fertility calculator
What is ovulation anyway?
Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the fallopian tube, and is available to be fertilized. The lining of the uterus has thickened to prepare for a fertilized egg. If no conception occurs, the uterine lining as well as blood will be shed. The shedding of an unfertilized egg and the uterine wall is the time of menstruation. Here are some additional facts about ovulation.
- An egg lives 12-24 hours after leaving the ovary
- Normally only one egg is released each time of ovulation
- Ovulation can be affected by stress, illness or disruption of normal routines
- Some women may experience some light blood spotting during ovulation
- Implantation of a fertilized egg normally takes place 6-12 days after ovulation
- Each woman is born with millions of immature eggs that are awaiting ovulation to begin
- A menstrual period can occur even if ovulation has not occurred
- Ovulation can occur even if a menstrual period has not occurred
- Some women can feel a bit of pain or aching near the ovaries during ovulation
- If an egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates and is absorbed into the uterine lining
If you are trying to conceive, it may be helpful to mark your most fertile days on your calendar. Here is how to calculate yours: from the first day of your last, or next period, the 13th to 17th days are your most fertile (for women with a 28 day cycle). If you do not have a 28 day cycle, you can figure out your most fertile days here.
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You can also determine if/when you ovulate by taking your Basal Body Temperature (BBT). This is done with a special thermometer immediately after waking up - before moving, talking, or doing much of anything besides reaching for the thermometer. You track this daily, and after a couple of months, you should see a predictable pattern.
This is also very useful if you have had trouble becoming pregnant, as it will tell you IF you are ovulating, or if your cycle is "off" in some way (such as having a luteal phase [time from ovulation to your period] that's too short).
One free on-line service that can help you not only track, but help you interpret results is www.fertilityfriend.com.
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