Ovulation and Fertility

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Knowing when you’re most fertile is key when you’re trying to get pregnant. And being aware of your menstrual cycle and the changes that happen in your body during your cycle can help you do just that.

Most menstrual cycles last about 28 days. But every menstrual cycle has two parts: before ovulation and after. You are most fertile and most likely to get pregnant two to three days before ovulation and 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

  • Day 1 is the first day of your period.
  • Between days 7 and 11, the lining of the uterus begins to thicken and ready itself to nourish an egg.
  • Around day 14, ovulation occurs. Your hormones cause an egg to be released into the fallopian tubes to travel toward the uterus. If a sperm unites with the egg, the egg will attach to the lining of the uterus, and pregnancy occurs.
  • If the egg is not fertilized, it will break apart. Between days 25 and 28, hormone levels start to drop and your body prepares to shed the lining of the uterus so that the cycle may begin again.

Because there are no outward changes to signal that ovulation has occurred, the first part of the menstrual cycle is the hardest to track. However, there are three methods that may help you keep track of your fertility.

Basal Body Temperature Method

Basal body temperature is your at-rest temperature as soon as you awake in the morning. This temperature rises slightly with ovulation, so recording this temperature daily for several months will help you predict when you’ll be most fertile.

Usually this temperature rises only slightly during ovulation, anywhere from 0.4 to 0.8 degrees. You can use a basal body thermometer to detect this change. (Most pharmacies sell them for around $10.) Then plot your daily temperature on a line graph. Reoccurring spikes on the graph usually indicate ovulation.

Calendar Method

The calendar method involves keeping a written record of each menstrual cycle on a calendar. Here’s how it works:

  • The first day of your period is day 1. Circle it on the calendar.
  • Do this for eight months to one year so you know how many days are usually in your cycle. The length of your cycle may vary from month to month, so write down the total number of days it lasts each time.
  • To find out the first day you are most fertile, check your calendar for the cycle with the fewest days. Subtract 18 from that number. Take this new number and, starting on day 1 of that period, count ahead that many days on the calendar. Draw an X through this date. The X marks the first day of your cycle you’re likely to be fertile.
  • To find the last day you are most fertile, check your calendar for your longest cycle. Subtract 11 from that number. Take this new number and, starting on day 1 of that period, count backward that many days on the calendar. Draw an X through this date. The X marks the last day of your cycle you’re likely to be fertile.

The calendar method should be used with other tracking methods, especially if your cycles are not always the same length.

Cervical Mucus Method

The cervical mucus method involves being aware of the changes in your vaginal discharge throughout the month. The hormones that control the menstrual cycle also change the kind and amount of discharge, or mucus, you have before and during ovulation. Right after your period, there are usually a few “dry” days when no mucus is present. As the egg matures, mucus increases in the vagina and is white or yellow and cloudy and sticky. The greatest amount of mucus appears just before ovulation. During these "wet days" it becomes clear and slippery. This is when you are most fertile. About four days after the wet days begin, the mucus changes again. There will be much less, and it becomes sticky and cloudy. You might have a few more dry days before your period returns. Describe changes in your mucus on a calendar. Label the days “Sticky,” “Dry” or “Wet.” You are most fertile at the first sign of wetness after your period, or a day or two before wetness begins. This method is not reliable for all women, so pair it with another fertility awareness method. Women who are breastfeeding, have vaginitis or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or have had surgery on the cervix should not rely on this method.

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What others are saying.

Lori, 6/24/2008 2:20:44 PM
EXTREMELY informative! Thank you so much!

latinbeauty, 7/7/2008 11:44:49 AM
thank you for this message it was very important for me to read this passage

latinbeauty, 7/7/2008 11:44:50 AM
thank you for this message it was very important for me to read this passage

knocked up, 7/21/2008 11:04:13 PM
this website was very helpful to me..seems i got pregnant with an 18 year old and im 33. to make things worse he was my daughters boyfriend.

Jacquelyn, 7/24/2008 11:18:54 PM
Very good information to know about there are things that we women still need to know about : )

Amy, 7/29/2008 3:11:50 PM
This article was helpful.

Teresa, 8/14/2008 9:28:21 AM
Your article is helpful i am learning alot that i did not know.When my husband and i become by using this information i will let u know.Thanks again.

Kahniesha, 8/16/2008 9:59:29 AM
Thanks very informative

dalinda, 8/16/2008 1:45:45 PM
ohh my....no wonder i got pregnant..
.

Doreen, 8/18/2008 10:19:15 AM
I'm confused regarding this:To find out the first day you are most fertile, check your calendar for the cycle with the fewest days. Subtract 18 from that number. Take this new number and, starting on day 1 of that period, count ahead that many days on the calendar.

What number are you speaking about:
check your calendar for the cycle with the fewest days. Subtract 18 from that number? What number? Is it the total number of days you had your period - lets say I had my period for 4 days - do i subtract 18 from 4? Or do I subtract 18 from the date of the last period day - so if the last day i had my period was August 15th, do i subtract 18 from 15? I'm confusted on this. Can you help?

Teresa 8/22/08 10:10:57 PM, 8/23/2008 10:00:46 PM
i am like Doreen confused subtracting what number from 18?Would you please be more specific in your statement.

cathy, 8/29/2008 4:43:28 AM
found the article helpful..

Elizabeth, 10/12/2008 12:23:40 PM
Doreen and Teresa--
Dates of the month are not important---it is the length of your cycle. You are to subtract 18 from the number of days of your shortest cycle. Ex. if your shortest cycle is 28 days-- subtract 18 from that and your first possible fertile day is day 10 ---
so--you get your period---that is day 1---count to day 10---start having sex.
Most women have a few days window--to find out when to stop---take your longest cycle---subtract 11 from that...so if your longest cycle is 30 days--subtract 11---which means day 19---so have sex from day 10 to day 19.
Take ovulation kit---very helpful--
sperm needs to be inside you BEFORE you ovulate for best chance of pregnancy.
I would get cramps for day or two before ovulating---so as soon as I felt cramps...that was a sign for me. We have 2 beautiful boys.
Good luck.

jane, 11/5/2008 8:17:26 AM
i hav e miss m y period and i do no if i am pregnancy or if it is my menopause i am 42

Christine, 11/7/2008 9:51:23 PM
This article was very helpful. Now I understand what my discharge means. I always panicked thinking something was wrong or that I leaked too much. I am relieved to know that I am normal. : )

nicole, 11/8/2008 12:23:19 PM
thank yo so much. i am ready to have my first child and will not be ready for another for another 4 years. this is very informative for a new mom.

sandra, 11/12/2008 12:19:32 PM
thank you for this advice. i'm trying to get pregnant. I too saw this discharge and was scared, but know that everything is normal. i have two children and working on a third.

kay, 11/19/2008 4:06:24 PM
thanks found info most helpful

ola, 11/23/2008 10:46:35 AM
this had helped me understand my circle and know when best to get pregnant.

Andrea, 12/16/2008 2:57:48 PM
Very helpful, and they didnt complicate it with all the 'doctor' words...lol!

Sarah, 12/27/2008 7:12:11 AM
this article is very informative and it really helped me understant the cycle a women goes through.
it also helped now , as im trying to get preganant!

Leondra, 12/28/2008 2:56:43 AM
WOW I DIDN'T KNOW THIS AND I'M A WOMAN.! (JOKINGLY).THANK YOU
KOTEX!

RedinMaine, 1/16/2009 1:09:38 PM
I'm kind of sad b/c my Dr. told me I would be fertile btwn the 7th and 14th day from the 1st day of my period. Which would have meant starting Jan 14 thru 21st. After reading this article is seems that I'm fertile commencing on the 21st. I'm confused!

monica, 1/22/2009 3:49:30 PM
why or there little glaps of bleed in my period

vdaybaby, 1/22/2009 5:33:17 PM
This article was helpful but I'm a little confused..my last period was dec 27th it lasted 4 days...I had sex jan 11th 15th and 18th my girlfriend keeps saying I'm going to end up pregnant but by reading this article and checking my calendar I'm not so sure if she's right..can someone please help me out?

angel, 1/30/2009 1:36:43 PM
this was very helpful..im 17 and was wondering how i wud kno when im fertile so when i get married i kno when is the best chance to get prego..

Stephanie, 2/6/2009 6:01:15 AM
Thank you Elizabeth, for your explanation! You helped me out a lot.

comencita, 2/9/2009 2:09:13 PM
my boyfriend and i have been trying for a 1yr to have a baby no luck yet please help my periods are not regular it can fall on the 19 of the month or 20 and sometimes skip a month i never had a baby before what are some methods i can use

kelly, 2/10/2009 8:37:56 PM
these tips really work.

Millo, 2/11/2009 1:47:56 PM
I hope this wil wrk bcoz im trying 4 a baby since leaving the birth control injection deprovera last yr july.thanks 4 the info.what do u think i can use to clean the injection out?

mcbaby, 2/24/2009 1:17:43 PM
i am off the ring, 1st month off and my periods have always been regular with or without the ring but now they r late. i had sex 4 days b4 my expected period day. could i be pregnant or this is normal? someone please help.

M3, 3/7/2009 9:38:52 AM
This was GREAT.....I learned alot from this. I really hope that I am pregnant :) !!!!!
THANKS

jessenia lozada, 3/10/2009 7:30:14 PM
im 35 i have 2 kids and i want 2 have another one

hope to have another, 3/14/2009 6:13:03 PM
GREAT, PERFECT!!!!!

ashley, 3/17/2009 1:02:34 PM
this is in responce to knocked up - that is some jerry springer stuff i cannot belive you would break your daughters heart like that i would never do that to my daughter you just did one of the worst things you are supposed to be protecting her not hurting her

isliz, 3/18/2009 5:47:54 PM
whats the perfect day to get pregnant..

W, 3/20/2009 9:08:14 AM
As a planned parenting educator I found the information very informative. The only concern I have is that it did not state that these methods do not protect against STD's and address the reliability of these methods of detecting ovulation.

# 22, 3/21/2009 8:21:48 PM
thank's for all the great tip's i've been with my b/f for 5 years now and nothing still no baby. I hope this will wourk for me thank's again lady's !!

Jazmin, 3/22/2009 3:34:47 PM
Very Informative... Thanks :)

monica, 3/23/2009 1:09:38 PM
can u get pregnant if u don't ovulate?

vicky, 3/23/2009 5:19:43 PM
i am totally confuse on how to use the calendar and stuff sometime things go right for me using the calendar then next thing you know it's something else

briseldagarcia, 4/6/2009 11:43:47 AM
I "m trying to get pregnet for about 3years can somebody help me when I m ovulatering .

Neema, 4/6/2009 2:29:15 PM
This was great,i ve learn so many things,bt i had sex the 8th day of my periods,cn i be pregnant?my cycle is 28 days?

Christa, 4/7/2009 10:01:48 AM
Thanks 4 the info.
But why is it that some pple go for even 6months without there periods?>(experience)

Heather , 4/13/2009 2:34:31 PM
I'm 22yrs old I'm engaged , My man is 39 and we've been trying for a baby and I already may be pregnant but I'm not sure yet , in the past relationship I was in I was trying to get pregnant for almost two year's I got depressed thinking I will never be able to have children and that mean's so much to me to leave a part of me even when I'm gone to carry on our family . I am so unsure of when the time is right to try getting pregnant because my period is wishy washy it come's and go's when it feel's like it doctor's have told me I have an Eregular period witch will make it harder for me to become pregnant , we have sex almost every day throughout the month , so I don't understand why it hasn't happend yet , and will I every be able to have a baby , I wish for it so much I think that some time's I make my self believe that I really am even when I know I'm not . My mother has told me I could be getting false pregnancy sign's because I really want it and when my period is late I think right away that I am . When should I go take a pregnancy test to fing out if I'm pregnant now , or should I just wait and see what happend's next month , I'm confused . What should I do ?????

candace, 4/21/2009 10:05:04 AM
me and my husband have been married five years still no baby been trying the whole time.doctors said we are both fine so why no baby yet? any advice please??

lilian, 4/22/2009 6:43:51 AM
very informative.thank you !!!!!!

Janet, 4/22/2009 12:28:31 PM
Do women somtimes feel for sex during ovulation?

Dena, 4/22/2009 12:36:27 PM
thank you.... Me and my husband married for 5yrs now, we went to several doctors and they said everything was ok. So i try around and after my ovaulation day. Thanks to God i'm pregnant....

ali, 4/29/2009 10:18:55 PM
me and my hubby married for 4yrs now iam dying to get pregnet..we both fine ..please am seeking of advice ..ineed your help

Julie, 5/2/2009 12:07:39 PM
Janet,

Yes, it is normal and God-given that we desire sex when we ovulate. This is the rare time of the month that I am the one who initiates sex with my husband. This normal reaction is God's way of telling us to "be fruitful and multiply". So make the most of it!

Ali,

The best advice I can give is to track your cycle and try like crazy during the most fertile times. Also, think about how he is treating his testicles. He needs to keep them cool and away from his body - I suggest boxers. Allow enough time between sex (at least 12 hours) for him to produce good amounts of sperm.

After sex, be sure to lye there for a while and take in the experience. Don't force the sperm out of you yet. It may help if you both orgasm at the same time to drive the cum further up into your uterus. Hope this works. Good luck!

ali, 5/4/2009 5:16:04 PM
thank you very much Julie for your advice

KAREN, 5/9/2009 4:53:39 PM
I CAN'T GET PREGNANT IT'S BEING 3 YRS GOING ON 4 WHAT CAN I DO THIS IS SUPER SAD 4 ME

KAREN, 5/9/2009 5:27:32 PM
PLZ PPL SOME ONE PLZ HELP ME I'VE BEEN MARRIED 4 3 YRS GOING ON 4 AND HAD NO LUCK AT ALL ALL I'VE EVER WANTED ID A ANGEL THAT CAN CALL ME MOMMY AWW AN ANGEL THAT I DO DESERVE AND THAT ME AND MY HUSBAND HAVE BEING WAITING WITH LOTS OF LOVE AND HOPE I CRY EVERY DAY THINKING THAT MAYBE I NEVER HAVE A LITTLE PRINCE CALL US MOMMI AND DADDY IF SOME ONE COULD HELP ME

snowflake, 5/10/2009 12:47:42 AM
u all are crazy keep havin sex and let nature take its course

Ginger, 5/11/2009 11:49:32 PM
Karen if you don't become preg in 1 year and you are trying and under 35 its time to involve a doctor, if you are over 35 you should become preg in no more than 18months. I have fertility issues myself and i know how it can effect your life. If u try to relax and not stress so much that may help. Remember doctors can tell u many things but if u are a woman of faith keep praying, i was told i would never have kids and i have two. I believe that is God doing. Keep ur head up!!!

Niki, 5/14/2009 3:55:38 PM
I really need some help with this question: Last month we were trying to get pregnant when I was ovulating 10 days later came back on period for only 3 days this month back on cycle and blood is BRIGHT RED test results say negative PREGNANT or just another PERIOD?

patricia, 5/14/2009 5:02:01 PM
i think i am late can somebody help me the first day of my last period was april 13 am i late could i be pregnant

Haley, 5/18/2009 12:34:30 PM
Hi all,

I am a bit freaked out. The other day, my boyfriend and I had sex, and right when he was about to ejaculate, he pulled out. He was wearing a condom, but when he pulled out, the condom came off, and stayed inside my vagina. I was day 17 in my menstrual cycle.

Does anyone think I could become pregnant? Please, help!

marquita, 5/20/2009 12:42:33 PM
My boyfriend and i have had sex from the 20th though and the ovalution test said I was most feritle arond then. Well, I didnt get a sign of blood until yesterday. My first day of my last period was the 17th of last month. I am blooding and have a pad on just in case bit its not heavy its late to where i can just wipe and its on tissue.

HILL, 5/22/2009 11:30:27 PM
HELP ME UNDERSTAND THESE OVALUTION TEST IM A BIT CONFUSED, IM PREGNANT KNOW AND IM 6WEEKS AN2 DAY AND I STILL DONT KNOW WHEN IM MOST FERITLE, CAN ANYONE HELP ME. MY LAST PERIOD WAS APRIL 8TH AND I KEEP COUNTING AND COMING UP WITH NOUTHING. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

lisa, 5/24/2009 12:47:32 PM
my menstruation day was on the 16 of may , when will my ovulation day start

Maria, 5/26/2009 1:42:18 PM
My last period was on May 20th but this time it was only 4 days out of 7 days. I also noticed that my period was very, very light as in it wasn't heavy. More like spotting but mostly in the mornings. I would barely get any blood on my pad during the day and evenings. I also remember it being sometimes brown. I've never had this happened to me. I'm just concerned if I might be pregnant. I use to have very irregular periods, but for the past 3 months its been coming every 34 days. Can you help?

Mari, 5/26/2009 4:27:04 PM
Really good info....

Lourdes, 5/29/2009 9:12:40 AM
Thank you for that good info....

Lourdes, 5/29/2009 1:56:06 PM
thanks for the info...

JAZMINE, 6/3/2009 8:17:50 AM
my first day of my last period was on may 5, 2009 what day did i ovalate?And today is june 3rd im suppose to come on i didnt how long should i wait to take a pregnacy test?

Maria, 6/5/2009 1:48:19 PM
My last period was on May 20th and it lasted 4 days out of my 7 regular days. I started spotting June 4th. Can I get 2 periods in less than a month or is there a chance that I can be pregnant? I've never gotten 2 periods in less than a month. Please help!

Sharlene, 6/8/2009 9:55:36 AM
Have been trying to conceive for about 12 months. I am now on fertility pills for the 3rd Month running, past two Months did not conceive of course, my cycle is Mostly 28 days, minimum 24 days....am 34, and have been pregnant easily before, what could the prob be?

stacey, 6/11/2009 9:58:07 AM
good info

ashley, 6/20/2009 8:57:14 PM
been with my husband since i was 14 and for 2 years still no baby what to do????

BHAVISHA, 6/23/2009 12:10:35 PM
Dear medam, i am just married last 8 month but still no baby, my periods is regular I want baby give me advice

sherry, 6/29/2009 11:59:40 PM
There is an ovulation calculation thing u can do on babycenter.com if u know the first day of ur last period and how long your cycle is! Hope this helps

Grace, 7/17/2009 7:18:07 PM
This article was very helpful. I have PCOS and currently on Clomid and Metformin 3rd cycle started to ovulate in my 2nd cycle..Hoping and praying to get pregnant..Had my 1st child 16 yrs ago with out any problem..I am keeping the faith.

autumn, 7/21/2009 4:18:09 AM
i seriously think i might puke
no offense to the article but it makes me sick to even think about there being something in me

Jill, 8/15/2009 1:03:38 PM
Hi, I have a question for whoever can answer, i recently had my period and it ended on the 26th, about 4-5 days after me and my boyfriend started to have sex but then i decided not to go through with it, we didnt use a condom and he was in me for about 4 strokes and about 3 inches in, he didnt really feel a surge in his penis and didnt release anything knowingly, im concerned that i might be pregnant, could anyone shed any light on this for me please

Christian, 8/21/2009 9:57:28 AM
You ladies are missing the one thing about when it comes to getting pregnant.
If it God's Plan, then it will happen if you want it or not. If you conceived a child it was to happen, God's Plan.

shaily, 8/21/2009 3:23:54 PM
thanks for the information

brazilia, 10/7/2009 10:26:09 AM
thank you information

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