Observing Ovulation

Ovulation is the fertile period in a woman's cycle. It is important to observe ovulation if you are sexually active and attempting conception. It can also be useful to observe if you are avoiding conception and not using other methods of contraception.

By recording your observations on a calendar or chart you will be able to observe the changes for yourself. A couple who are attempting conception could be missing the mark if intercourse is not attempted during the ovulation period.


Mucous testing
One method to observe ovulation is to check cervical mucous. Mucous is released by the cervix during ovulation and undergoes distinct changes during the normal menstrual cycle. These changes are observed by inserting two fingers slightly to the vulva, which is located at the opening of the vagina. Charting the changes will assist you in identifying when you are ovulating.

Cervical mucous changes can be briefly described as:

Dry or lightly moist: 3-5 days of dryness post menstruation. If there is moisture it will dry quickly on your fingers and be clear or slightly white in colour.

Sticky: infertile mucous usually occurs for another 2-3 days. It will have a stickiness to it and holds it's shape when massaged between your fingers. It may form peaks between the fingers. It may also be quite dry or crumble. Colour is clear to white and feels damp or sticky.

Creamy: fertile mucous is increasing in viscosity. It feels creamy and does not easily form the peaks observed in sticky mucous. It is thinner than sticky mucous. It lacks the stretchiness observed in egg white cervical mucous (EWCM). Colour is white to yellow and feels wet.

EWCM: this is the most fertile mucous which assists sperm to travel fast along the cervix whilst also protecting it from the normally acidic conditions of the vagina. Colour is clear and it feels extremely wet.

Not all women experience all of these phases, and each can vary with the length of the menstrual cycle and the quantity of mucous produced. Natural Fertility practitioners may be able to assist you if there are issues with your cervical mucous testing.

The fertile period begins when the mucous changes to creamy and can last until up to three days after the last sign of fertile mucous. Sperm will survive for between three and five days so be aware of this when practicing contraception and avoid unprotected intercourse around these days. If trying to conceive then this is the time you should be focusing on intercourse.


Basal temperature testing
Temperature charting indicates slight variations in basal body temperature that occur at ovulation and may allow for a more accurate observation of ovulation. Some women feel this slight increase as a surge in heat that rises through the body, or abdominal pain. This mid cycle pain is referred to as mittelshmerz which translates to "middle pain", and is the sensation of the ovum being released. It may be felt quite specifically to either side of the abdomen or can be a more generalised sensation.

The best time to take your temperature is on waking before undertaking any activity such as talking, getting out of bed or intercourse.

Once you have observed ovulation, you can better predict your fertile period. the day prior to ovulation is the best day for providing healthier fastest moving sperm to a freshly released ovum. Aim to conceive on this day by referring to your combined charting of cervical mucous and basal temperature.


Call me on 0421 56 99 11 if you need further assistance with fertility management and observing ovulation.