Tracking Your Fertility

Understanding Your Ovulation Cycle

Knowing your ovulation cycle is important for your overall health and reproductive well-being. Whether you’re planning to start a family or simply want to know your body better, having a clear grasp of your ovulation cycle can help you to make informed decisions about your health and fertility.

Learn about the Ovulation Cycle

Ovulation occurs when your ovary releases a mature egg that travels down the fallopian tube. The egg moves in the direction of the uterus, which is where a baby grows. If the egg meets sperm and becomes fertilized, it may continue to the uterus. Once in the uterus, the fertilized egg can attach to the uterus wall and grow into a baby. However, if the egg does not meet any sperm, it will break down. When this happens, the lining of the uterus also breaks down and leaves the body as menstrual blood. Women experience unique ovulation patterns due to various factors including age, health, lifestyle, and individual physiology. It’s important to understand that the timing of ovulation can vary significantly. In a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation may occur anywhere from day 10 to day 15, though this can differ for each woman.

Understanding ovulation is crucial because

It's essential for conception:

The egg is only viable for about 24 hours after ovulation, making this the most fertile time of your cycle.

It affects your overall health:

Hormonal changes during ovulation can influence your well-being, from mood to skin condition.

It's an indicator of reproductive health:

Regular ovulation is a sign that your reproductive system is functioning properly.

Ovulation can be detected by various signs not readily discernible by anyone other than the woman experiencing them. Women nearing ovulation experience changes in their cervix and the mucus it produces along with their basal body temperature.

Many women also experience secondary fertility signs including Mittelschmerz (pain associated with ovulation), a heightened sense of smell and sexual desire in the days immediately leading up to ovulation.

Some studies suggest women subtly improve their facial attractiveness during ovulation.

Phases of your Menstrual Cycle

1. Menstrual Phase

During this phase is when the lining of your uterus comes out through your vagina. What comes out is a mix of blood, slippery fluid called mucus, and tiny bits of the uterus lining. Most people have their period for 3 to 7 days.

2. Follicular Phase

During this phase is when the lining of your uterus comes out through your vagina. What comes out is a mix of blood, slippery fluid called mucus, and tiny bits of the uterus lining. Most people have their period for 3 to 7 days.

3. Ovulation Phase

At this phase is when the mature egg is released from the ovary. It typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but this can vary widely among women.

4. Luteal Phase

After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone prepares the uterus for pregnancy. If you do get pregnant, you won’t have a period. If you don’t get pregnant, you’ll have your period, and the whole cycle will start over again.

Once your egg has been released from the ovary, it is swept into the fallopian tube. Sperm that reach the egg while in the fallopian tube surrounds it and releases a digestive enzyme to weaken the wall of the mother egg. When a sperm penetrates the outer wall of the egg, the race is over. Having sexual intercourse any other time of the month to get pregnant is less productive because of this narrow window of opportunity.

This is why the KNOWHEN® Advanced Saliva Ovulation Test is an excellent monitoring tool when you want to become pregnant. It is reusable everyday which saves you the cost of buying single use ovulation test strips and also comes with a lifetime guarantee.

To increase your chances of conceiving through a natural contraceptive method, you should know your ovulation cycle which can vary from person to person.

Sperm can only live up to 72 hours, so having intercourse within 72 hours before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and/or the day after ovulation can significantly increase your chances to conceive, but only if you know your ovulation cycle.

Learn more about our Advanced Saliva Ovulation Test which includes a Fertility Monitor App giving you a natural contraceptive for family planning.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovulation

Changes in cervical mucus

It becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy, resembling egg whites.

Slight increase in basal body temperature

Your temperature rises slightly after ovulation.

Mild abdominal pain or cramps

Some women experience a twinge or mild discomfort on one side of their lower abdomen.

Increased sex drive

Nature’s way of encouraging procreation during your most fertile time.

Breast tenderness

Hormonal changes can cause your breasts to feel sensitive or sore.

Changes in mood and energy levels

Some women report feeling more energetic or positive around ovulation.

Our Happy Mothers

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Happy mother from LA

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Happy mother from California

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Happy mother from Newyork