Best Fertility Days

Women who are trying to conceive always want to know how to determine their best fertility days. Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used, and most women can settle on one or the other without too much ado. The most common method is fertility charting through the use of a basal thermometer, but there are other ways to determine ovulation as well – such as by gathering/examining cervical mucus, or by using OTC ovulation predictor kits.

The best fertility days can usually be pinpointed by monitoring and tracking the woman’s temperature on a day-to-day basis. For this method, a basal thermometer is used, because it is much more accurate (up to 1/100th of a degree) that your typical thermometer. The woman takes her temperature first thing in the morning, at the same day every day. After a few days, she will notice a consistency in body temperature, and eventually, an inconsistency. This inconsistency will be a slight rise in overall temperature, from between .5 and 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates that the hormone progesterone has been released, which is an effect of the ovulation process. At this time, she is the most fertile, and will remain so for two or three days after the egg has been released.

Another way of identifying the best fertility days requires the woman to gather and examine her own cervical mucus. While for some, this may be unappealing, others find it easier than getting up early every day with a thermometer. When mucus increases, becoming tacky and stretchy, this is usually an indication that ovulation is imminent. A dry cervix is not conducive to fertilization, so during this specific part of her cycle you will likely see lots of thick, egg-like mucus.

Finally, many women find that most effective way to find their best fertility days is to purchase an ovulation predictor kit, which allows them to test for LH (luteinizing hormone). This hormone experiences a surge in volume that will register on one of these kits, using a urine test similar to those designed for pregnancy. Simply put, a positive test = fertility. On those days, a woman trying to conceive should seek intercourse. By using one or more of the above methods, any woman should be able to easily track her best fertility days, and therefore use that information to increase her chances of conceiving.