3 steps to fertility
A couple's guide to maximising their ability to conceive
Ovulation Testing
- What is Ovulation?
- What signs to look for
- How to test when you are ovulating
- Read about recommended test kits
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary, and it’s the fertile time of your menstrual cycle. Each month, an egg matures inside your ovary. Once it reaches a certain size, the egg is released from the ovary and is swept into the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If the released ovum or egg is fertilized and successfully implants, it results in pregnancy. Once released, the egg is capable of being fertilized for 12 to 24 hours before it begins to disintegrate.
If the egg is not fertilized, it is passed from the reproductive tract during menstrual bleeding, which starts about two weeks after ovulation. Occasionally, cycles occur in which an egg is not released; these are called anovulatory cycles. Note that you can get your period even though you are not ovulating. Your ability to ovulate can vary from month to month
What signs to look for
Women may experience some, all or none of the following signs:
- abdominal cramps
- cervical discharge with a stretchy ‘egg white’ consistency
- tender breasts
- sex drive increases
- slight increase in body temperature
Ovulation is the ideal period of your cycle when your chances of getting pregnant are highest. Your fertile period starts about 4-5 days before ovulation, and ends about 24-48 hours after it. This is because sperm can live in your body for approximately 4 to 5 days, and the egg can live for 24 to 48 hours after being released.
In normally fertile couples there is a 25 percent chance of getting pregnant each cycle, meaning around 75 to 85 percent of women who have sex without using birth control will get pregnant within one year. You can boost your chances of getting pregnant by learning exactly when you ovulate by understanding the cyclic hormonal and physical changes that take place in your body each month.
How to test when you are ovulating
Ovulation tests work by detecting the sudden increase in luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine that occurs 24-36 hours before an egg is released from the ovaries. Once the surge has been detected you are most likely to become pregnant in this 36 hour period.
1. Clearblue Ovulation kit
7 Ovulation sticks
Cost £19.95
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2. Clearblue Fertility Monitor
Clearblue Fertility Monitor is the most accurate home method and is completely natural. The hand held monitor is used in conjunction with 10 or 20 Test Sticks each cycle to identify Low, High and Peak Fertility days.
Cost £99.99
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3. Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test Kit
Includes 7 Test Sticks and a Holder and is the most effective ovulation test kit providing easy-to-read digital results.
Cost £22.99
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