In a healthy woman, ovulation occurs every month. There are actually a number of complex processes going on inside the human body during this time.
Even if you are not trying for a baby it is worth knowing what is happening to ensure your body is working as it should be.
If you have any concerns it is important to visit a Sydney gynecologist as soon as possible and have yourself checked. This can identify and even resolve any issues. Even if you do not have any concerns it is a good idea to have a regular checkup.
What Is Ovulation?
Once a month an egg is released by your ovaries. This travels along the Fallopian tubes to your uterus (womb). In preparation for this the uterus wall thickens; to provide the egg with a comfortable and safe place to grow.
If the egg is fertilized as it makes its way to the womb then it will go into the uterus and get comfortable.
However, if the egg is not fertilized it is disposed of along with the lining of your uterus. This is when you get your period.
The Most Fertile Time
It is normal to be at your most fertile in the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. This is the period when the egg is traveling from the ovaries towards the uterus.
In general, ovulation occurs 14 days before the start of your period. The average cycle lasts for 4 weeks. Day 1 is considered the first day when you don’t have a discharge. This means you should experience ovulation between day 11 and day 16.
Of course, this is exceptionally difficult to predict unless your periods are extremely regular.
Identifying Ovulation
If you are lucky enough to have regular periods then you should be able to predict when your next ovulation will happen.
However, most women are not this lucky!
There are some classic signs associated with the end of ovulation; such as backache and cramps. Again, this will allow you to work backward and calculate your ovulation dates.
But working backward is not beneficial if you are trying to become pregnant!
More accurate signs of ovulation are:
· Cervical mucus becomes wetter as you start to ovulate.
· Your body temperature rises but you’ll need to use a basal body thermometer to ensure accuracy with this technique. Your temperature will usually rise by between .5 and 1° which shows that you ovulated within the last 24 hours.
Both of these are good measures to indicate ovulation and help you establish your schedule. But they can only help you to identify ovulation if you’re regular.
If this is not the case then you will need to purchase some ovulation tests to help you establish the exact day you start ovulating.
Don’t forget that sperm can survive in your body for up to 7 days; this gives you a good window round the ovulation to help you conceive successfully.
It is also worth noting that the average rate of conception is 21% per cycle although you have more chance the younger you are. If you haven’t been successful conceiving after 12 months of trying then you need to speak to a professional for help.