Knowing your ovulation date can help you avoid or achieve pregnancy. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ovulation is when your body releases an egg from your ovary. The egg only lives for 12 to 24 hours, giving you little time to achieve pregnancy. Conception may occur if you and your partner are intimate before or during ovulation. After ovulation has occurred, there is little chance of pregnancy. Choose from several methods to pinpoint your ovulation date.
Instructions
Step 1
Chart your temperature with a basal body thermometer. Take your temperature first thing in the morning before you get out of bed or talk. Record your temperature on a printable or online calendar chart every morning. During the first part of your cycle, your temperature will be low. Some women see their temperature drop several tenths of a degree the day before ovulation. After you have ovulated, your temperature will rise above your early cycle temperatures. Once your temperature stays elevated for three consecutive days, you can confirm ovulation. After charting for several months, you will see an ovulation pattern emerge. Understanding this pattern makes achieving or avoiding pregnancy easier.
Step 2
Monitor your cervical fluid. In a normal cycle, your initial cervical fluid is menstrual bleeding. After your menstrual cycle ends, your cervical fluid is usually dry for several days. As your luteinizing hormone begins to increase, you will notice your cervical fluid increase and change in texture. At first dry and sticky, fertile mucus turns wet, slippery and stretchy. This clear mucus is fertile mucus, indicating ovulation is approaching. If you are trying to conceive, have intercourse when you observe abundant mucus. After ovulation, your cervical fluid dries up as your progesterone levels rise. Record your mucus patterns on a fertility chart.
Step 3
Purchase an ovulation predictor kit to pinpoint your ovulation date. Most kits come with seven test cassettes. The kits test for the presence of luteinizing hormone, which surges 24 to 48 hours before ovulation. Subtract 17 from your average cycle length and begin testing on that day. For example, if you have a 28 day cycle, begin testing on day 11. Test by urinating on the test strip at the same time each day until the test line is as dark or darker than the reference line. A positive result indicates you will likely ovulate within 48 hours.
Step 4
Pay attention to secondary fertility signs. You may feel cramping or slight twinges in your lower abdomen around the same cycle day each month that can indicate ovulation is occurring. Monitor your cervical position. When you are fertile, your cervix is high, soft and sensitive. After ovulation, your cervix lowers and becomes more firm. You may experience breast tenderness during ovulation.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are trying to get pregnant, have intercourse at least every other day when you experience fertile mucus. Monitor your fertility signs for several months to learn your pattern. Bring your ovulation information with you to doctor's appointments. Take a folic acid supplement if you are of childbearing age.
- Consult your doctor with any fertility concerns.
Things You'll Need
- Basal body thermometer
- Calendar
- Ovulation predictor kit
