Ovulation Calculator: Tracking Your Cycle and Finding the Best Time to Get Pregnant

Read on to find out how to track your cycle and get tips on increasing your chances of getting pregnant!

What is ovulation?

Did you know that women ovulate one egg a month, and that egg only lasts for about 24 hours? Ovulation refers to the process where our ovaries release an egg that travels down our fallopian tubes, where it may be fertilised by sperm. An egg that is not fertilised during this time will disintegrate.

Ovulation often occurs about 14 days before our period. However, it may differ from one woman to another depending on their cycle. Healthy cycle lengths generally fall between 21 to 35 days. Some women ovulate around the same day during each cycle but others are unable to identify a specific time frame. In such cases, looking out for signs of ovulation when trying to get pregnant is advisable.

What are the signs of ovulation?

Some of the common signs of ovulation include (but are not to limited to):

• Changes in basal body temperature (BBT) – your lowest body temperature at rest
• Increase in vaginal discharge (also known as cervical mucus) with a change in texture
• Increased sex drive
• Breast tenderness
• Change in mood and/or appetite
• Cramping
• Spotting

What are some ways to track my ovulation cycle?

Fertility calendar

One of the easiest ways to track your ovulation cycle is through a fertility mobile app. There are numerous apps in the market that allow you to track your period. Simply key in the first day of your period and your ovulation period would be calculated.

While most of them are automatically computed with ovulation to take place 14 days before our period, there are women who experience a shorter duration. If you are one of them, simply update your dates to ensure that your ovulation cycle is up-to-date for cycle tracking accuracy.

These apps usually also come equipped with smart calculations that inform you when you have the highest chance of getting pregnant. So, make sure your calendar is up to date!

Ovulation test kits

There are several types of ovulation test kits (sometimes referred to as ovulation prediction kits, or OPKs), with the most common being urine-based OPKs.

Urine-based OPKs are used daily to test your urine for increased luteinising hormone. Before ovulation, the hormone readings will increase their levels by two to five times. A positive result will show about 24 to 36 hours before ovulation – signifying the best time to have sex for a higher chance of getting pregnant.

Remember, timing is key when it comes to pregnancy!