The fertility awareness method is so valuable that it deserves to be taught in school. It is astonishing how many women, even those with children, say they never truly understood their cycle or when they were ovulating. Many simply stopped using contraception and relied on chance when trying to conceive, fortunate when it works, but far from ideal. Conception is a remarkable process with many precise steps, and timing plays a major role. Understanding your cycle gives you more clarity, confidence and control.
Here are some practical ways to become more in tune with your body:
Get an ovulation app
In school, many of us were given small calendars to track our periods. I circled the first day of every period for years. A couple of years ago I moved to an app, and the convenience was immediate. Apps such as Clue can estimate when your next period is due and predict your likely ovulation date. These dates are only estimates, so always use them alongside other signs.
You can also track mood changes, sexual activity, cervical mucus and positive ovulation tests. For anyone trying for a baby, this level of insight is invaluable.
Throw away the thermometer
The traditional rhythm method relies on charting basal body temperature. In theory, temperature dips slightly before ovulation, then rises afterwards. Some claim that a continued rise suggests pregnancy. I tested this myself and found it impractical and far from reliable. Taking your temperature at the same time every day can be tedious, and my temperature rose after ovulation despite not being pregnant.
Ovulation predictor kits (OPK), also called LH surge tests, are a far more useful option. When to start testing depends on your cycle length.
- If you have a regular 28-day cycle, begin around day 11 and continue until you get a positive.
- Testing should be done in the afternoon, at the same time each day.
- A positive result indicates you will ovulate in the next 24–36 hours.
- If your cycle is shorter, such as 24 days, begin testing earlier, around day 7 or 8.
After a few months, you will know the timing that suits your cycle best.
Sticky, wet or dry?
Cervical mucus is one of the most reliable indicators of fertility. After your period, you will likely feel dry for a day or two. Sticky mucus follows, which is infertile and designed to block sperm from travelling upwards.
As ovulation approaches, mucus becomes wetter and stretchy. This is fertile mucus, often compared to raw egg white. It provides excellent lubrication and helps sperm travel through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes. After ovulation, mucus typically becomes sticky or creamy again until your next period.
Ovulation pain
Some women experience a sharp, brief pain around ovulation, known as mittelschmerz. It may occur on one side or alternate between ovaries. For some, it lasts minutes; for others, it can continue for several hours. The discomfort is believed to be caused by fluid or blood released during ovulation irritating the pelvic cavity.
Getting to know your cycle
Your cycle begins on the first day of red bleeding, not spotting. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before your next period. For example, if you have a 24-day cycle, ovulation likely takes place around day 10.
Once ovulation occurs, the follicle becomes a corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone is essential for supporting early pregnancy.
If you are unsure whether you ovulated, a progesterone test seven days after your predicted ovulation date can help. For a 28-day cycle, this is day 21. A result below 20 suggests ovulation probably did not occur.
When to jump in the sack
Once you have identified your fertile window, timing intercourse becomes much easier. From the moment you get a positive OPK, aim to have sex twice a day for the next day or two to maximise your chances.
Contrary to popular belief, “saving up” sperm does not help. Sperm older than 48 hours tends to be lower quality. Frequent ejaculation may reduce sperm count slightly, but it improves quality, motility and morphology which are far more important when trying to conceive.
If you're thinking, “I already understand all of this, but we’re still not conceiving,” then it may be time to explore other factors that could be influencing your journey.
