Ovulation

Ovulation is the release of a single, mature egg from an ovary. This happens once monthly about two weeks after the beginning of menstruation in the average female. Once the egg is released, it travels down the fallopian tube where it may be fertilized by sperm within twenty-four hours of release.

Detecting the most fertile days. There are four methods that you can use to detect your most fertile days of the month. These methods are:

Look in your calendar to see when your next period is due to begin and count back 12 to 16 days. This will give you a range of days when you will probably be ovulating. To use this method, you must know how long your cycle usually lasts. This method is not as reliable as the others because it is only based on a calculation of days. If your cycle varies a lot it is difficult to get the calculation right since you may not know the exact day your next period will begin.is considered to be the temperature of a healthy person taken immediately upon awakening. There is a basal body thermometer used to measure the basal body temperature.  A digital thermometer can also be used, although it is not as accurate. These thermometers are sold at superstores, pharmacies and grocery stores. The temperature should be taken upon awakening before getting out of the bed. Start taking your temperature the first day of your period to get more accurate chart. By keeping a chart of your basal body temperature you can keep tract of your temperature changes and pinpoint the time for ovulation. The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) will fall abruptly one to two days prior to ovulation. At that time your BBT will be ranging from 97.0 to about 97.5 degrees.

Charting your Basal Body Temperature(BBT):

When you ovulate, hormonal changes trigger a rise of between 0.5 and 1.6 degrees. This rise will lasts until your next period unless you get pregnant. You may notice your temperature spiking on other days too, but unless it stays that way, you are probably not ovulating. You are most fertile the day of, and the few days preceding, the spike. Although some fertility experts say may still get pregnant if you have sexual intercourse within 12 to 24 hours after the temperature shift. Your temperature will drop right before starting your period if you are not pregnant. If you become pregnant, your temperature will stay elevated throughout the pregnancy.

Keeping Track of Changes in your Mucus:

There are many different types of vaginal discharge, one of which is cervical mucus. The changes in your mucus are due to hormonal changes in your body. The type of mucus your body produces will indicate the days when you are most fertile and when not. You can check your cervical mucus using either your fingers or toilet paper. On days when you are not fertile, the mucus from your cervix is either light or sticky (about the same texture as sticky rice). During the few days leading up to ovulation, when you’re most fertile, you’ll have more discharge — clear and slippery with the consistency of raw egg white. You are most fertile on the last day you notice cervical mucus of this kind. It usually happens either the day before, or the day of, ovulation.

In-home ovulation prediction kits

In-home ovulation prediction kits help determine the fertile period by detecting the increase in the concentration of the LH (Leutenizing Hormone) in the urine prior to and during ovulation. The kit can be used when you know the length of your cycle and a time frame when you can expect to ovulate so that you will know the days to take the test. You can use the Basal Body Temperature Chart to find out your most fertile days and then use the ovulation prediction kit to confirm the days. These kits are sold at superstores, pharmacies and grocery stores.

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If you’re pregnant, or thinking about getting pregnant, it’s extremely important that you have access to good medical care and a primary care-giver with whom you feel comfortable. As many studies have shown, early and adequate medical care is crucial for your own health and your baby’s. If you choose to be treated by an obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn) and not a nurse-midwife, and if you have an ob/gyn whom you trust and feel comfortable talking to, then you’re all set.  More...

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