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Having trouble getting pregnant? How to calculate your ovulation date !

By Sammy Byron , on June 9, 2024 - 17 minutes to read
Comment Bien Calculer sa date d’ovulation

I calculate my ovulation date

Many people find it difficult to conceive a child. To give yourself the best possible chance, use our quick and easy tool to find out when you’ll be most fertile (during your ovulation cycle).

The calculations can sometimes be complex, so let yourself be guided by this tool, which makes life easier, like this:

Use the tool (allowing the calculate your ovulation date) the date of your last period and the average length of your menstrual cycles. Generally speaking, your cycles last between 20 and 45 days. We’ll then be able to show you a calendar so you know when you’re most likely to get pregnant. Knowing when your ovulation period falls, and therefore your fertilization period, is one of the most important questions when you want to have a baby.

Conceiving a child is the dream of many people, and although medicine has made phenomenal progress in understanding ovulation, fertilization, implantation and pregnancy, many questions may remain unanswered.

One of the most recurrent questions concerns the date of ovulation, i.e. the moment when the ovary releases an egg, which is transferred to the Fallopian tube, ready to be fertilized. This is the ideal day to make love when you want to have a baby, because it’s when the body is at its most fertile and propitious.

However, it’s not always easy to know when you’re ovulating! There are no symptoms to warn a woman, so she must rely on her cycle to provide the answers.

Calculate your ovulation date with our calendar

To help you in your desire to have children, we’ve put together a tool to help you calculate your ovulation cycle. To obtain your date, nothing could be simpler: enter the first day of your last period and the length of your cycle, which generally varies between 21 and 35.

This is a classic method, known as the “fertility calendar”, and since it’s based on the length of menstrual cycles, it’s ideal for women with regular cycles, whether long or short.

If, on the other hand, your cycles are irregular, this method will not be effective, since your ovulation period will also vary.

It is therefore preferable to use an ovulation test, which promises up to 90% reliability on average, according to the laboratories that produce it. This type of test can be purchased for between 6 and 10 euros, plus the usual taxes.

Fertilization lexicon

Let’s take a look at some of the classic terms we come across. To maximize your chances of conceiving a living being, it’s best to understand them.

  • Fertilization: this is simply the process of conceiving a child (sperm + egg).
  • Cervical mucus: a sort of gateway to the ovum, which, depending on the time of the cycle, prevents the passage of sperm or, on the contrary, accompanies them while protecting them and filtering out “bad elements”. It’s a mixture of mucus, water and other substances which, when discharged into the vagina, causes the famous “white discharge”. It’s a completely natural physical reagent.
  • The fertile period: this is when a woman’s body is theoretically at its most fertile. It is therefore necessarily centred on ovulation, occurring around 4 days before the ovary releases the egg, and up to 24 days afterwards.
  • Nidation: this is when the egg (embryo) enters the uterus. It makes its “nest” there.
  • Ovulation test: sold like pregnancy tests in pharmacies, this is a test based on the analysis of your urine, using reagent strips.

Understanding and monitoring basal body temperature

It all depends on the length of your cycle. The most common cycle, the 28-day cycle, leads to ovulation on day 14 (hence the widespread belief). However, the situation is different for short and long cycles. You need to subtract 14 from the length of your cycle: so, for a 21-day cycle, ovulation is triggered on the 7th day after the onset of menstruation. For irregular cycles, however, a simple calculation may not be as straightforward, so an ovulation test may prove useful, especially as this is the method recognized as the most reliable.

When does ovulation occur? How long does the ovulation period last?

There is no universal answer to this question, as it depends on each woman’s cycle. So the famous belief that ovulation occurs on “day 14” of the cycle is more a myth based on an average than anything else. Ovulation depends not only on the length of the cycle (between 23 and 35 days on average), but also on the time before the next period (on average, ovulation occurs 12 to 16 days before). You can take an ovulation test to find out exactly what your cycle is like. Note that this is only a fleeting moment, since the term refers to the moment when the ovary releases an egg that runs to the Fallopian tube.

How long after menstruation does ovulation occur?

On average, menstruation is considered to last about 5 days, whereas a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. As we’ve seen, ovulation periods are not fixed for all women, but vary in length, so you need to start by taking your own menstrual cycle as a reference point. So, depending on whether you have a short, medium or long cycle, it’s perfectly possible for ovulation to occur a few days later, ten days later or a fortnight later. There’s no universal answer, so don’t hesitate to calculate using the tool provided.

Cervical mucus and ovulation: how long?

Cervical mucus is more or less the Cerberus of spermatozoa: at the beginning of the cycle, it creates a plug at the cervix which prevents the passage of spermatozoa. On the other hand, when ovulation approaches, cervical mucus plays its full role, becoming more abundant and accompanying and protecting spermatozoa all the way to the egg. In general, 48 to 72 hours before ovulation, the cervical mucus becomes less viscous and more liquid, but also more abundant. It is fully open and ready to accompany the spermatozoa on the day of ovulation, protecting them from the acidity of the vagina.

If they are reputed to be reliable, it’s because they work so well. Based on your urine, the test detects the hormone LH, which is always present but in greater numbers as ovulation approaches. A positive result means that ovulation will take place within 24, 36 or 48 hours, depending on the laboratory’s instructions. To use them, you simply need to urinate on test sticks (or other formats, such as cards), which will show up – or not – as positive.

When should I take an ovulation test?

If you have a regular cycle, you can already use the calculation methods to estimate your supposed ovulation date. From then on, you can carry out tests around this date (starting 2-3 days before). For irregular cycles, on the other hand, the calculation will be less helpful: if you’re aware of recurrences in your cycle, you can make an estimate and then carry out the tests, but more often than not, you’ll have to proceed by trial and error until you come up with a positive result.

Positive ovulation test: when to make love?

Ideally, you should make love just before or during ovulation. Also, since the test indicates imminent ovulation, have intercourse as soon as possible after you’ve tested positive, as this will be the most favourable time!

Why don’t I get pregnant during ovulation?

Ovulation is the time when fertilization is possible, but it’s not automatic. Indeed, even if you’ve made all the right calculations and had relations at the right time, it may simply not happen. Other possible explanations need to be explored. It could be a medical problem, such as infertility or medication, but it could also be psychosomatic, depending on the couple’s understanding or chemistry, for example. And let’s not forget the famous physiological characteristics: a healthy, relaxed lifestyle and an average weight will give you every chance of getting pregnant.

As you can see from the previous answer, ovulation isn’t just a simple mechanism, just as fertilization requires a number of favorable factors. And as you’ve seen, there are many causes that can influence ovulation! So remember to keep your BMI (Body Mass Index) at reasonable levels (if possible) and eat a balanced diet. Also, stay away from all toxic substances, including cigarettes and alcohol, which you’re supposed to give up during pregnancy anyway – so you might as well start preparing now! You can also use gentle techniques, such as herbs, homeopathy (if you’re feeling up to it) or relaxation (like yoga or meditation). Also, avoid having too many sexual encounters, preferring instead to have them “intelligently”: intercourse at the right time, without it becoming a daily occurrence. If you do, the sperm loses quality and quantity, reducing the likelihood of fertilization.

Nidation: how long after ovulation?

Here, we’re thinking more in terms of fertilization, since ovulation is a period of almost instantaneous duration. It takes 9 days after fertilization for the egg to implant in the uterus. As with fertilization, this stage of the process is also subject to a number of factors. Similarly, in the event of fertility problems, the doctor may decide to prescribe progesterone.

This question may seem pointless to you, but a great deal of research is being carried out on the Internet, as women try to understand all the mechanisms that make pregnancy possible. As we’ve already mentioned, calculating ovulation is essential, as it enables you to determine the most favourable period with great accuracy. But calculating ovulation isn’t as simple as all that: you need to take into account a number of vital factors.

  • To calculate your ovulation date, you need to take into account the length of your cycle and the date of your last period.
  • All women are different, so it’s a good idea tobe precise about the length of your cycle, as ovulation will not be the same over 21, 28 or 30 days.
  • Calculating ovulation for an irregular cycle is therefore a complex task, but there are some solutions that we can mention.
  • Ovulation with calculation can be random if you don’t have complete control over your cycle.

When you know the date of ovulation, you should add 24 hours before and after. This gives you a window of opportunity to have unprotected sex. This gives you a window of opportunity to have unprotected sex, since the opportunities for procreation are much greater with these three days. Calculating ovulation is also important, as the duration of the ovum is limited. It takes less than 24 hours for the egg to fertilize, compared with a maximum of 72 hours for the gametes. Once the gametes have fertilized the egg, you’ll be pregnant.

Ovulation in irregular cycles

The previous month, you had a 28-day cycle, then 21 days for this month, and you may have 30 days for the next. In this case, calculating your ovulation is rather complex, but you can use tests that you’ll find in any chemist’s. It’s easy to use, and the little strip lets you know if it’s a good time to ovulate. You’ll then have a window according to your body, and all you have to do is schedule intercourse. Remember that bodies are not programmed like clocks. As a result, the ovulation calculator may have a few flaws.

Like ovulation is rapid and lasts no more than 24 hoursHowever, you should be aware that the chances of having a child on the first attempt may be limited. You need to plan ahead for several months, especially if you were previously using contraception. In this case, some women can have a baby after two or three attempts, but don’t hesitate to calculate your ovulation date every month. All it takes is one misjudgment and an error of two days, and the possibilities are non-existent. You can always use an ovulation calendar to mark the three periods:

  • That relating to menstruation, i.e. ovulation has not led to fertilization.
  • The ovum is expelled by the ovary, so you need to plan coitus.
  • In the phase after ovulation, your body prepares for the next menstrual period.

In relation to the date of ovulation, you will always have these three periods, so you need to know your cycle perfectly.

Should I have more sex?

The ovulation calculator is not an exact science, and there are often errors, as you need to have the exact date of your last period. Without it, the ovulation calculator is distorted and all the dates transmitted will be wrong, including the ovulation period. For the ovulation date to be known, you need to anticipate your desire to have a child, even if you’re still on the pill, for example. In this way, you can determine the length of your cycle more precisely, and all you need to do is make calculations using a reliable ovulation calendar with several scenarios. Alongside this ovulation calculation, some couples wonder whether it makes sense to have more intercourse.

  • If women are wondering how to calculate their ovulation date, men wonder about sperm renewal.
  • The gametes are continuously present, so it’s possible to have intercourse every day if the erection is present.
  • However, during the ovulation period, sperm concentration must be at its highest.
  • The more sexual acts you engage in, the lower the sperm count, thus damaging your procreation capital.
  • It’s a shame to calculate my ovulation and not respect certain conditions.

We therefore advise you to limit intercourse outside the suggested by this ovulation calendar. You can then focus on intercourse two days before and after the ovulation date.

It’s best to have sex before your ovulation date, since gametes have a 72-hour lifespan. You now have all the information you need to calculate your ovulation date and the frequency of sexual intercourse.

When should you worry?

If a woman knows how to calculate her ovulation period and the ovulation calculation with Clearblue doesn’t result in a child after several months, it’s probably a good idea to consult a gynecologist as soon as possible.

Learning how to calculate your ovulation is bound to result in a child after three or four attempts, but after a year there are often other explanations for this failure. Doctors can then test both the man and the woman to see if fertility is on the cards. It’s important to note that some women are very stressed, and this can also have a direct impact on procreation.

For example, with a 27-day cycle, they want to know when ovulation is, and if the dates don’t match, the stress is very great. For this reason, several ingredients are essential for getting pregnant: relaxing, calculating the precise date of ovulation, enjoying sexual relations two days before the date, and increasing the chances of being fertile. All these elements also help to anticipate possible problems during childbirth.

Indeed, if these acts are laborious, there is a high risk of failure. Procreation should be a pleasure, not a chore.

You’ve always had irregular cycles, and now that you’re planning to expand the family with a baby, you’re wondering how to properly control and understand your ovulation cycle. It’s not always easy, which is why creating a reliable ovulation calendar can be a real help!

Using the data from your previous menstrual cycles and your temperature curve, you can estimate to within a few days when you’ll leave the follicular phase and your oocyte will release an egg. This is known as ovulation, and it’s at this point that a gamete can fertilize the egg.

The more data and history you have in your calendar, the more reliable it will be. Some applications can do this for you automatically, making your life much easier. After all, with an irregular cycle, it’s much more complicated to understand and control your ovulation so you can choose the right time to have sex.

What are the signs and symptoms of ovulation?

The real question is to know and recognize this precise moment when a woman’s fertility is at its peak.

To get pregnant and have a pleasant birth, some periods are more favorable than others.

First of all, ovulation follows the follicular phase, the first part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It often begins with menstruation and ends with ovulation, generally on the 14th day of the cycle. (It’s called the follicular phase because it’s during this period that the follicles in the ovaries develop. They are therefore not suitable for fertilization with gametes).

There is also an important difference between ovulation and the fertile days?

The fertile days are the days in your cycle when you can conceive if you have unprotected sex.

Identifying these fertile days allows couples to better plan their sexual relationships according to their rhythm and lifestyle. Having this simple information also greatly reduces the pressure you feel when trying to conceive.

Here are the various symptoms and signs that help identify a woman’s ovulation period.

  • A slight pain or heaviness in the lower abdomen: a pinch to the right or left.
  • A feeling of bloating
  • Abdominal cramps, sometimes severe
  • Slight tension in the breasts
  • Transparent, stringy mucus, a little like egg white
  • A healthy libido
  • A slight rise in temperature when you wake up in the morning
  • Spotting

These are elements directly linked to your well-being and health which will help you discover these different symptoms.

Also remember that to optimize your chances of becoming pregnant. You can determine the best time.

Choosing certain positions during intercourse can also be beneficial. Some positions are much more likely to result in the fertilization of an egg by a sperm.

From the moment you plan to have a baby, it is advisable to stop smoking and drinking to increase your fertility. Stress reduction is also important. For this, in addition to taking a step back from the sources of stress in your daily life, you can take a course of magnesium and vitamin D. It’s also important to watch your weight, as having too high a BMI reduces fertility. Overweight women are statistically less fertile than women with a normal BMI.

Once pregnancy has begun, you can also take folic acid on a daily basis to reduce the risk of malformation of the embryo and thus reduce the risk of miscarriage. A taboo subject, one pregnancy in four ends in miscarriage during the first trimester.

Understanding the difference between oocyte and egg?

The oocyte is the female sex cell of metazoans. Only a few mature into ova.

It should also be noted that the oocyte is part of the germ line and is present in all female mammals undergoing meiosis.

There are only two types of oocyte: Oocyte I and Oocyte II.

Oocyte I is derived from diploid oocytes, which are themselves derived from germ cell divisions. At birth, baby girls already possess their entire oocyte stock. And it’s only from puberty onwards, and during each cycle, that an oocyte I undergoes the first division of meiosis. This becomes a second-order oocyte, which later becomes an egg.

How do I know when I’m ovulating on the pill?

As a rule, women taking birth control pills do not ovulate. They are one of the most widely used contraceptive methods by women in France.

There are two types of contraceptive pill:

  • The combined pill (composed of estrogen and progesterone)
  • The progestin-only pill (composed of progestin)

The use of these pills has a number of consequences: firstly, it blocks ovulation, but also modifies the endometrium to make it less suitable for implantation, and thickens cervical mucus to prevent gametes from passing through the cervix.

Women who use combined pills do not ovulate and therefore have no real menstrual cycle. This is not the case with progestin-only pills, which do not systematically prevent ovulation.

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Sammy Byron

After studying as a specialist in investigative journalism across Europe, I decided to start writing for my own community of Internet users. You can also find my most accurate studies and analyses on the latest trends in the United States. If you are interested in an analysis or a study in collaboration with our Experts, do not hesitate to use the dedicated contact form.

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