Ovulation Tracking Basics
- Dr. Aidanne
- May 28
- 3 min read
Ovulation Tracking
Thus far, we have covered ovulation basics and established why it is important to know when you're ovulating. But how do you know that you're nearing the fertile window, that you're ovulating, or that ovulation has occurred? What tracking methods are available?
There are a number of ways to track ovulation, both through tuning into your body’s physical changes and the use of external tools. In this section we will focus on the former. To skip to ovulation detection systems, click here.
Cycle Tracking
If you have yet to generally track your menstrual cycles, this is a great place to start. You can simply add the number one to the calendar on your phone on the first day of your period, and track the number of days until you get your next period. This number is your cycle length. There are apps that can take the work out of this for you, such as Flo or Clue. Tracking your cycle length can help you get an estimate of your fertile window, which is an opportune time to hone in on successful ovulation using additional tools.
This option can be tricky if your cycles are irregular or if you are not menstruating.
I recommend starting this process for 2 to 3 months prior to trying to conceive if your cycles are regular, and 5-6 months prior if cycles are irregular.
That said, you can start this process at any time!
Cervical Mucus
The quality and consistency of cervical mucus can be a useful tool to determine where you are in the fertile window. Do not flush this away or think ill of it. It actually protects sperm by regulating vaginal acidity and can direct the sperm where they need to go.
Typically the mucus will change in roughly this pattern:
Dry after menstruation
Sticky in the mid follicular phase
Cream like consistency in the late follicular phase
Clear, wet, and stretchy just before ovulation
Egg white like at ovulation
Drier prior to menstruation
Although no one method is foolproof, keeping a journal where you log the consistency can help enrich what you learn from basal body temperature and cycle tracking.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Basal body temperature (BBT) represents your core temperature while the body is at complete rest. Although this can be tracked through the full cycle, the day or two prior to the fertile window is a great time to start tracking your basal body temperature (BBT). Readings are taken first thing in the morning after you open your eyes, and before you get out of bed or move around significantly. It is best measured with a specific Basal Thermometer for most accurate results.
After ovulation, the follicle morphs into a new structure called the corpus luteum, which is why the luteal phase gets its name. This new structure is responsible for pumping out progesterone to help build the endometrial lining of the uterus so that the fertilized egg has a cushy, nutrient dense place to grow.
Progesterone production results in a warming effect in the body.
Given this, we typically see a temperature shift suggesting that ovulation has occurred. Unfortunately, this is not a useful tool for anticipating when ovulation will occur. It is used as a marker of successful ovulation, as we are looking for this temperature change to be sustained versus simply a one off reading. This luteal phase elevation is one indicator to suggest that progesterone production is sufficient.
Prior to ovulation, basal body temperature is often approximately 96 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit for most people. After ovulation, this increases by about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit.
References:
Weschler T. Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health. 20th Anniversary Edition. William Morrow; 2015.
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