Summary
Planning for your bundle of joy is a huge decision. An unplanned pregnancy can go wrong somewhere. Of the many things the couples need to consider, the first is the Ovulation cycle.
This blog has figured out answers for most of the frequently raised questions and concerns about Ovulation.
What is Ovulation?
Ovulation is a process of releasing an egg from the ovary.
It’s when one of your ovaries releases a mature egg that travels into the fallopian tube to meet a sperm. This becomes fertilized on its way and moves into your uterus, where it implants itself in the uterine lining and thickens.
On the other hand, if the egg isn’t fertilized, shedding of the uterine lining and the egg happens, resulting in your periods.
It is to be noted that an egg lives for about 12-24 hours after leaving the ovary, and if the pregnancy doesn’t occur within this time, menstrual bleeding occurs.
When does ovulation occur? How to calculate the ovulation days?
An answer to this question lies in understanding how lengthy your menstrual cycle is, as Ovulation typically occurs halfway through it.
For example, if your cycle is 28 days long, you will ovulate on your 14th day. To be more precise, if your last menstrual cycle was on the 30th, then your ovulation day would roughly be the 13th or the 14th day.
The length of the ovulation cycle varies from woman to woman.
When am I most fertile?
You can be most fertile on the last five days that leads to your ovulation. You are more fertile on the exact day of ovulation , and the day before . After these days, your chances of conceiving are too low.
Did You Know?
The sperm can linger around for up to five days.
The ideal time to conceive is to have regular intercourse everyday or every second day between the 12 and 16 days of your cycle.
Can I have intercourse twice or more a day during ovulation?
This question is common among couples who are deliberate about conceiving.
Tempting to have sex twice or more in a day to increase your chance of becoming pregnant can sometimes decrease your sperm count and reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
What are the ovulation symptoms? What happens to my body during ovulation?
Of the many signs your body shows, the most prominent ones women experience are;
- Experiencing noticeable abdominal discomfort either on the right or on the left, which could be the sign of the ovaries preparing to release its egg.
- Softening of the cervix It could even get thinner and slippery, making your mucus very clear.
- Swelling of the vulva or vagina area and may even become sensitive.
- Drive to have sex may increase.
- Experiencing a ‘ferning’ pattern in your saliva, which is usually caused by the rise in estrogen.
- A slight fluctuating body temperature may indicate your ovulation is approaching.
While these are generally quoted signs to indicate ovulation, few women may or may not experience these. Hence do not wait for your body to show these warnings. The best way to prepare yourself is to have regular intercourse during your ovulation time and increase your chances of conceiving.
What will be my chances of getting pregnant every month?
The younger you are, the more chances are for you to conceive.
Age | % of chances for conceiving |
25 | 20-25 |
30 | 15 |
35 | <10 |
So, the earlier, the better.
How do I make the most of my Ovulation days?
Here is how you can do it.
- You would need the ability to calculate your calendar + good record-keeping skills + a dollop of patience. Maintaining these can help you make the most of your ovulation.
- Try using the online mobile apps that help track your ovulation.
Learn every nuance of your body. Be sensitive to how your cervix feels, know your vaginal secretions, and recognize the signs of ovulation.
Can I use an Ovulation kit to check my ovulation?
Yes, you can! This is the most common way of keeping track of your ovulation days. An ovulation test kit is easily available in pharmacies, or you can even ask for your doctor’s prescription for a reliable one.
They appear like sticks, which helps detect the luteinizing hormone, a surge that indicates that your body is about to ovulate or is ovulating
If you are tested positive with the stick, it means you can have intercourse on your second and third days.
What are the chances of pregnancy if I track and follow my Ovulation accurately?
The right menstrual cycle means you are ovulating, right!
If you are regularly ovulating and following the pointers listed above, you should conceive within 3 to 6 months.
However, there is again a 1% of them who, even with regular periods, do not ovulate and conceive. Visiting a gynae or a fertility expert can be the right choice.
What if I continuously fail to get pregnant?
If you are having well-timed, unprotected sex for a year and yet not conceiving naturally, you should consult your fertility doctor, who could examine to study any risk factors involved.
Thanks to the advancement in medical science . There are many options available to see if you and your partner have any issues related to fertility. Be open to discussing with your doctor about fertility treatment options.
What if my Ovulation is not constant and is irregular?
Irregular ovulation leads to irregular periods. In such cases, you might not ovulate regularly, or your eggs might not grow. During such situations, it is advisable to see a gynae who can suggest ultrasounds to diagnose your ovulation.
A right pregnancy scan center’s ultrasound can help you detect your ovulation. A fetal expert can track the growth of your eggs and accurately predict when your eggs will be ready for ovulation in advance with the help of a follicular study or a Pelvic Scan.
Conclusion
Bringing a baby into your family is a huge decision. Ovulation is not a complex process if you are a little mindful.
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