Ovulation and fertility
Ovulation and fertility
When you start trying for a baby, it’s important to understand ovulation, when it happens and how you can improve your chances of falling
pregnant
.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is part of the
female menstrual cycle
. An egg is released from an ovary and moves along a fallopian tube towards your uterus.
When does ovulation happen?
Ovulation usually happens once each month, about two weeks before your next period. Ovulation can last from 16 to 32 hours.
Ovulation does not happen if you are:
on the
contraceptive pill
pregnant
postmenopausal.
Ovulation and pregnancy
It is possible to get pregnant in the five days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation, but it’s more likely in the three days leading up to and including ovulation. Once the egg is released, it will survive up to 24 hours. If sperm reaches the egg during this time, you may get pregnant.
How do you know when you are ovulating?
If you have regular menstrual cycles, you are likely to be ovulating each month.
When you are ovulating, you may notice:
your vaginal discharge or mucus is slick and slippery (like egg white)
abdominal pain
, often on one side of the tummy
premenstrual symptoms (e.g.
breast enlargement
and tenderness, abdominal bloating and moodiness).
Ovulation predictor kits
You can use an ovulation predictor kit to predict when you are most likely to be
fertile
External Link
. Most kits work by measuring the level of luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine. A positive result means you are likely to ovulate within the next 24 to 36 hours.
Ovulation calculators
This ovulation calculator or ovulation calendar can help you work out your most fertile time. These are the days you are most likely to get pregnant. It can also estimate your due date if you do become pregnant during your next fertile days.
Your fertility has an easy to use
calculator
External Link
.
Why you might not ovulate regularly
Some women do not ovulate regularly. This is common in the first two to three years after your periods start and during the lead-up to menopause. Some conditions, such as
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
and
amenorrhoea
(when periods stop due to excessive exercise or eating disorders) may cause irregular ovulation. Women with certain hormone conditions do not ovulate at all.
Tests to check if you are ovulating
You can ask your doctor for a medical test to make sure you are ovulating. For example, a
blood
test that checks for progesterone – a certain level of progesterone means ovulation has taken place.
Tablets and injections
If you are not ovulating regularly, tablets and injections can increase the hormones that control ovulation. The dose of medication must be carefully controlled to reduce the chance of a multiple pregnancy.
Read more about fertility treatment on the
VARTA
website
External Link
.
Improve your chances of ovulation
There are lots of ways to improve your chances of ovulation.
For example, you can:
maintain a healthy weight by eating regular, well-balanced meals
exercise regularly
– but avoid excessive exercise
manage your stress levels with relaxation or mindfulness techniques.
More information
For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit
Jean Hailes for Women’s
Health
External Link
.
Where to get help
Your
GP
External Link
Gynaecologist
Jean Hailes for Women’s
Health
External Link
Pharmacist
Gynaecologist
or IVF unit
Specialised women’s health clinic
Sexual Health Victoria
(SHV)
External Link
. To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic:
(03) 9660 4700
or call SHV Box Hill Clinic:
(03) 9257 0100
or (free call):
1800 013 952
. These services are youth friendly.