Ovulation happens when your ovary releases a mature egg that moves down the fallopian tube to await fertilization. It is easy to track your ovulation. You just have to be in tune with your menses and body changes. It can take some time but within a few months, you can be able to tell when you are ovulating.
Besides, ovulation has loads of importance to a woman, especially if you are looking to get pregnant or avoid a baby. It can help you know the best time to conceive as well as your safe days, but only if you get your calculations right.
You can
calculate ovulation dates via an
ovulation calculator or track it via ovulation predictor kits, thermometers and changes in your cervical mucus.
Tracking Your Ovulation
You will have to know or work out your average menstrual cycle for a few months first. Day one is usually the first day of your period and the last day is the day before your next period.
Due to the different nature of the human body, most women do not have the average menstrual cycle that is a 28-day cycle. So do not be shocked if you have a longer or shorter menstrual cycle. It is normal.
Note that ovulation usually happens about two weeks before your next expected period. Therefore, if you happen to have a 28-day cycle, you are likely to be ovulating on day 14. The most fertile days here for you will be three days leading to and including ovulation day, which is day 12, 13 and 14.
However, if you have a shorter menstrual cycle let us say 21-day cycle, then you are likely to be ovulating on day 7 with your fertile days being day 5, 6 and 7.
Another great example is for those with a longer cycle like a 35-day cycle. This will put your ovulation on day 21 with day 19, 20 and 21 being the most fertile days.
Also, remember that your Fertile Window is usually the six days leading up to and including ovulation day.
Calculating Your Ovulation
You can use an ovulation calculator to know when you are most fertile. You just fill the blanks with your menstrual cycle as well as the first day of your last period, month and year. Some may also ask how long your last menstruation lasted, can be between 3-5 days or more.
After which you can get the results, which often vary depending on the information you have put. Remember not all women have the same cycle.
An ovulation calculator will show your full
Fertile Window. These are the days leading up to ovulation, as well as the ovulation day itself. It will also show you your upcoming fertile days in the next few months and your due date if you do conceive.
However, you should note that ovulation calculators often work best with a regular menstrual cycle, meaning having your period every 21-40 days. If you have an irregular menstrual cycle then you can keep track of it via ovulation predictor kits, thermometers and even physical changes within your body.
It might take time but constant body checkups and tests every month will help you know when you are ovulating. With time, you will be in a great position to pinpoint the ovulation days with ease.
Signs of Ovulation
Here are few body signs that can help you know when you are ovulating.
- Breast Tenderness
- Bloating
- Slight pain or cramping in your side
- Light Spotting
- The appearance of clearer, thinner and stretchy vaginal discharge or cervical mucus, more like raw egg whites
- Higher levels of Luteinizing hormone, LH, you can use a home ovulation predictor kit for this
- The rise is basal body temperature, at about ½-1 degrees. You can take the measurements with a thermometer
Conclusively, calculating your ovulation date is not that hard. You just have to make it a daily/monthly thing. This way you know how consistent or irregular it is.
Nevertheless, note that stress and other issues affecting your body physically and mentally can affect your basal body temperature, so be on the lookout for your cervical mucus. It is one thing that changes texture and color throughout your cycle. You can check it daily. Otherwise, ovulation is vital for a woman, so keep track of yours.
