Fertility cycle or menstrual cycle is defined as the changes that occur naturally and regularly every month in a female reproductive system. Women who want to increase their chances of getting pregnancy are advised to track their fertile cycle on a regular basis. Tracking fertility cycle can benefit you to know your fertile window which determines the most fertile days of the month to conceive. The Fertile window comprises of 6 days, 4 days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and one day after ovulation. The probability of getting pregnant increases by three times if intercourse occurs during these 6 days.
You can follow the below methods to track your fertility cycle, predict the day of ovulation and maximize your odds of getting pregnant naturally.
Tracking basal body temperature:
Basal body temperature (BBT) monitoring helps you to detect your patterns of ovulation. Record your body temperature every morning before you get out of bed or even before you drink anything. You will notice a rise in your BBT after ovulation occurs which is usually be the highest temperature during your fertile window. Noticing an increase in BBT will aid you to detect the day you ovulate exactly. You can use basal body temperature thermometer, to get accurate results.
READ: When Am I the Most Fertile?
Ovulation predictor kits (OPK):
Ovulation predictor kits help effectively to identify your timing of ovulation as well as peak fertility. You can use these kits at home to predict the exact day you ovulate. This test works by measuring the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine. A positive urine test seen on the OPK predicts ovulation in next 12-48 hours.
Examine cervical mucus:
Spotting the regular changes in your cervical mucus is an effective and easy way to predict the precise day you ovulate. Cervical mucus becomes clear and stretchy, similar to a consistency of egg white, at the time of ovulation. The changes in the consistency help the sperm to travel faster inside the women’s body. On other days, the cervical mucus is usually opaque white in color.
Physical signs of ovulation:
Physical signs of ovulation are varied from woman to woman and month to month depending on one’s pattern of the menstrual cycle. These physical signs may include abdominal cramping, bloating, breast tenderness and light spotting(not all women will get this spotting).
