What Is Ovulation Tracking and How Can It Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant?
THE AUTHOR: KATE DAVIES
Kate Davies is a fertility and women's health consultant and part of the clinical team here at One Day Tests. Kate worked for over 30 years in the NHS as a specialist nurse in gynaecology, sexual and contraceptive health and fertility. Kate holds a first class honours degree in Women’s Health, and as a qualified fertility coach offers patients much needed emotional support as well as clinical advice.
Introduction
Trying to conceive can be an exciting yet challenging journey for many couples. Understanding your body and its natural rhythms plays a crucial role in increasing your chances of getting pregnant.
Ovulation tracking is a practical and effective way to identify your most fertile days, making it a valuable tool for those trying to conceive. Here’s everything you need to know about ovulation tracking and how it can improve your chances of pregnancy.
Table of contents
Speak to a fertility expert
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is a phase in a woman’s menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary. This egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it is available for fertilisation by sperm.
Ovulation typically occurs between 10-16 days before the start of the next menstrual period, but the timing can vary depending on individual cycle lengths and other factors.
Why is ovulation tracking important?
The days leading up to and including ovulation represent the most fertile window of your cycle. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, while the egg remains viable for only 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.
By identifying this fertile window, you can time intercourse to maximise the likelihood of conception.
Methods of ovulation tracking
Several methods can help you track and determine your most fertile days:
- Calendar Method:
Track your menstrual cycle over several months to estimate your ovulation date. This method only provides limited information, and it is recommended to combine with one or more of the methods below.
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT):
Measure your body temperature daily using a basal thermometer. A slight increase in temperature signals ovulation has occurred.
- Cervical Mucus Monitoring:
Observe changes in cervical mucus throughout your cycle. Fertile mucus is usually clear, stretchy, and resembles raw egg whites.
- Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs):
Use urine tests to detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that occurs 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. This method may not be accurate if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Fertility Tracking Apps and Monitors:
Digital tools and monitors can help log your cycle data, symptoms, and other observations to predict ovulation.
- Ultrasound and Hormonal Blood Tests:
These methods provide a precise understanding of when ovulation occurs in your cycle
How ovulation tracking improves your chances of pregnancy
By identifying your fertile window, tracking allows you to:
- Time Intercourse Effectively:
Knowing when ovulation is about to occur enables you to schedule intercourse during your peak fertility days, significantly increasing the chances of conception.
- Understand Your Cycle:
Tracking helps you identify irregularities in your cycle that may impact fertility, such as anovulation (when ovulation does not occur) or irregular cycles
- Enhance Communication with Healthcare Providers:
Having detailed information about your cycle can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing and addressing any underlying fertility issues such as PCOS.
- Reduce Stress and Uncertainty:
With a clearer understanding of your body’s patterns, you may feel more empowered and less anxious during the conception process.
When to seek medical advice
If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. Ovulation tracking data can provide valuable insights during this consultation.
Summary
Ovulation tracking is a simple yet powerful tool that can improve your chances of getting pregnant by helping you identify your most fertile days. By understanding your cycle and using one or more tracking methods, you can take proactive steps toward achieving your dream of parenthood.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider speaking with a healthcare professional who can guide you in choosing the best tracking method for your needs.
Ovulation normally occurs between 10-16 days before the start of the next menstrual period.
A practical and effective way of identifying the most fertile time, better chance of conceiving.
Apps and calendar monitoring plus daily temperature checks are some of the most commonly used tracking methods.
Speak to a fertility expert
Each fertility journey is unique. You may be feeling confused, possibly struggling, or you simply want to prepare yourself for the road ahead, we are here for you.
At One Day Tests, we offer a range of fertility insight blood test that provide a detailed overview of the hormones and organs that impact fertility.
In addition you will have an online consultation with one of our fertility experts who will be able to talk through your results, listen to any concerns you have and will provide advice on the next steps in your fertility journey.
Frequently asked questions
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is a stage in the menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary. The egg then moves through the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilised by sperm.
Typically, ovulation happens 10 to 16 days before the next menstrual period begins, though the exact timing can vary based on individual cycle length and other factors.
When does ovulation occur?
Between 10-16 days, before the start of the next menstrual period, is when Ovulation typically occurs.
Why do you need to track ovulation?
Identifying the fertility window maximises the likelihood of conception. The egg only remains viable for 12-24 hours after ovulation and the sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days.
How can you track ovulation?
There a few methods but the most common are using fertility tracking apps, calendars, and daily body temperature checks using a basel thermometer.
Why does ovulation tracking improve the chances of getting pregnant?
Understanding when the fertile window occurs means you can time intercourse effectively, because you have a better understanding of your cycle. It also reduces the stress, uncertainty, and less anxious during the conception process.
