Tracking Ovulation: A Pathway to Pregnancy Success
Updated: May 12, 2024
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Ovulation is a key milestone in your menstrual cycle, and understanding it can be a game-changer when trying to conceive. Ovulation itself is a brief 24-hour window when the egg is released from a follicle in the ovary and travels to the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. But the true opportunity for conception lies in your fertile window—a broader span that includes ovulation and the days leading up to it.
Since sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, having intercourse during the five days before and on the day of ovulation can significantly increase your chances of pregnancy. That’s why understanding—and tracking—your ovulation is so important.
The Hormones That Drive Ovulation
Four key hormones influence ovulation. Learning their roles helps you better understand your cycle and what’s happening at each stage:
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates growth and selection of the follicle(s) for ovulation and is linked to ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have).
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Estrogen: Prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy. Rising levels mark the beginning of your fertile window.
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Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Surges right before ovulation and triggers the release of the egg.
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Progesterone: Released after ovulation, confirming it took place. It also supports implantation of the embryo.
Tracking these hormones—either through physical signs, over-the-counter tools, or lab testing—can give you clarity about your cycle and fertility.
The graph above represents hormone levels during four specific phases of the cycle: menstrual, proliferative (combined representing the follicular phase), ovulatory, and secretory (luteal) phase.
How to Predict Ovulation
Ovulation tracking can be done using multiple methods that are subjective (what you feel) and objective (what can be measured independently). It is recommended to use a combination of both since subjective methods alone does not confirm ovulation, but are more of a guidance.
Subjective signs of ovulation include:
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Increase in cervical mucus (thin stretchy discharge, often compared to egg whites)
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Ovulatory discomfort/pain (known as Mittelschmerz) that is in the lower pelvic area and is usually one-sided (left or right)
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Mid-cycle spotting of blood (ovulation with bleeding)
You may have all, some, or none of these subjective symptoms. These signs are helpful but don’t confirm ovulation on their own.
Objective signs of ovulation include:
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A slight rise in basal body temperature (BBT) detected by a specialized thermometer
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Luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, which rises right before ovulation and can be detected via urine or blood work
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Another objective method includes cervical position tracking. As ovulation nears, the cervix becomes higher, softer, and more open—a subtle but useful clue when combined with cervical mucus and BBT
Alternatives to Ovulation Tracking
You may prefer not to be so regimented with ovulation tracking when attempting to conceive. If you and your partner have intercourse 2-3 times a week, ovulation tracking may not be necessary. As long as there are no underlying reproductive health issues. If you get periods consistently at the same time each month (for example, every 28 days, every 30 days, etc.) you are in the fortunate position to track your ovulation easily. To calculate ovulation, you would subtract 14 from the number of days in between the first day of their period. So, for instance, if you get your period every 29 days, you would subtract 14, which indicates you ovulate on cycle day 15. But if you're not seeing success, or your cycle varies in length, tracking becomes a more valuable tool.
Ovulation Tracking Tools
Ovulation tracking tools can help you determine the ideal timing for intercourse. There are many options available, including:
1. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) can be purchased at local pharmacies or online. These kits contain urine dip wands that detect your luteinizing hormone (LH). OPKs can vary in capacity, clarity, and price. In addition, some may be more obscure to interpret than others.
2. Apps that can be downloaded on devices such as smartphones and tablets. Some apps require inputting data such as the first day of the period. You roughly get your period 12-14 days after you ovulate. These apps aggregate data from previous menstrual cycles to predict future ovulation. Other apps request more detailed info, including the first day of the period, temperature, ovulation cramping (discomfort/pain), breast tenderness, and spotting.
3. Blood work done with a fertility specialist can indicate LH surge and tend to be more accurate than OPKs and apps. This blood work is sometimes done with other hormones and a sonogram to visualize the follicle(s).
4. Mira Monitor: A home device that analyzes multiple hormones, giving you real-time fertility insight that’s more advanced than basic OPKs.
5. Wearable Tech: Some women also use wearable tech like the Oura Ring or Tempdrop to passively collect data like BBT and sleep, which can further refine their fertility tracking
Analyzes reproductive hormones at home
Factors that Affect Ovulation
While trying to conceive, you may be concerned if you are ovulating every month. Certain factors can affect menstruation and ovulation, including diet, stress levels, medications, and medical conditions. Below are some in-depth reasons for anovulation, or the lack of ovulation:
1. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can disrupt the regularity of ovulation.
2. Age: As you age, the quantity and quality of your eggs decrease, which can affect ovulation.
3. Stress: High levels of stress will increase cortisol, which can disrupt the hormonal balance in your body, potentially affecting ovulation.
4. Weight: Both being underweight or overweight can interfere with ovulation. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for regular ovulation.
5. Exercise: Intense or excessive exercise can impact hormonal levels and disrupt ovulation.
6. Medications: Certain medications, such as those used for chemotherapy or certain antidepressants, can affect ovulation.
7. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or diabetes, can interfere with ovulation.
8. Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility and ovulation.
9. Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as pesticides or chemicals, can affect ovulation.
10. Birth Control: The use of certain hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill or IUD, can temporarily suppress ovulation. It's important to note that these factors can vary from person to person, and consulting with a healthcare professional is always recommended for personalized advice.
Want to Promote Regular Ovulation? Start With Your Hormones
Even if you’re ovulating regularly, conception can still be challenging if hormone levels aren’t optimal—or if there are other imbalances affecting egg quality, implantation, or cycle timing. If you're not ovulating monthly or have irregular cycles, it’s worth taking a step back and evaluating your hormone health.
In my self-paced program, I guide you through:
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What your hormone levels really mean—and how to know if they're in optimal range
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How to track and interpret key fertility biomarkers like cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and LH surges
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Steps to promote consistent ovulation and improve your cycle health naturally
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Lifestyle factors that may be affecting your cycle, and how to modify them without adding stress
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A breakdown of how to support ovulation through nutrition, movement, and targeted supplements
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If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by ovulation tracking or unsure what your numbers mean, I’ll help simplify the process and give you a clear path forward.
Where to Go From Here
If you’re ready to feel more in control of your fertility—but don’t want to piece everything together from scratch—I’ve created two options to meet you where you are:
• Body Literacy for Fertility: gives you the tools to confidently understand and track your cycle, without second-guessing or overthinking.
• Fertility Fundamentals: provides in-depth, personalized support based on your hormone labs, health history, and fertility goals.
You don’t need to figure this out on your own—and you deserve answers that actually make sense.