You, as a couple, decide to become parents of a child. Both of you make a plan for it and start strictly moving on your made plan. You make your efforts for more than 6 to 12 months. And when your efforts do not bear fruit, you decide to see a fertility or IVF specialist in Bangalore  or your locality. The expert advises you (female partner) to track your ovulation and have unprotected vaginal sex during your fertile window. In some cases, the doctor can advise you to have ovulation tests. Here have a look at all the basic things around your ovulation. 

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is a female’s reproductive health condition in which a female releases one or more eggs from one of her ovaries. It usually occurs around the middle of a period cycle. A female has conception when her egg has fertilisation after meeting with a fertile male’s sperm in the fallopian tubes. The sperm reaches here through the vagina. It travels down into one of a female’s fallopian tubes and merges with the egg.  

After fertilisation with sperm, the egg goes down into the fallopian tubes and has dividation into two cells. Further, it divides into four cells and the dividation of the egg keeps going on. Around 7 days after the fertilisation, the fertilised egg reaches the uterus and becomes a cluster of around 100 cells that is blastocyst.   

The dividation of egg cells keeps going on and some of them develop into a baby while others work to form oxygen and nourishment supply structures. And at the same time, there is a release of hormones in the body to indicate to a female that a child is developing in her uterus. The released hormones signal the uterus for maintaining its line. And as a result, a woman has no period in a particular month that is the first indication for her pregnancy . Due to the presence of such hormones, ovulation tests carry out their jobs. 

What is a fertility window and why should a woman know it?

Usually, pregnancy happens when a female has vaginal sex during her ovulation cycle or period. During an ovulation cycle, the 3rd day is the most fertile day for a female. This day is a fertile window. As a couple, you should have unprotected sex to have conception. 

After 12 to 24 hours of ovulation, you (female) is unable to be pregnant. It happens as there is no egg in the fallopian tubes after 12 hours of ovulation. You have a 0% chance of getting pregnant if you make love before or after your fertile window. However, you should have contraception in your hand if you don’t want to conceive. 

Tips to track your ovulation cycle 

Ovulation tests are helpful. However, you (female) should know the way to determine which day or time is most fertile for you. And for this, you should pen down your menstrual cycle on a paper or in a diary. Usually, a fertile window is around the days 10 to 15. Further, you need to notice the signs of hormonal and physical changes in your body.   

By noting down the menstrual cycle dates, determining your fertile window is a little tricky. You need to comprehend the fertile signs of your body. And this understanding can help you. For this, you have to notice:

  • An ache in your stomach 
  • Changes in cervical mucus - There is an increase in the amount and texture of cervical mucus after the end of period in females. 
  • A feeling of being flirty, sexy, and more sociable  

Should you have ovulation tests?

Yes, females must have ovulation tests especially when they are not sure about their fertile window and find determining it hard for themselves. With these tests, you (females) can know whether you are ovulating or not. In the test, experts detect the presence and levels of the luteinizing hormone in the urine. The hormone level is high before 12-36 hours of ovulation. 

Conclusion 

As a couple willing to be parents or a mom-to-be, you should have an idea about your reproductive health. And ovulation, ovulation, cycle, fertile window, and ovulation tests are among them. After reading the post, you will have sound knowledge about your ovulation and the terms around it.  

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Manjunath C S

MS - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MBBS

Infertility Specialist, Gynecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon (Obs & Gyn) 19 Years Experience Overall (15 years as specialist)

Dr. Manjunath C S is a senior consultant in Reproductive Medicine & Medical Director at Mathrutva Fertility Center, Bangalore. Dr. Manjunath's main areas of specialization are Female Infertility, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) ,Hysterectomy and laparoscopic procedures in Gynaecological Surgery. He has performed more than 5000 Laparoscopic and Hysteroscopy surgeries.