Ovulation is the time in a woman’s menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released into the fallopian tubes and is ready for fertilization. The timing of ovulation is important for women who want to get pregnant or want to avoid pregnancy. This page provides instruction on how to calculate ovulation.
If you want to become pregnant, one of the most effective methods is to calculate when you ovulate and time your sexual activity to correspond with your most fertile period before and after ovulation. Multiple methods for calculating your ovulation are available.
Tracking your cycle is an easy method, but is less reliable than other methods. For increased accuracy, you can track your basal temperature and monitor your vaginal discharge. If you have an irregular cycle, or are having difficulty conceiving, consider using ovulation test kits. These kits can pinpoint ovulation with greater accuracy, but are expensive. You can also calculate ovulation to help prevent pregnancy. While not a full proof method, you can avoid pregnancy by abstaining from sexual activity or using protection around your ovulation date.
How to Calculate Date of Ovulation
Mavis Schorn, a certified nurse-midwife and director of the Vanderbilt University Nurse-Midwifery education program discusses how to calculate your date of ovulation. She reviews how to track your cycle, physical signs of ovulation and her feelings on ovulation kits. An example of vaginal mucus that indicates ovulation is presented as well how to track your temperature with a basal thermometer to calculate ovulation.
Step 1: Track Your Cycle
Tracking your menstrual cycle is one of the easiest methods to calculate ovulation. You can track your menstrual cycle by simply marking the dates on a calendar, or using an online period tracking service. Some online services include:
- www.mymonthlycycles.com
- http://www.femilia.com Femilia
- http://www.fertilityfriend.com Fertility Friend
These services allow you to track your period over time, which helps you pinpoint your ovulation date. Some service may calculate a predicted ovulation date.
Once you have several months’ worth of your cycle charted, calculate your average cycle days. Most women average cycles between 28 and 32 days.http://www.webmd.com/baby/healthtool-ovulation-calculator. Once you have your specific menstrual cycle average, predict your next period start date and count back 14 days to predict your ovulation date. Ovulation can range from 12 to 16 days prior to the start of your period. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/understandingovulation.html This method provides a good estimate of your ovulation date, but may not be exact.
Step 2: Basal Temperature
Your basal temperature fluctuates throughout your menstrual cycle, with your temperature being lower earlier in your cycle and peaking with ovulation and right before your period starts.
Purchase an inexpensive basil thermometer that tracks only 96 to 100 degrees in your pharmacy specifically for tracking your ovulation cycle. Basal body thermometers have more accurate markings to 1/10 of a degree.
Track your basal temperature first thing when you get up every morning before getting out of bed. Your temperature before ovulation is usually between 96 and 98 degrees, while it is 97 to 99 degrees after. As you see your temperature spike or rise ½ of a degree, you are ovulating or have just ovulated.
Step 3: Vaginal Discharge
During your menstrual cycle, your vaginal discharge changes in quantity, texture and appearance. These changes signal fluctuations in your fertile cycle. When you are not fertile, your discharge should be almost nonexistent. As you get closer to ovulation, your vaginal discharge changes and becomes cloudy and is denser in consistency. When you are ovulating, the thicker discharge changes to a thin, liquid-like consistency. This discharge assists the sperm in reaching the egg. In the days following ovulation, your discharge takes on a stickier appearance which is an indicator your fertile period is ending. period.http://health.comohacerpara.com/en/n4565/how-to-calculate-your-ovulation-day.html
Step 4: Ovulation Test
Purchase on over-the-counter ovulation test. These test detect the lutenizing hormone in your urine which is a strong indicator of ovulation. Ovulation tests are a great option if you want to become pregnant, but have an irregular cycle that makes calculating ovulation through other methods difficult.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.
