How to Predict Your Ovulation

How to Predict Your Ovulation
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If you are seeking to get pregnant, you may be wondering how to predict your ovulation, the time period in which an egg is released from the ovary. If there is sperm available, the egg can become fertilized, creating an embryo. For the fertilization to occur, you need to learn the available methods for predicting your ovulation. This will let you know when to have sexual intercourse to conceive a child.

Using an Ovulation Calendar

An ovulation calendar is probably the easiest method to use for predicting your ovulation. However, all it can give you is a wide time frame on when you should ovulate. Since menstrual cycles can vary, this method is fairly ineffective when learning how to predict your ovulation. There are many online calendars that you can use to predict ovulation. All you have to do is type in information such as the last day of your menstrual period and the typical length of your cycles. You will be provided with three to five days in which you should ovulate.

Charting your Basal Body Temperature

As your body prepares for ovulation, your basal body temperature (BBT) rises to create a fertile environment for the egg. This happens just in case the egg is fertilized. The day of and following ovulation are usually when your thermometer will report the highest temperatures. However, by the time you are seeing the higher number, it may be too late to try to fertilize. It can sometimes take up to 48 hours for the temperature to rise, while the egg is only viable for 24 hours.

To learn how to predict your ovulation date with this method, it is important that you begin charting your basal body temperature on the first day of your menstrual cycle. It can take two or three months of charting before you begin to see consistencies in your temperatures. These are what will allow you to accurately predict your ovulation day.

There are many things that can affect your BBT, including changes in your sleeping habits, alcohol, and fever. You should use a clean basal body thermometer for each session. Also, be sure to record your temperature at the same time every morning to ensure as much accuracy as possible.

Checking your Cervical Mucus

Thanks to changes in your hormone levels during your menstrual cycle, your cervical mucus will be altered. If you learn how to check your mucus daily, you will be able to predict your ovulation somewhat accurately. You must be able to recognize these changes so that you will know what day of your cycle you are currently experiencing. The following scenarios describe the changes that you need to watch for in regards to your cervical mucus.

  • Before ovulation, there will be little to no cervical mucus. As it begins to accumulate, it will be a cloudy white color and will feel sticky when on your fingers.
  • When ovulate is near, the amount of cervical mucus will greatly increase. The mucus will be more cream colored than white, and will feel similar to hand lotion. This is the time for sexual intercourse, if you are hoping to become pregnant.
  • During ovulation, you will have the most cervical mucus that will be produced. It will have a stretchy consistency to it, and will resemble egg whites.
  • After ovulation, the texture of the cervical mucus will become sticky, and it will have a cloudy appearance. The production of the mucus will begin to decline as your body gets ready to end this cycle and start another one.

When checking your cervical mucus, make sure your hands are clean. Also, trim your nails before inserting your fingers to get a sample of the mucus. The area you are accessing is sensitive, and tearing or infections can occur if proper preparations are not made.

Sources

https://www.ovulation-calendar.net/

https://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/bbt/bbtfaq.html

https://www.ovulation-calendar.net/fertility-indicators/cervical-mucus.php