Ovulation: Know When You're Most Fertile

Only about six days in each menstrual cycle are truly fertile — that includes ovulation day and the five days before it. If you want to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy naturally, knowing when you ovulate matters more than anything else.

Ovulation is when an ovary releases an egg. The egg survives about 12 to 24 hours, while sperm can live up to five days inside the body. That gap creates the fertile window. Most people ovulate about 14 days before their next period, but that varies—especially if cycles are shorter or longer than 28 days.

Signs and simple ways to track ovulation

Look for body signals: cervical mucus becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy like egg white when you're near ovulation. Some people feel mild cramps or twinges on one side of the lower belly. You might notice a slight rise in basal body temperature after ovulation—about 0.3 to 0.6°C (0.5 to 1.0°F)—but temperature rise only shows ovulation after it happened.

Use tools for better timing: ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that happens 24 to 48 hours before ovulation. Basal body temperature charts and fertility tracking apps help spot patterns over months. Combine methods for more accuracy—mucus tracking plus OPKs gives a clearer picture than either alone.

Practical tips and when to see a doctor

Have sex every one to two days during your fertile window to maximize chances, or at least every other day starting five days before expected ovulation. Avoid stress, alcohol, and heavy smoking—these can harm fertility. Maintain a healthy weight and take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid if you plan to conceive.

See a doctor if you have irregular cycles that make it hard to predict ovulation, if you’ve been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if you’re over 35), or if you have severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of hormonal problems. Tests can check ovulation, hormone levels, and structural issues, and treatments range from simple medication to assisted reproductive methods.

Knowing ovulation gives you control. Track your signs, use the right tools, and talk to a clinician when needed. With clear timing and small lifestyle changes, many people improve their chance of pregnancy without complex treatments.

Irregular cycles are common and have many causes: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, very low or high body weight, stress, and heavy exercise. If your periods stop after pregnancy or while breastfeeding, fertility often returns months later, and tracking may need patience.

For OPKs, start testing several days before the expected mid-cycle day; for example, if your cycle is 30 days, begin around day 10–12. If ovulation is rare or absent, doctors may prescribe ovulation-inducing drugs like clomiphene or letrozole; these are common first steps and often work well.

Remember male sperm health matters too — a basic semen analysis is an easy, useful test if pregnancy doesn't happen as expected. Use local clinics, online resources, and support groups to stay informed and calm.