When you’re trying to get pregnant it’s all about the timing. Narrowing down the optimal time to conceive, either with at home insemination or intercourse with a partner, can be tough. The ovulation window changes depending on the person and can vary slightly each month. 

Let’s dive into optimizing conception by calculating when ovulation is occurring for you. Estimating when ovulation is occurring is critical for timing sperm exposure regardless of method. Here are some key signs to lookout for:

1- Positive or a peak result on an ovulation predictor kit (OPK)

OPKs measure luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in your urine. This hormone rises, reaching a peak when a mature egg is ready for ovulation. At peak LH, ovulation then occurs between 24 and 48 hours.

2- Changes in cervical mucus

Cervical mucus is made of proteins, enzymes, fats, and immune cells. It aids in protecting the vagina and functions as a lubricant. During ovulation cervical mucus changes to allow for sperm to enter the cervix. A rise in estrogen as your body prepares for ovulation drives changes in the cervical mucus.  Characteristics of cervical mucus during ovulation is thinner, more wet feeling, slippery, stretchy, and clear. You will often see this described as “egg whites.” If you are checking your cervical mucus, be sure to always wash your hands to avoid introducing anything harmful into the vaginal canal.

3- You may feel your body release an egg:

Some people can feel a small pinch or sensation when ovulation is occurring. However, most of us are symptom spotting for any changes in our body when we’re trying to conceive and that it can make it hard to be sure of what we’re feeling. It would be a good idea to couple this sign with another method to help confirm.

4- Basal body temperature increase:

This is a difficult one to get right and takes a lot of patience. You will need a thermometer that is made to track basal temperatures specifically, and you will need to take your temperature first thing in the morning as soon as you wake up, before you move out of bed. After taking your temperature at the same time every day, you will get an idea of what your normal temperatures are and may see a small rise after ovulation has occurred. The increase may be only one or two degrees. This is another method that should be coupled with other ovulation tracking methods. 

Monitoring your body’s signs and symptoms during your entire cycle will help you create a personal ovulation calculator. This will vary slightly each month, tracking a couple of months before you plan on trying to conceive will help you get an idea about which days you are typically ovulating. This ovulation window will tell you the best times to introduce sperm for conception. 

It may be time to visit a healthcare provider if you are having irregular menstrual cycles or if you are unable to track your ovulation at home. Your healthcare team will be able to provide more in-depth information about your unique body dynamics.