If you are trying to get pregnant, you need to pinpoint when you are ovulating. The sperm and the egg have a short time window to meet for conception. Knowing when you ovulate can help you time intercourse properly to help increase your chances of conceiving. There are a few different methods to help detect ovulation.
Cervical Mucous
Test your cervical mucous every day to help pinpoint ovulation. The cervical mucous changes throughout the month. It can be creamy, pasty, thick or thin and stretchy. The mucous becomes thin and stretchy just prior to ovulation. This helps the sperm move easier and faster to reach the egg. To test the mucous, you roll it between your finger and thumb.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
Ovulation prediction kits are sold in most drug stores. These kits detect a surge in the level of lutenizing hormone. The kits come with anywhere from five to twenty test sticks per kit. They are easy to use and work like a pregnancy test. You just test your urine each morning to determine if ovulation will soon occur. The tests are accurate 24 to 48 hours prior to ovulation.
Fertility Monitors
Fertility monitors are similar to ovulation kits. This is reusable monitor that uses disposable test sticks. These monitors test estrogen levels in addition to lutenizing hormone. They are quite a bit more expensive, but when you add up the cost of several months’ worth of ovulation kits, they are worth the cost.
You set the monitor by pushing a button on day one of your cycle. The monitor lets you know when it’s time to test. You have a six hour window for testing each day. You choose this time window. To use the test, urinate on the test strip for three seconds. The monitor will flash when it’s time to remove the test strip. When you remove the strip, you will get a reading.
Calendar Method
You can track ovulation by keeping track of your periods. The first step is to determine the length of your cycle. Ovulation occurs fourteen days before your period starts. To know which day of your cycle this is, you need to know the length of your cycles. For example, if you have a twenty eight day cycle, you should ovulate on day 14. If you have a thirty day cycle, you should ovulate on day 16.
Charting
Charting involves taking your basal body temperature every day and recording it on a chart. To do this, you will need a basal body temperature thermometer. Many come with charts for you to record your temperature. Your basal body temperature increases slightly when ovulation has occurred. It will only tell you when ovulation has occurred, not before it happens. These are useful for determining your typical cycle and detecting the time you generally ovulate.
For best results, combine methods for detecting ovulation. By using a few methods, you are more likely to get accurate information. Some women use charting, ovulation predictor kits and cervical mucous. All this information is recorded on one chart. This will help you detect ovulation and increase your chances of conceiving.