5 Ways to Track Ovulation when Trying to Get Pregnant
Are you trying to get pregnant but feel overwhelmed and unsure how to keep track of your ovulation cycle? You are not alone! Many women find it difficult to understand their cycles.
The good news is that there are ways that you can track ovulation with greater accuracy when trying to conceive.
In this blog post, we’ll look at five ways to track ovulation to give you the best chance of conceiving.
From basal body temperature charting to fertility apps—we cover everything here!
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Why Should You Track Ovulation?
Tracking ovulation is an important step for those who are trying to conceive.
By monitoring your menstrual cycle and understanding the changes in your body, you can identify the most fertile days in your cycle. This increases the chances of successful conception.
Tracking ovulation can also help identify any potential issues with your menstrual cycle, allowing for early detection and treatment.
Providing a concrete plan and timeline can also reduce the stress of trying to conceive.
How to Track Your Cycle
The menstrual cycle is the regular change in the female reproductive system. It involves hormonal changes that cause the release of an egg from the ovary, known as ovulation. The mature egg has the potential to be fertilized by sperm, resulting in pregnancy.
The menstrual cycle generally lasts for 28 days but can range from 21-35 days. It begins on the first day of your period and ends on the day before your next period.
This illustration from the American Pregnancy Association shows a 28-day cycle and when you should ovulate, based on a 28-day cycle.
But since every woman’s cycle is not 28 days, that is why it is so important to track ovulation when trying to conceive!
To track your cycle, start by marking the first day of your period on a calendar and then mark when your period ends.
It’s essential to track your cycle, especially concerning ovulation. Knowing when ovulation is taking place can increase the chances of successful conception.
Not all women’s cycles are alike, and tracking may be more difficult for some.
Tracking your cycle is also important because it can help identify potential issues, such as irregular cycles or a lack of ovulation, which may need further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Incorporating simple tracking methods into your fertility journey can enhance your chances of successful conception!
What Happens When You Are Ovulating?
Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilized by sperm.
Not all women ovulate on the same day and the ovulation window can vary from person to person. On average, ovulation day occurs 14 days before the start of the next period. Still, it can happen anywhere between 11 and 21 days.
It’s important to track ovulation to determine when the most fertile days of the cycle occur. We will discuss the different tracking methods in more detail later in this post.
Once ovulation has occurred, the egg can only be fertilized for 12-24 hours. But sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days.
This means you can get pregnant if you have sex 3-5 days before ovulation, as the sperm can wait for the egg to be released.
So, having sex at least every other day beginning about a week before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after will increase your chances of pregnancy!
Everyone’s fertility and ovulation patterns are different. Tracking ovulation can help determine the best time to have sex and increase the chances of successful conception.
Incorporating tracking methods and understanding your ovulation window can help increase your chances of getting pregnant.
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What Are the Best Ways to Track Ovulation?
Knowing when ovulation is happening can be challenging, as it can vary from person to person and cycle to cycle.
Different ways and tools are available to track ovulation and increase the chances of conception. In this section, we will look at the best ways to track ovulation.
(Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns related to your reproductive health.)
Let’s dive in and look at the best ways to track ovulation!
1. Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus is a natural secretion produced by the cervix that changes in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle. This makes it an effective tool for tracking ovulation.
When you’re approaching ovulation, your cervical mucus will become thin and watery. When you are ovulating, your cervical mucous will become stretchy – like raw egg whites, which helps sperm move more easily through the cervix.
The amount and texture of cervical mucus can vary from person to person. It’s important to check your cervical mucus throughout your cycle to get a sense of what it looks like at different stages.
To track ovulation using cervical mucus, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands well to ensure no bacteria gets introduced into the vagina.
- Dry your hands well to avoid any confusion about the consistency of your cervical mucus from water on your hands.
- Insert your middle or index finger into your vagina.
- Move your finger as close to your cervix as possible and collect mucus.
- Rub the mucus between your thumb and finger.
- Slowly move your fingers apart, watching to see if the mucus stretches.
If you have thin, watery, or egg white-like, stretchy, slippery cervical mucus, you’re approaching ovulation, and it’s time to have sex.
Thick, cloudy, or sticky cervical mucus is considered non-fertile.
Pros:
- It’s natural and free
- Checking your cervical mucus provides valuable insight into your reproductive health and can help plan intercourse.
Cons:
- It can be challenging to identify changes in cervical mucus.
- It requires consistent attention and practice to accurately track ovulation.
2. Ovulation Test Strips
Ovulation tests help track ovulation and increase your chances of successful conception.
Ovulation predictor kits detect the presence of the luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine, which surges right before ovulation.
Follow the instructions on the package carefully when using ovulation test strips.
It’s best to start testing a few days before suspected ovulation, as LH surges can vary in intensity and duration.
For example, if your cycle is usually 28 days long, you would want to start testing on day 10 or 11, as ovulation will likely occur around day 14.
Some affordable and good quality options include:
- Clearblue Advanced Ovulation Test
- Easy@Home Ovulation Test Strips (this one also comes with pregnancy tests!)
- Pregmate Ovulation and Pregnancy Test Strips Predictor Kit
Pros:
- Ovulation test strips are affordable, easy to use, and can provide accurate results.
- They can help identify your most fertile days more precisely, allowing you to plan intercourse.
Cons:
- Ovulation test strips can be confusing at first, and it can take some time to understand how they work.
- Some women may experience a surge of LH that is too faint to be detected on a test strip, leading to inaccurate results.
- You could miss the optimal time to start testing if you have an irregular period.
Overall, using ovulation test strips can be a great way to track ovulation and increase your chances of conception.
It’s best to use them with some of the other tracking methods mentioned in this post to maximize their effectiveness.
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3. Track Basal Body Temperature
Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) can be a great way to determine when ovulation occurs.
BBT is the body’s resting temperature, which fluctuates slightly throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes.
To track your BBT, you will need to take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed.
To get the most accurate results, you should aim to take your temperature at the same time every morning.
Also, using a precise thermometer and recording your results is important to identify patterns or trends over time.
Some quality options include:
- Easy@Home Digital Basal Thermometer
- Easy@Home Smart Basal Thermometer, Large Screen
- iProven Digital BBT Thermometer
When ovulation occurs, there is usually an increase of less than ½ degree Fahrenheit in your BBT that remains steady for at least 3 days. So, tracking your BBT can help you to identify when ovulation has occurred or is likely to occur.
You are the most fertile approximately 2 days before your temperature rises.
You can use an ovulation or period tracking app (discussed below) to keep track of your temperatures or a good old pen and paper!
BBT thermometers are accurate and easy to use and can provide valuable insights into your menstrual cycle.
Pros:
- A simple and non-invasive method that can help pinpoint ovulation.
- Can be used in combination with other methods, such as cervical mucus monitoring or ovulation test strips.
- Can help identify potential issues, such as a lack of ovulation or a luteal phase defect, which can affect fertility.
Cons:
- Requires consistent effort each morning, including taking your temperature at the same time every day to ensure accuracy.
- Other factors, such as illness or lack of sleep, can cause fluctuations in BBT, making it more challenging to determine ovulation precisely.
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4. Fertility Monitor
A fertility monitor is a device that uses advanced technology to track hormone levels in urine and identify the onset of ovulation.
It works by detecting the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surge that occurs 24-48 hours before ovulation and estrogen levels that typically increase in the days leading up to ovulation.
One of the best fertility monitors is the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. According to its website, this monitor is 99% accurate and increases the chances of getting pregnant by 82%! If you choose this monitor, don’t forget to get the testing strips!
This device tracks hormones using urine tests and provides a simple display that tells you whether you are in your low, high, or peak fertility days.
Another popular fertility monitor is the Ava bracelet, which is worn on the wrist and uses temperature and other physiological indicators to predict ovulation.
Pros:
- They are highly accurate and provide insight into your unique menstrual cycle patterns.
- They can be used to track fertility continuously, making it easier to plan intercourse and increase the chances of conception.
Con:
- Can be costly, and the disposable testing strips can add up over time.
5. Period Tracker or Ovulation Tracker Apps
Period tracker or ovulation tracker apps are convenient and valuable tools for tracking menstrual cycles and predicting ovulation.
Using apps is similar to the “calendar method” because users manually log their menstrual cycle data.
The app’s benefit is that it stores the information in one place, making it easy to refer to and track changes over time.
These apps are usually free and user-friendly, including helpful features such as reminders for taking temperature readings or tracking moods during the cycle.
Here are some of the best period tracker and ovulation tracker apps:
- Clue
- Flo
- Glow
- Femometer
I have used both the Glow and Femometer apps to track my cycle. I’ve tried many other period tracking apps as well, but I like Femometer the best.
Test out different ones to see which works the best for you!
Pros:
- Convenience of having the app on your phone
- Ability to predict ovulation and menstrual cycles
- Providing personalized reminders and health tips
- Tracking menstrual symptoms such as headaches or cramps
- Generating fertility insights based on data entered
Cons:
- Can lead to relying too much on apps without learning how to identify body cues for ovulation
- Apps may not accurately predict ovulation or menstrual cycles, leading to missed opportunities for conception or unpreparedness for periods.
What are some signs of ovulation?
When trying to conceive, recognizing the signs of ovulation is key to maximizing your chances of successful conception.
Here are some common signs of ovulation to look out for:
- Increase in cervical mucus that is clear, stretchy, and slippery resembling raw egg white
- Mild pelvic pain or a mild twinge on one side of the lower abdomen
- Increase basal body temperature that is sustained for several days.
- Changes in the cervix position: About mid-cycle, the cervix goes through a slight shift in position – it becomes soft, high, and open
- Breast tenderness, bloating, and cravings
- Increased sex drive
Remember, not all women experience all these signs of ovulation, and they may vary from cycle to cycle.
Also, some signs of ovulation, like breast tenderness, bloating, and cravings, can resemble premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
That’s why it’s essential to use multiple tracking methods such as ovulation test strips, cervical mucus monitoring, or BBT to confirm ovulation.
What Happens if You Track Ovulation but Don’t Get Pregnant?
Tracking ovulation is an important step toward successful conception. But what happens if you’ve been tracking ovulation and trying to conceive without success?
Here are some general guidelines:
- If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for at least a year without success, it may be time to talk to a fertility specialist.
- For women over 35, seeing a specialist after six months of trying is recommended.
But it’s important to speak to a specialist sooner if you have underlying conditions such as:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Very irregular periods
A fertility specialist can help determine if any underlying medical conditions prevent pregnancy. They may recommend more testing, such as blood tests or semen analysis, to better understand potential fertility issues.
Also, remember it’s important to prioritize self-care and well-being throughout your fertility journey.
This may include seeking emotional support from a therapist or joining a support group for couples struggling with infertility.
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Wrapping it up
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to tracking ovulation. The best way to track ovulation depends on your unique situation, body, and preferences.
Some women find success with cervical mucus monitoring, while others swear by BBT tracking or ovulation test strips. It’s important to find what works best for you.
I found success by combining ovulation test strips, BBT tracking, and a period tracking app. These methods were accurate for me and helped me pinpoint my fertile window.
Fertility tracking can be a powerful tool in helping you achieve your dream of having a baby. When used correctly, these methods can help increase your chances of successful conception.
Stay positive and take care of yourself throughout your fertility journey. With perseverance, your dream of motherhood can become a reality!
Don’t forget to grab your FREE period tracker download!
Whether you’re trying to conceive or looking to understand your menstrual cycles better, our period tracker is the perfect tool to help you stay on track.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/basal-body-temperature/about/pac-20393026
https://www.verywellfamily.com/checking-cervical-mucus-to-get-pregnant-faster-1960279
