Fertile days are the time when a woman has the best chance of conception. Being aware of when they occur is important both for people trying to conceive and for those who want to prevent pregnancy. The best results will then be obtained by using ovulation tests. In addition, our body sends certain signals by which we will recognize ovulation. Check what may indicate that you will be ovulating.
Fertile days are the time before and after ovulation, during which the egg travels along the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Ovulation itself is the moment when it is released. Fertile is defined as the five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation and the next four days after it. The entire cycle therefore lasts ten days, during which there is a higher probability of pregnancy. It happens, however, that ovulation may be delayed, so in addition to calculating the fertile days, it is good to carefully observe your body and the changes taking place in it.
Fertile days. Signs of impending ovulation
Observation of your own body should last three months before we consider that these changes are a signal of fertile days. They can appear before or after ovulation, and long-term observation makes it more likely that you have picked up some regular signs. The main symptoms of ovulation that occur in every woman are:
- Increase body temperature by at least 0,2 degrees Celsius. This lasts from 10 to 16 days and occurs right after ovulation. In the middle of the cycle, there should be an increase in temperature, which is a signal that fertile days are underway.
- Change the appearance of mucus. At first it is rather cloudy, then it becomes transparent, lingering and there is much more of it. Then the woman may feel more wetness in the intimate area. The role of mucus is to transport sperm and ensure their survival. Thanks to the mucus, they can survive up to five days, without it – up to three hours.
Of course, there are some factors that can upset the whole cycle. These include: diseases, taking certain medications, alcohol consumption, changes in lifestyle, hormonal disorders, improper diet, excessive stress. This is the reason why watching the body is not a method that gives absolute certainty that fertilization will or will not occur during this period. People who observe all factors at the same time and have regular cycles have a better chance.
Thermal method and ovulation tests
To study your cycle more closely, you can use the thermal method, which involves measuring your body temperature daily and recording the results. You can use an ovulation thermometer for this, which is much more precise. Recording the symptoms of ovulation should last a minimum of three cycles to be able to determine the exact date when it occurs. It is best to measure the temperature every day in the morning at the same time, immediately after waking up, for a minimum of 5 minutes. It is important that the thermometer is placed in the same place on the body (e.g. armpit or mouth). In the first half, the temperature should be 36,6, drop by 0,2 or 0,3 degrees before ovulation, and increase by 0,2 to 0,4 degrees after ovulation.
Another method involves the use of ovulation tests, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. They consist of testers in the form of five strips that detect the moment of ovulation. Use involves dipping the strip into the urine sample. They determine the increase in luteotropic hormone, which signals that ovulation will occur within 36 hours.