When you’re trying to conceive, understanding your body and menstrual cycle is absolutely essential. Your menstrual cycle is far more than those 4-7 days each month when you’re on your period. A woman’s menstrual cycle starts the first day of their last period and ends the day before the next period -- an average of 28 days. The menstrual cycles goal isn't only to help a woman get pregnant, but also to naturally cycle through hormones. When it comes to getting pregnant, ovulation is the most important part of the menstrual cycle. Here’s a look at understanding ovulation.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the point in a woman’s menstrual cycle when an egg is released from the ovary. This phase of your menstrual cycle is considered your most fertile time. Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever need inside; each month after menarche (a girl’s first period), an egg matures to be released and swept through the fallopian tube to the womb. For most women, ovulation can take place from the 11th to the 21st day. On a standard, 28 day cycle, it generally occurs around day 14. If your cycle is regular, you’ll also probably ovulate on the same day of your cycle every month.
What happens next?
Once the egg makes it to the uterus, there’s a 12 to 48 hour window for that egg to be fertilized by a sperm. If fertilization occurs, a whole new cycle takes over your body for the next nine months. If not, the uterus “sheds,” and your period begins.
How do I know when I am ovulating?
Knowing when you’re ovulating can make it easier to have sex at exactly the right time. You can buy ovulation kits from the pharmacy section of almost any major retailer, or you can track your cycle for a few months and figure it out yourself. This is also a great way to get a better understanding of your body. Signs of ovulation may include an almost gradual rise in your basal body temperature, a change in the consistency of your cervical mucus, or other mild symptoms. If you’re trying to track your cycle, try this cycling charting method.
How likely am I to get pregnant?
In a healthy, fertile couple, there’s about a 20% the female partner will become pregnant during a particular cycle. Obviously, the use of birth control or contraceptives will make that a much smaller percentage. Even if you quit taking birth control, it can take a few months for your body to get back on track. About 85% of women who have sexual intercourse without any birth control products get pregnant within the first year of trying.
