking the mucus from the cervix. You can either insert a finger into the vagina and collecting mucus from the cervix or check with toilet paper after going to the bathroom. When the mucus is thin, transparent, and stretchy like raw egg whites, it means the woman is fertile. This type of cervical mucus allows sperm access through the cervix to potentially fertilize an egg. This method is usually successful, particularly when a woman uses it along with BBT tracking.
Ovulation Prediction Kits
Another method of tracking ovulation involves the OPK method, where a woman uses an ovulation prediction kit to help track fertility. It is similar to home pregnancy tests and uses a urine sample. The prediction kit test checks for higher luteinizing hormone levels. When the levels of this hormone are higher, it means a woman will ovulate 12 to 36 hours later. In this case, you should try to have sex for the next few days to conceive.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, contact Invia Fertility in Peoria. We offer a variety of treatments, including:
To learn more about how to track ovulation, contact us today.
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