Ovulation Predictor - Fertility Calculator and Ovulation Calendar

In order for women to determine their most fertile time of the month, several methods are used. Some of these methods may only rely on the subtle physical changes the woman experiences in her cycle.

There are also methods that make use of ovulation predictor kits or strips. Whatever method is preferred, it is best to get familiarized with all of them in order to choose one or more that will best suit you.

The release of an egg during ovulation sends various physical and emotional responses. These responses provide clues on when the woman is ovulating or not. Here are some of the ways which tell the woman when she is ovulating.

How You Can Track Ovulation

Ovulation Calendar Method

This method works best for women with regular cycles (usually lasting up to 28 days per cycle). Ovulation in this case, happens during mid-cycle, usually on the 14th day from the start of the next cycle.

For those with irregular periods, it is best to monitor one’s menstrual cycle for a period of six months with an ovulation calendar, taking note of the longest and shortest days in a cycle. Once these figures are determined, the woman subtracts 18 from the shortest cycle and 11 from the longest cycle. The results will represent the first fertile day up to the last fertile day, and this is the time when ovulation is likely to occur.

Cervical Mucus Changes

The mucus of the uterine cervix as well as the uterine body undergoes changes each month during the menstrual cycle. During the first half of the cycle when hormone secretion from the ovary is low, cervical mucus is thick and scant. But as you get closer to ovulation, you will notice that this mucus will become watery and clear – similar to that of an eggwhite. It is at this at this stage when sperm penetration and survival are excellent.  The mucus not only becomes thin and watery, but it can also be stretched into long strands.

Cervical Position

Monitoring the changes in the cervical position requires skill and careful determination. The changes may be subtle to inexperienced women, and it is best to allow her OB to perform the exam instead. This method may cause more discomfort, and must be performed only by an expert and in conjunction with another method.

The indication for which ovulation happens is when cervix consistency becomes softer and wetter when it is normally firm. It may also become noticeably more open than usual.

Basal Body Temperature Monitoring

This method involves constant and religious monitoring of any subtle changes in body temperature. It is the cheapest and most inexpensive way to use an ovulation predictor. She can do this using a specially made BBT thermometer which takes temperatures in tenths for more accuracy, although some women find a normal thermometer work just as well. She then plots this temperature reading on a monthly graph, taking into consideration conditions that might affect her temperature (colds, infections, sleeplessness). At the time of ovulation, the basal temperature is seen to dip slightly at about 0.5F. It then rises to a level no higher than normal body temperature and stays that way for 3 or 4 days. This indicates the time when ovulation has taken place, usually a day after it occurs.

Physical Symptoms

These symptoms may appear quite differently in many women. Some may report to have middle abdominal pain just before ovulation. This may be caused by the ovary getting ready to release the egg. Some women may also experience breast tenderness, or even increased libido. Take advantage of this increased sex drive and who knows? You might get pregnant!

Ovulation Determination by Test Strip

This is a quite pricey method of determining ovulation. it involves the use of a strip to be dipped in a sample of urine to test for prescence of luteinizing hormone which signals the onset of ovulation. Various brands of commercial kits are available for assessing the upsurge of that occurs just before ovulation. It is best to do this test at the exact same hour of everyday for better accuracy. With the instructions given in the kit manual, the woman notes for color changes that occur that tell her ovulation is on its way. These kits are said to predict ovulation as much as 36 hours prior to the event, so it’s best to have sex on these given days. Such kits are purchased over the counter and it takes a lot of time and efficiency.