Ovulation Calculator

What is ovulation? What has it to do with conception?

A fertile woman generates an ovum (egg) once during her monthly menstrual cycle (In rare cases, it can be more than one, as in the case of twins or more babies). Ovulation is the release of a mature ovum from one of the ovaries. The ovum released, finds its way to the uterus, during which, if it is fertilized by a sperm (from the semen ejaculated by a man), conception of a fetus occurs.

When do you ovulate?

The day you ovulate determines the most fertile days in a month which is favorable to have intercourse in order to get pregnant. Counting from the day your period begins, you are most likely to ovulate between day 10 to day 14, if you have a regular 28-day cycle. But, said that menstrual cycle and ovulation days can vary from woman to woman, checking with an online ovulation calculator can be helpful.

What is ovulation calculator?

The ovulation calculator is an online tool which can predict your fertile days with fair accuracy. Most online ovulation calculators require you to key in the first day of your last period and your average cycle length. The result displayed is in the form of an ovulation calendar in which dates that fall into the fertile window along with the approximate ovulation day is marked.

Here are answers to some common questions about ovulation calculator:

How does the ovulation calculator work? Based on your cycle length, the ovulation tracker calculates your next period date, and assigns the fertile days to two weeks prior to it.

How accurate is it? As the ovulation predictor works on a simple math, the fertility calendar displayed is believed to be error-free, provided the cycle details fed are correct.

What if I don’t know my cycle length? If you are unsure of your cycle length, recollect your period dates in the last 3 or 4 months and take an average of the cycle length.

How can knowing when do I ovulate help me to conceive? Sperm can survive inside the woman’s body for 5-6 days while an ovum is viable for only 24 hours following ovulation. The fertile window, calculated by the ovulation tracker, points to the recommended dates to have sex that can be in favor of conception.

Can I use the ovulation calculator if my cycle is irregular? No. Ovulation days cannot be predicted if the cycle length is irregular. It is best to consult your gynecologist if your period is not consistent.

Signs of ovulation

It is alright if you want to double check your ovulation days or if you do not prefer to depend on the ovulation calculator to access your ovulation cycle. Nature provides us clues to understand what goes on within our bodies and closely following the physiological signs listed below, you can predict when is ovulation happening in your cycle:

• Rise in basal body temperature. Ovulating women tend to have a slight rise in the body temperature of around ½ to 1 degree. Monitor your temperature as a morning routine when you wake up, after a week of your period. Though it is a mild rise, it is said to be the most common sign of ovulation. 
• Increased sexual drive. Nature brings in its own way to support a woman’s chances to procreate. Ovulating women may experience increased libido as a result of the hormonal changes that accompany ovulation. 
• Sticky cervical mucus. The color and consistency of the cervical discharge keeps changing as a woman’s physiology undergoes changes through the menstrual cycle. On your ovulation day, if you remove a little of your mucus from the vagina and place it in between your thumb and index finger, you will be able to stretch it without it falling apart. This sticky consistency is a sure sign that you are ovulating.
• Changes in the cervix. Like the cervical mucus, the cervix too changes during the ovulation cycle. Though it can be difficult to get the hang of the change, you can try to feel your inside using a clean finger. On your ovulation day, your cervix is often softer and more open, as an active instinct to let the penis inside. After ovulation, however, your cervix becomes harder signaling that it is closed for conception.
• Breast tenderness. With the surge of hormones, breast tenderness is a common sign of ovulation.

The menstrual cycle is an intimate process in every woman. Your cycle is unique to your body and you are the only one to understand how it functions. Understand your fertility calendar with the help of the ovulation calculator, and soon get ready for the good news!