How do I know when I’m ovulating?

Although some women can experience spotting, bleeding, and/or minor discomfort in their lower abdomen while ovulating, many may have no symptoms during this time.

It is important to understand your cycle and when you could be fertile, or are most likely to become pregnant. Your cycle starts with the first day of your period and ends with the first day of your next period, with an average cycle lasting around 28 days and ovulation typically starting on day 14 of your cycle. Generally you are most fertile a few days before and during your ovulating time.

You can learn when you ovulate, to help predict when you will most likely be fertile, by using ovulation calendars. These calendars, which are available online, give approximate ovulation dates and fertile times for those who have regular periods (meaning you have a period every 21 to 40 days.)

Fertility charting, basal temperature tracking, and purchased ovulation test kits can also be used to help predict your fertile times, which can be especially useful if you have irregular periods.

Louise E. Wilkins-Haug, MD, PhD is the Division Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Genetics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

http://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Search/85,P00553

http://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/41,OvulationCalc