Methods to Predict Ovulation

In order to conceive a child, it is imperative that you identify when you ovulate. There are a couple ways to determine your fertile time. Keep in mind that some of these methods are best used in conjunction with one another.

Ovulation Predictor Kits

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) measure the amount of LH in your system. LH is the hormone that causes the egg to rupture from the ovary. It will surge right before ovulation. OPKs are different than HPTs. On an OPK it isn't considered positive unless the line is the same color or darker than the control line. Some people will experience a fade-in pattern giving them advance notice of ovulation. OPKs should be taken later in the day as LH is synthesized in the morning. Anytime in the afternoon is ideal.

It can be frustrating trying to identify the exact shade of the test line. There is now the option of going digital. With digital OPKs there is no line to interpret. The downside is that digital tends to be more expensive.

Basal Body Temperature

Basal Body Temperature is the temperature of your body at its resting state. You will need to purchase a BBT thermometer and have somewhere to chart your temps (whether it be paper or online software). .

You will need to take your temperature at the same time each day prior to getting out of bed with at least 3 hours of sleep. Your temperatures will be lower the first half of your cycle. Ovulation will cause your temperature to spike into a higher range. Once you observe a .4 degree increase followed by three high temperatures you can assume you ovulated. Draw a line .1 degree higher than the highest pre-ovulatory temperature. This is your coverline. If your temperature drops below the coverline this indicates that menstruation is coming. If you have 18 days of high temperatures you should test for pregnancy.

BBT can reveal a thyroid condition. If you have consistency low temperatures, you should consult your doctor for testing.

Cervical Position/Mucus

During the first half of the cycle, estrogen is the dominant hormone. With the increase in estrogen leading to ovulation, you will notice an increase in cervical mucus. This is the discharge you observe when you go to the bathroom. It will be of egg white consistency and should be abundant. The purpose of this cervical mucus is to act as a vehicle for the sperm to reach the egg.

Once ovulation is imminent, your cervix will rise up inside you into a high position. It will turn soft (similar to the texture of your lips) and will open. Once this happens you will ovulate shortly.

Saliva Tests

These are compact devices similar in size and shape to a tube of lipstick. You will put saliva on a small glass on top and observe the drying pattern. When your body increases in estrogen you will observe a ferning pattern similar to crystals.

Fertility Monitors

These monitors will show you the peak days of your cycle. You will start the monitor on day one of your cycle. You will then need to turn the monitor on at the same time everyday. It will come with sticks similar to OPKs that you will need to urinate on and then put into the monitor. It will read the sticks and predict your peak fertility time. It will show you periods of low fertility, high fertility and peak fertility.

Remember that if you have any underlying conditions you will need to research how that will affect your chosen road. OPKs for example can be inaccurate if you are on Clomid or have PCOS. As always I would recommend you do research into which methods would work best for you and your budget.