If you are trying to get pregnant, it significantly helps to know your ovulation dates. Likewise, if you'd like to avoid getting pregnant, the same information is useful.
Instructions
1. Write down the first day of your last period. This is the date that you started your last menstrual cycle.
2. Note the average number of days in your individual menstrual cycle. Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends on the last day before you get your next period. The number of days in that cycle is known as your specific menstrual cycle. Most women have a menstrual cycle of about 28 days. Calculate your average menstrual cycle by tracking your cycle for several months. Your cycle may vary slightly from month to month. Average your cycles over three or four months to find your average menstrual cycle length.
3. Know that women usually ovulate 14 days after the start of the menstrual cycle. This means, if you have a 28-day cycle, you will likely ovulate on day 14 of your cycle. If you have a 30-day cycle, you will likely ovulate on day 16 of your cycle.
4. Use online ovulation calculators to easily view your predicted ovulation dates. Sites such as Ovulation-Calculator and The Imperfect Parent will calculate your ovulation date for you. You must enter the first day of your last period and your average menstrual cycle length to get results.
5. Try the temperature method to determine ovulation. Take your temperature every morning. The day after you ovulate, your temperature will be about half a degree Celcius higher than normal. Make sure to take your temperature first thing in the morning, before you have gotten out of bed as movement causes body temperature to rise.
6. Observe your vaginal discharge. When ovulation approaches, vaginal discharge tends to be more watery and clear. On the day of ovulation, the discharge will be thicker and wetter. Directly following ovulation, the discharge will be somewhat sticky.
7. Visit a fertility doctor for help determining your ovulation time. These doctors can conduct various tests to help you nail down your predicted ovulation dates.
Tags: menstrual cycle, average menstrual, average menstrual cycle, first your, ovulate your