What is Ovulation?
Simply put, ovulation is when an egg is released from one of your ovaries into you fallopian tube. This is the best time to try and conceive if you’re hoping to get pregnant. For that reason, many women like to work out when they are ovulating so that they have the best possible chance of the egg becoming fertilised.
When Does Ovulation Occur?
There are various things you need to understand if you are going to try and work out when you are ovulating. If you have regular periods, you should be able to determine when you’re ovulating more easily, as it usually occurs around 10-16 days before your period starts. You may notice that your cervical mucus is clearer and more slippery around the time of ovulation. You may also notice a small rise in body temperature, which you can determine using a thermometer.
Some women have other symptoms during ovulation, such as tender breasts, bloating and minor stomach cramps, but it’s wise not to rely on these symptoms as a way to predict ovulation because they could be down to something else. You could use an ovulation test, which will determine the levels of luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine (higher levels will signal ovulation).
Are Ovulation Tests Accurate?
Ovulation test are convenient and easy to use. If you’re hoping to conceive, timing your intercourse shortly after a surge in the luteinising hormone should increase your chances, but there are other factors at play that might reduce these chances. For instance, the tests don’t determine if your cervical mucus is conducive to fertilisation. In other words, the tests a great for determining your LH levels, but that does not necessarily mean you will become pregnant if you have sex around this time. You or your partner may have other health problems that could affect your fertility.
If you have been trying to conceive with regular unprotected sex for a year or more, it would be a good idea to speak to your doctor, as they will be able to determine whether or not there are problems with yours or your partner’s fertility.
