Detecting Ovulation: Are You Ovulating When You Think You Are?

Ovulation is when our body releases an egg from the ovary, making it available for fertilization - but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that if you’ve been trying to conceive (TTC), or for that matter intentionally trying not to conceive. Detecting ovulation is important as it helps to determine the best time to have intercourse in order to increase their chances of getting pregnant.

Here’s what you need to know about some of the most reliable methods available to us.

Basal body temperature (BBT), LH strips, and cervical mucus are all methods that can be used to predict fertility and identify the best time for conception. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to understand the differences in order to choose the best one for you.

BBT is the lowest temperature of the body at rest, which is typically measured in the morning before getting out of bed. This temperature increases slightly after ovulation. By tracking BBT over time, it is possible to identify patterns that indicate ovulation, and therefore the fertile period. However, BBT can be affected by factors such as illness, stress, and lack of sleep, which can make it difficult to accurately predict ovulation. Additionally, BBT measurement requires a basal thermometer, which is a special thermometer that can measure small temperature changes. This method can also be hard to be consistent at if you’re a shift worker or already have kids and wake up times can differ or be hectic.

LH strips, or luteinizing hormone strips, are used to detect a surge in LH, a hormone that is released by the pituitary gland in the brain. This surge typically occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation, and is a strong indicator that ovulation is about to occur. LH strips are easy to use, and provide a clear positive or negative result. However, they have been known to produce false positive results occasionally. It is also possible for LH to surge, and ovulation not occur. We may get more than one surge per month as our body continues to try for ovulation.

Cervical mucus is a fluid that is produced by the cervix, and changes in consistency and appearance throughout the menstrual cycle. During the fertile period, cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery - similar to liquid egg whites, which makes it easier for sperm to reach the egg. By observing cervical mucus, it is possible to identify the fertile period, and increase the chances of conception. However, cervical mucus can be affected by factors such as stress, illness, and hormonal imbalances and some people find it difficult to notice or pay attention to their cervical mucus changes.

If you’ve been TTC for a while, and you’re not sure about you’re ovulation, I recommend using LH strips to watch for a surge, and then monitor your cervical mucus for the liquid egg white consistency to confirm ovulation. Once you have a general window for fertility, I recommend intercourse every other day starting 5 days prior to and one-day past ovulation.

If you’re interested in trying ovulation strips, I love the Ovry brand and recommend it to my patients often - so they have generously offered us a discount code to use. Just type in MMCLEOD10 at checkout.