How to Track Ovulation

Many couples dream of having a child and creating a family. For some couples, pregnancy does not come as easily as they may have imagined. Couples who have been trying, unsuccessfully, to become pregnant may need to be more specific in their attempts. Knowing the best time of the month to attempt to conceive can dramatically increase the chances of pregnancy. The doctors at our Los Angeles fertility center can educate couples on ovulation tracking methods that can make couples aware of the most fertile days in a woman’s cycle.

For couples who choose to attempt ovulation tracking, there are several methods to consider. The method most likely to be successful will vary for each couple and will depend on factors such as the regularity of the woman’s menstrual cycle and the method that fits most conveniently into the couple’s daily routine and lifestyle. Following are brief descriptions of some of the most common ovulation tracking methods.

• Counting: The most simplistic ovulation tracking method is simply counting the days of your menstrual cycle. Ovulation typically occurs two weeks before the woman’s period is expected to start so if a woman counts backwards from the expected start of her period, she can determine the most probable ovulation days. While this is a simple method, it is not exact and is not a good option for women with irregular cycles.
• Basal body temperature charting: A woman’s body temperature should rise immediately after ovulation. By taking and tracking the body temperature each morning before getting out of bed, a woman can detect this rise in temperature. While this method cannot predict in advance when ovulation will occur, it can confirm if ovulation has occurred.
• Ovulation predictor kits: These kits are similar to at-home pregnancy tests in that they are typically performed using a urine test. These kits can measure the presence of the luteinizing hormone. An increase of this hormone indicates that ovulation should occur within the next 24 hours. This test will need to be taken several times over a period of days in order to detect the rise in the luteinizing hormone. Determining when to begin taking the test can be difficult for women with irregular cycles.
• Computerized fertility monitors: Similar to ovulation predictor kits, this method uses urine tests to detect the level of the luteinizing hormone. However, with this method, the computer tests the levels of hormones, giving more accurate information and allowing for more advanced notification of ovulation. While this is a more accurate tracking method, it is also more costly.

Infertility Treatment

Ovulation tracking aids many couples in their quest to become pregnant. However, for some couples, ovulation tracking is unsuccessful due to irregular ovulation cycles or infertility issues. These couples can seek fertility treatment with our experienced doctors. For our patients in Los Angeles, IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a fertility treatment that has helped many couples realize their dream of parenthood.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have been unsuccessful in your attempts at pregnancy, it may be time to seek help. Schedule an appointment at the Center for Fertility and Gynecology to receive education on ovulation tracking methods or undergo fertility testing to determine if additional treatment is necessary.  Under the skilled care of our doctors, the dream of parenthood can become a reality.