Ovulation Tracking

Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg is released from an ovary. The egg moves into the fallopian tube where it is available for fertilization with sperm. The timing of ovulation within the menstrual (monthly) cycle plays a very important role in determining when pregnancy can occur.

The time of ovulation during the menstrual cycle is associated with certain signs that can be closely monitored to determine the window period:

• Cervical mucus changes: During ovulation, vaginal mucus appears slick, clear and slippery, resembling the white of an egg. This is one way of tracking ovulation.
• Basal body temperature: Body temperature rises immediately after ovulation. Ovulation can be tracked through recording basal body temperature (BBT) using a BBT or fertility thermometer each morning (after waking) throughout the cycle.
• Ovulation calculator: An ovulation calculator is a kit available over-the-counter to predict the day of ovulation. Certain hormones surge during ovulation. The test measures the levels of these hormones present in urine or saliva to determine the window period.