How to Track Ovulation When Trying to Conceive

Tracking ovulation is a key step for couples trying to conceive, as it helps identify the most fertile days of the menstrual cycle. By understanding when ovulation occurs and using tools to monitor your fertility, you can significantly increase your chances of pregnancy. This guide explains how to track ovulation effectively and what methods can help you pinpoint your fertile window.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Ovulation Helps Maximise Fertility

• Ovulation is when a mature egg is released, and it’s the most fertile time of a woman’s cycle.

• The fertile window includes the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.

• Regular intercourse every 2–3 days during this window increases your chances of conception.

Track Ovulation Using Various Methods

• Apps: Fertility tracking apps like Clue or Flo predict fertile windows based on cycle data.

• Body Signals: Monitor changes in cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and ovulation pain.

• Ovulation Test Kits: Detect hormone surges that indicate ovulation is about to occur (99% accuracy).

Consider Advanced Tools for Precision

• Fertility monitors or basal body temperature sensors provide real-time data for more accurate predictions.

• Products like the Babystart FertilTime Ovulation Tests help pinpoint your fertile days with ease.

• Consult a healthcare professional if tracking feels challenging or if fertility concerns arise.

Why is Tracking Ovulation Important?

Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilised by sperm. This is the time when a woman is most fertile. Knowing when ovulation happens allows you to plan intercourse during the fertile window, increasing your likelihood of conceiving.

• Fertile window: The best time to conceive is during the 5 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.

• Regular intercourse: Experts recommend having sex every two to three days throughout your cycle to maximise your chances, especially around ovulation.

When Does Ovulation Occur?

Ovulation timing varies depending on the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

• Regular 28-day cycle: Ovulation typically occurs around day 14.

• Shorter cycles: Ovulation may occur around day 10.

• Longer cycles: Ovulation may happen after day 15.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Understanding your menstrual cycle can help you estimate ovulation more accurately:

1. Follicular Phase

• Lasts from the first day of your period until ovulation.

• Can vary in length (11–27 days).

• Factors such as stress, illness, or travel can influence its duration, causing ovulation to occur earlier or later than expected.

2. Luteal Phase

• Occurs from ovulation until the start of your next period.

• Typically lasts 10–16 days and remains consistent from month to month.

• Less affected by external factors than the follicular phase.

How Can I Track Ovulation?

There are several methods to track ovulation. Combining multiple methods can provide the most accurate results.

1. Use a Menstrual Cycle Tracking App

A fertility tracking app can:

• Predict your fertile window based on past cycles.

• Help you record ovulation symptoms like cervical mucus changes, ovulation pain, or breast tenderness.

Popular apps include Clue, Flo, and Ovia, which become more accurate the longer you use them.

2. Observe Natural Fertility Indicators

Cervical Mucus Changes

• Before ovulation: Mucus becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy, similar to raw egg white.

• Purpose: Helps sperm swim towards the egg.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

• Measure your temperature with a BBT thermometer each morning before getting out of bed.

• A slight increase in temperature (0.2–0.5°C) indicates ovulation has occurred.

• Tracking BBT over several months helps predict future ovulation dates.

Cervical Position

• Before ovulation: Cervix becomes softer, higher, and more open.

• After ovulation: Cervix returns to a firmer, lower position.

Ovulation Pain

• Some women experience mild cramps or twinges (known as mittelschmerz) around ovulation.

• This is a useful indicator that ovulation is occurring.

3. Use Ovulation Test Kits

Ovulation test kits detect luteinising hormone (LH) surges in your urine, which occur 24–36 hours before ovulation.

• How to use: Test daily during your predicted fertile window.

• Effectiveness: Over 99% accurate.

• Limitations: Not recommended for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), as hormonal imbalances can produce false results.

Recommended product: Babystart FertilTime Home Ovulation Tests - these are over 99% accurate and help you to learn when you are most likely to conceive.

4. Try Fertility Sensors or Monitors

Fertility monitors provide continuous tracking of your body’s signals, offering precise predictions of your fertile window.

• Basal Body Temperature Sensors: Worn as an armband or vaginal device to monitor temperature changes.

• Cervical Mucus Sensors: Measure mucus quality and detect ovulation.

These devices are a great investment for those who want detailed, real-time data about their fertility.

Ovulation Test Kits

Ovulation tests are home testing kits that allow you to pinpoint when you are close to ovulating. With a similar mechanism to a pregnancy test, you urinate onto a test stick or dip it into a urine sample. This allows you to see immediately if you are likely to be within the fertile window.               

It can take several months to get used to using ovulation test kits to track your cycle and work out when you are fertile.  

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are not advised to use ovulation test kits, as raised hormone levels associated with PCOS may lead to inaccurate test results.

Final Thoughts

Tracking ovulation can feel overwhelming at first, but the process becomes easier with practice. By combining methods such as using apps, monitoring body signals, and testing with ovulation kits, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your cycle and the best days to conceive.

• The Babystart Couples Fertility Bundle contains everything you need to support your journey to conception. The combination pack includes pre-conception supplements, ovulation tests, at-home fertility testing kits, and more.

Remember, every woman’s cycle is unique. If you have difficulty tracking ovulation or are concerned about fertility, consult a healthcare professional. With the right tools and knowledge, you can take control of your fertility journey. Good luck!