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5 ways to track your ovulation cycle

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5 ways to track your ovulation cycle

When you are trying to conceive, you will probably have a host of people giving you suggestions and recommendations about the best time and position for intercourse, and the likes. The most effective way, however, is by ovulation tracking. If you're new at this, you may be wondering, 'how to track ovulation?' or googling basic stuff like 'how long does ovulation last?' If you're part of this bandwagon, then look, or rather browse, no further. Let's understand the basics of how to track ovulation, and the different ways to do it.

How to calculate ovulation?

Before you go ahead and see how to track ovulation, it is important to first understand how to calculate ovulation. Knowing when to expect that brief window of fertile days can help you prepare so that your chances of getting pregnant increase significantly. A woman's average monthly cycle lasts between 28 and 32 days. Some women have longer while some have shorter cycles. Ovulation is said to take place around 14 days before you expect to have your next period.

Every person and every cycle is different, hence it is considered best to track your monthly cycle and make a note of your ovulation period every month. Here are the five most popular ways of ovulation tracking.

How to calculate ovulation?

A woman's average monthly cycle lasts between 28 and 32 days.

Calendar method

This method follows the general rule that you ovulate 14 days before your next period, which means it's safe to consider that you ovulate every two weeks. This method however seems a good way for women who have regular cycles with their period lasting for the same number of days every month. Hence, for those who have irregular periods, or have longer, 35-day cycles, this wouldn't be the best way to track ovulation.

Calendar method

Basal Body Temperature tracking

Your basal body temperature is recorded when you are completely at rest. Which is why it is recommended to record your temperature every morning when you've just woken up and still in bed. Your body temperature will increase after you have ovulated, so when you track your cycle over a period of months you will notice a pattern in your temperature risings. This is an efficient way of tracking ovulation if you have time and the discipline required to follow through.

Basal Body Temperature tracking

Change in Cervical Mucus

The usual cervical mucus during your cycle varies from almost nothing to white, creamy and sticky. On the days that you are ovulating, the mucus changes to a watery raw egg white-like consistency. When you see this kind of discharge, you are most likely ovulating. The watery texture is meant to make it easier for sperm to swim up your cervix and to provide an alkaline environment to survive. However, this excessive discharge may make you feel uncomfortable when you go about your daily activities. To avoid this, use the Always Extra Protect Panty Liners which is formulated with an absorption zone for a comfortable feel. Its odour neutralising technology will also keep you fresh and comfy. Their extra-long size provides added coverage and protection for vaginal discharge.

Change in Cervical Mucus

The usual cervical mucus during your cycle varies from almost nothing to white, creamy and sticky.

Ovulation predictor kits

This is one of the most efficient and quick ways of tracking ovulation. These kits function more or less the same as at-home pregnancy detection kits. They provide instant results and can be used as a way of being doubly sure of your ovulation period after you've been tracking your cycle.

Ovulation predictor kits

Saliva testing

Another way to track ovulation is the saliva testing. When you ovulate your saliva goes through some chemical changes, and when left to dry, there is some residue left behind which shows fern-like crystals. These won't be visible during any other phase or time of your cycle. When you see these crystals in the saliva test kit, you should know that you are likely to ovulate in the next 24 to 72 hours. This is a cheaper alternative to ovulation predictor kits which are a bit expensive.

Saliva testing

One must remember that the above methods are all for tracking ovulation if you want to conceive and must not be relied upon to avoid pregnancy. Speak to your health care provider for a safer and more reliable method.

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