Introduction 

Humans, like most mammals, are able to reproduce when the male gamete (sperm) and the female gamete (ova or eggs) combine to create new life. This is sexual reproduction and in humans, the time when the egg is available to be fertilised is called ovulation. 

Ovulation plays an important role for those wishing to start a family and get pregnant. For women trying to conceive, there is a vital need to know when the ovulation time has started. Let’s learn more about how the menstrual cycle works and how it affects reproduction. 

What is a Menstrual Cycle?

For those attempting to get pregnant, it is critical to understand that the female’s egg can only be fertilised during a certain period ‘window’ of time. This is called the fertile window and it is part of the menstrual cycle that all human females undergo till menopause. 

The menstrual cycle works like this: 

• The day your period starts (first day of bleeding) is day 1.
• Periods may last between 2-7 days. During this time the womb lining detaches and leaves the woman’s body as menstrual flow.
• After this, the increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones cause an egg to be developed and leave the ovary while also thickening the womb lining. During this time the uterus (womb) is prepared and ready for an embryo to implant. 
• Ovulation may usually happen around 14 days before the menstrual bleeding starts. This varies from person to person, by watching for other mentioned signs you can get an answer to the commonly asked question- How to know when I am ovulating?
• The egg travels from either one of the ovaries down the fallopian tubes. The day this happens is called ovulation. In the fallopian tubes, the egg can be fertilised if there are any sperm cells present. (If there is no sperm the egg is reabsorbed and the menstrual cycle continues.)
• Fertilisation of the egg in the fallopian tubes is dependent on how long the sperm and egg can survive. Sperm can live for only 5 days inside the tubes, while eggs can only be fertilised within 24 hours of being released. 

Also Read: Sperm Cramp: Causes, Symptoms, And Being Informed About Men’s Health

It is generally accepted that the fertile window is only the five days preceding ovulation or the day of ovulation itself. In most cases, this may be closer to the 3 days prior to ovulation and the day of ovulation. Sexual intercourse during these ovulation days (or fertile window) is the only way to get pregnant naturally. 

Also Read: Uncovering 5 Myths About Menstruation!

Your cervical mucus – you may notice wetter, clearer and more slippery mucus around the time of ovulation. your body temperature – there’s a small rise in body temperature after ovulation takes place, which you may be able to detect with a thermometer.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms of Ovulation

Now that you understand the importance of ovulation with regards to pregnancy, how can you know when you are ovulating. There are several methods you can use. 

• Track your cycle – Tracking your menstrual cycle regularly can help you understand the most likely days that you are ovulating. Many free apps are available for just this purpose. You can also track it yourself using a calendar or journal. If you do use a free app, be sure to check whether it has a specific option to track your ovulation days. 
• Vaginal mucus change – Some days before ovulation the vaginal mucus will experience changes in its characteristics and appearance. It will likely become more clear and slippery. Use this as a sign that ovulation is about to take place soon.
• Ovulation home kit – Just like pregnancy tests, an ovulation predictor test can track hormonal changes in the urine. Take this home kit test a few days before you expect to be ovulating. If it shows a positive result it means that you are likely to ovulate within 24-36 hours. 

Some women may experience a slight increase in basal body temperature, tender breasts, cramping and bloating so watch for these as well.

Also Read: 10 Effective Home Remedies For Irregular Periods

Conclusion

Many people try to track ovulation days and use a calendar method for not getting pregnant. But this method alone is not at all reliable, therefore it is best to talk to your doctor about the right ways- (use of condoms, contraceptive pills and devices) if you do not want to conceive. Figuring out your ovulation cycle and trying to get pregnant isn’t impossible, but it’s not precise either. Using the above methods can help you narrow down your fertile window and plan your conception days better. If you experience any trouble despite trying for a while, speak with your doctor or a fertility specialist. 

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