Ovulation prediction
Most women know that the most fertile days are in the middle of their menstrual cycle (in a cycle of 28 days), where a follicle bursts and the ovum is released (ovulation).
Several women observe an increase in the mucus before ovulation and this can be a useful prediction that the ovulation is imminent.
You can buy an ovulation test from a pharmacy and do this test by yourself - it can accurately predict the moment of ovulation.
The test is based on the detection of the LH surge just right before the oocyte release. When the level of LH is increased there is a change in the colour of the test showing that ovulation is will happen within the next 24-36 hours.
-So when the colour of the test is changed, the sexual intercourse with your partner may lead to a pregnancy.
Your doctor may recommend a ultrasound scan of your ovaries and programmed sexual intercourse with your partner. An ultrasound scan of your ovaries together with monitoring the blood levels of your hormones is the most accurate way for to predict ovulation.
Some people believe that the most easy and less time-consuming method for ovulation prediction is the conventional body temperature measure (CBTM)
Many existing websites explain and recommend the CBTM but you may also consult your physician if he believes this method is reliable.
You can map a chart with your body temperature every morning when you wake up. Every chart represents a cycle and begins from the first day of the cycle and continues until the beginning of the next cycle.
While you examine the chart you may observe at the beginning of every ovulation a drop in body temperature followed by an increase.
The decrease and the increase of the body temperature represent the ovulation time.
As mentioned earlier, progesterone is produced by the ovary after ovulation.
The constant production of progesterone and then its decrease is linked with the body temperature increase during this part of the cycle.
If the ovulation doesn’t occur, progesterone will not be produced and your body temperature will not rise.
The disadvantage of the body temperature measurement is that it gives a retrospective answer in the question “has ovulation happened?”, while home ovulation kits and ultrasound scans are more precise (but more expensive).
It is very easy to begin planning our life round charts, tests and blood examinations. Do not forget that the sexual intercourse must also be for pleasure! If this routine begins to take control of your life, take a break for a while until you feel more relaxed.
