The process of becoming pregnant varies greatly from couple to couple. While some couples try for years to conceive, others become pregnant without even trying. A woman may become familiar with her body's fertility cycle in effort to prevent pregnancy or to determine the most fertile time if she is trying to conceive.

Every month, a woman's ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tube during a process called ovulation. If the egg remains unfertilized, the uterine lining is shed and normal menstruation occurs. If the egg is fertilized by sperm in the fallopian tube within an approximate 24 hour time period, conception occurs. Within a few days, a fertilized egg will move into the uterus, attach to the uterine wall and begin developing into a fetus.

Though many fertility experts recommend having intercourse throughout your cycle if you are trying to get pregnant, recognizing when you are most fertile can also be helpful in increasing your chances of conception. The time period when a woman is most fertile is during ovulation as well as the five or so days leading up to it. Women who are trying to conceive should have sex every day if possible during this time period, while women who are trying to avoid pregnancy should abstain from sex or use backup methods of birth control prior to and during ovulation.

For some women, ovulation is accompanied by a pain or ache near the ovaries, a recognizable sign that ovulation is taking place. Other women may not experience any pain at all. Breast tenderness is another sign of ovulation some women experience. By being aware of some of the changes that take place around the time of ovulation, many women can predict the signs of ovulation in their own bodies.

Generally speaking, ovulation occurs between the 11th and 21st day following the first day of the menstrual period. Women with very regular cycles may chart their cycles using a calendar to predict ovulation fairly accurately, though the timing of ovulation can be affected by many factors and it is best to monitor a number of signs in attempting to predict ovulation.

One common method of detecting ovulation is tracking basal body temperature. Basal body temperature is simply the body's temperature when at rest, which is slightly higher right after ovulation. A woman can track her basal body temperature by checking her temperature with a thermometer daily before getting out of bed. Body temperature increases are usually very slight, though they follow a pattern that can help predict ovulation. A common pattern is a slight drop in temperature just prior to ovulation, and an increase just after. Predicting ovulation by tracking basal body temperature is most effective when temperature data can be collected over multiple months.

Another way a woman can detect ovulation is by noticing changes in cervical mucus. Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle in color and consistency. During ovulation, mucus is abundant and particularly clear, slippery and stretchy. This clear mucus plays an important role in conception by helping sperm survive. After ovulation, the quantity of mucus is reduced and it becomes stickier and less clear. Monitoring changes in cervical mucus is another way to help predict the time of ovulation naturally.

Over the counter ovulation kits are also readily available that can help predict ovulation. Be aware that all such kits are not created equal. The more expensive ones are in fact more sensitive and better able to detect when a woman ovulates.

As each woman's cycle is unique, the most effective methods of determining when ovulation occurs vary from woman to woman. Usually a combination of methods helps predict ovulation with the most accuracy. Prior to attempting to conceive, it is advised to consult with a physician for an assessment of your health.


About the author:
Dr. Matthew Romberg, a Georgetown Texas gynecologist specializing in obstetrical and gynecologic care, is the President of the Heart of Texas Women's Center.