Ovulation is the peak time to conceive and get pregnant. Ovulation takes place when signals are sent from the pituitary gland to the ovaries. The ovaries then release an egg. This egg travels down through the fallopian tubes. During this journey, sperm can reach the egg and fertilize it. The problem most couples have is determining when ovulation, and this peak in fertility, occurs.
Ovulation can be determined through the simple use of a calendar. By noting the day when a period first occurs, calculate how many it lasts. If cycles are regular and consistently 28 days, ovulation can be assumed to occur two weeks following the start of a period. If periods last beyond 28 days, take the days the shortest cycle lasts and subtract 18. This is the number of days after the next period begins that ovulation occurs. This system is an easy one requiring only a calculator and a little addition and subtraction. However, when different factors affect the regularity of periods, it is less accurate. Also, if periods are irregular, this method will be of little use.
Another method is to track basal body temperature. This is the temperature of the body when at rest. You can use an oral thermometer to determine temperature. During ovulation, there should be a slight increase of a little less than one degree. Optimum fertility occurs in the two or three days before this increase in temperature occurs. When temperature increases for a few days in a row, ovulation has most likely occurred.
Every morning temperatures should be taken and recorded in a graph. This can easily show any trends and allow you to predict future ovulation. The only piece of equipment necessary is a thermometer. The drawback is the subtlety of temperature changes. Also, when temperature does change it is already too late to get pregnant. Often, people cannot find it troublesome to take temperatures at the same exact time each morning.
Ovulation predictor kits can be purchased often without a prescription. They work by measuring hormone fluxuations. A peak in hormone levels occurs just before ovulation. Therefore, these tests can predict when ovulation will happen before it actually occurs. The drawback is that these kits can be very pricey.
There are many ways to increase fertility and the chance of conceiving. Regular intercourse, particularly when ovulation is suspected, increases odds significantly. There is also the option of preconception planning with a health professional. A doctor can point out any lifestyle chances that could further improve the odds of conception. Both partners should eat healthily, be physically active and weigh a healthy amount. Avoidance of caffeine and lowering stress would also be beneficial.
Conversely, smoking, alcohol and unapproved medication ingestion can harm chances of conception. Tobacco makes it harder for sperm to travel and reach the egg and can increase miscarriage risks. Medications can also make conceiving more difficult, and some can be harmful to a developing baby if efforts to conceive are ultimately successful.
Both men and women are equally likely to have infertility issues. Up until the mid-thirties, wait a year of trying before getting help. This of course is unless there are suspected fertility issues. In this case, you might want to seek professional advice. By calculating ovulation and determining when peak fertility occurs, most healthy couples will not need any extra help.
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