Younger girls who are first experiencing their period really don’t wonder when they are ovulating however when they get old enough to want children,this process can become very important to them especially if they encounter reproductive problems when ovulation stops. As women grow older, the amount of eggs inside the ovary diminishes until they reach their menopausal stage and the ovaries actually stop releasing eggs. But there are other reasons, aside from menopause, which can cause ovulation to stop. Some of the reasons are as follows:

Contraceptives

The use of contraceptive pills may hinder ovulation. Some of the women’s body experiences negative reactions when using the pill. The use of this form of contraceptive can even pose a health risk to some women so it is strongly recommended that a women consults a physician before taking any form of contraceptive pills.

Irregular Period

When a woman’s period does not come regularly, it can become hard to predict the time of ovulation. This condition only poses a problem when the woman wants  to get pregnant.

Weight

Weight issues may cause ovulation to stop. This holds true whether one is overweight or underweight.

Stress

Any type of extreme stress whether it is of a psychological, emotional, or physical nature can also hinder the ovary from releasing eggs.

Substance Abuse

If a woman is abusing drugs and other harmful substances this could also affect the ovulation capability of the ovary.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalance could also be one reason why a woman cannot ovulate. Ovulation is very dependent on certain hormones produced by the body; if the glands producing the hormones malfunction it can cause temporary ceasing of ovulation or can permanently stop it altogether.

Abnormal Ovaries

If the ovaries have problems it can also stop ovulation. Ovary problems can happen right from birth if the ovaries did not form correctly in the womb.  It can also be acquired, like when a woman grows a cyst near the ovary and it had to be removed through surgery- this can also cause the ovary to malfunction.

There are many factors that could cause ovulation to stop. Some have remedies while others are permanent. So when ovulation problems occur, the best advice is to see a doctor. They can give medication or perform other corrective surgeries to help the ovulation process go back to normal.

What Exactly Is Bleeding During Ovulation?

Bleeding during ovulation or ovulation bleeding is defined as the mild bleeding or spotting occurring at around the time of ovulation. In most women, the bleeding occurs approximately 14-16 days after the last menstruation in a normal 28 day cycle. This bleeding is due to the fall of the hormone, progesterone.
Bleeding during ovulation may sometimes be confused with menstrual flow. Listed below are the defining characteristics of ovulation bleeding:

• The color varies from pink to red, is light, and lasts for 1-2 days.
• It can be accompanied by pain on the lower abdomen, or on the site of ovulation. This pain is called mittelschmerz which lasts for about a day or so.

What then, are the causes of bleeding during ovulation? The exact cause of ovulation bleeding is not clear and is simply attributed to the emerging follicles that mature and burst. These are some probable causes for this bleeding:

• It may be a result of temporary withdrawal of estrogen at the time of ovulation which causes the endometrium to become thinner.
• Bleeding may come from the cervix, which have glands that proliferate.
• Others say that the bleeding comes from the ovary of the women in preparation for ovulation.
• Aside from the above mentioned, there are also other direct causes of ovulation bleeding, these are:
• Oral contraceptives
• Threatened abortion
• Intra-uterine contraceptive device
• Hormones such as thyroid and insulin hormone deviations
• Medical conditions such as cervical polyps, cervical infection, ovarian cysts, or cancer, among others

As soon as the woman understands that bleeding during ovulation time is normal, it can actually be of good use. Normally, bleeding lasts for 1-2 days, which then signals that ovulation is about to happen. As ovulation draws near, is definitely a good sign that the woman is at her most fertile stage, thus a viable time for conception. Along with ovulation bleeding, signs of ovulation include: increased cervical mucus, cramping, and breast tenderness.
In any case, so long as the woman experiences ovulation bleeding at the time of ovulation, it poses no problem. But if the woman has irregular bleeding that is quite heavy, it is important that you go see a doctor immediately as to rule out any medical problem that may be of danger to the woman and her reproductive well-being.

Your fertile window is when the uterus receives the newly released mature egg. This egg now waits for at least 12 hours for it to be fertilized before it slowly starts to degenerate. Paying close attention to your body and spotting the physical signs of ovulation is the best way to know when you are most fertile, thus answering the question again of ’when canI  get pregnant’. Knowing when your ovulation is due is the first important step in planning pregnancy. Sexual intercourse right after this cycle is highly recommended for couple who wish to have children for it increases the chances of pregnancy.

Counting your menstrual cycle is the most common method of knowing when the best time to get pregnant is. To go about doing this, you must first note down when your next month period will end. From that end date, count back 12 to 16 days. The outcome are number of days when you might be ovulating. In women with regular 28 day cycles, it is often the 14th day that is said to be the best day to get pregnant. But take note that this only applies to women who has regular cycles and are familiar with how long their cycles lasts. There are ovulation calendars available in the market that can help you plot out your fertile days in the coming months.

As your cycle progresses, changes in texture and volume of your cervical mucus increases. All these changes can be contributed to rising estrogen levels. Once the mucus becomes stretchy, clear, and slippery, then the best time to get pregnant is at hand. During this stage, the cervical mucus can be compared to that of raw egg whites. To protect, nourish, and help the sperm navigate its way to fertilize the egg are the roles of this mucus. In some cases, women use pre-seed lubricants. This is when a woman notices that her mucus production is not abundant thus affecting the capacity of the sperm to fertilize the egg.

The rise of a woman’s basal body temperature can also become an indication although it has been proven that it is not that reliable in pin pointing the best time for one to get pregnant. Right after ovulation, there is a rise of the basal body temperature from 0.5 to 1.0 degrees Fahrenheit. This shift in body temperature is mild and usually won’t be felt. But it can be detected by using a basal thermometer. This spike is caused by the increase of progesterone hormones. If you ask the question when can I get pregnant, then sexual intercourse must be made two to three days before the peak of this temperature increase. Contradicting findings by experts says that there is a fertility window of 24 hours the most right after this temperature spike is recorded. But like what I said, this is open to argument. A better method though in knowing when the best time to get pregnant is to chart your basal body temperature for a few months. When sufficient data has been gathered, this will then give you the chance to plan when the most effective time to have intercourse is.

As you can see there are some signs that you can watch for that will help you answer the question ‘when can I get pregnant’.  By tracking your findings  and watching for ovulation signs you will narrow in on your window of opportunity for conception.

The natural method of determining fertility includes:

• Charting your Basal Body Temperature
• Charting your Cervical Mucus Discharge
• Charting the changes in your Cervix
• Charting other Secondary Ovulation signs such as: breast tenderness, mittelschmerz, increase in appetite and sex drive, mood swings etc.

The Clearblue Ovulation Test, however, recognizes the rise of an ovulation hormone called, Luteinizing hormone (LH).  Prior to ovulation, your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) dominates because it aids in the maturation of the ovum. Once it matures, it needs to be released and this is facilitated by the luteinizing hormone (LH).  Your LH dramatically and briefly increases 24-36 hours before ovulation.  This simply means that after the surge, the ovum (egg) will be released, hence ovulation shall occur. This phenomenon is called the “LH surge”.  A positive result in this ovulation test tells a woman that she is most likely fertile in the next 1-3 days after the increase of the LH.  The fertility peak is on the thirty sixth (36) hour following the said LH surge. Therefore, for women who want to promote pregnancy, the next 2-3 days is the best time to conceive in a given cycle.  Engaging in intercourse during the next 2-3 days increases your chance of conceiving.

This test gives you more than just one stick to detect your LH surge. Therefore, the chance of detecting your ovulation days is greater.

How To Use A Clearblue Ovulation Test

You must use it once a day. Be consistent: use the test at the same time each day. For example, you started the test at 8:00 AM, you should take the test at 8:00 AM everyday until the LH surge occurs. Remember to use it only on days when you expect your luteinizing hormone to increase. Because of this reason, it is helpful to use this test in conjunction with other signs of ovulation.

Accuracy of Clearblue Ovulation Tests

In comparison with the natural method and other ovulation test brands that determines ovulation, the Clearblue Ovulation Test is 99% more accurate at detecting the LH surge. At the same time, you find that it has 40% more test sticks as compared to the other brands that detects ovulation. It has a reference line that will show you if you have performed the test accurately or not. And the best thing about this is it’s fast! It will accurately show your result after 3 minutes which can help cut down on how long it takes to get pregnant.

 You have a choice whether to choose online ovulation calendars or do it manually.  For women with irregular menstrual cycle, ovulation cycle can be predicted through keeping a record of your cycle for at least 7-8 months. Subtract 18 from your shortest cycle and 11 from your longest cycle. The values acquired through this process of subtraction are the possible dates when ovulation may ensue.

 For example, after listing down your cycle for 7 months, you found out that 26 is your shortest cycle and 31 is your longest cycle.  Subtract 18 and 11, respectively and you will get 8 and 20. It means that in the next month, ovulation may occur between the 8th and 20th day of your cycle. Do you get the picture? Just remember to start counting your cycle from the first day of your period.

Accuracy of Ovulation Calendars

 Ovulation calendars are not fool-proof. It does not offer 100% accuracy. In fact, when used alone, it does not guarantee that you will get or not get pregnant.  It is fairly accurate for women with regular cycles or women whose cycles only have 2-3 days variation.

 The sad part is, not all women have menstrual cycles.  The truth is, our cycle constantly changes.  And most women are not aware of the length and when their luteal phase occurs.

 The ovulation calendar method shouldn’t be used alone, rather in conjunction with other methods. You have an option to use an ovulation test or utilize an ovulation predictor kit. Your ovulation cycle is evidenced by other signs that you should familiarize yourself upon. These signs and methods are as follows:

• Basal body temperature
• Cervical mucus changes
• Breast pain and tenderness
• Cervical changes
• Increase in appetite
• Bloating feeling
• Increase sex drive
• Mood swings

By using ovulation calendars you can start observing your body’s changes and if you faithfully chart your ovulation signs you can start to see a pattern in your ovulation cycle which will help you predict your dates of ovulation.

 During the phase of ovulation, the body exhibits many changes that we need to be aware of, observe and be familiar with. One of which is the consistent measurement of our basal body temperature. It is the lowest temperature of the body that can be measured at rest, especially at rest or upon waking up in the morning. It is advised that BBT should be taken in the every morning before you get up.  It is believed that you are ovulating when the temperature has increased by at least 0.5 – 1.0 degree Fahrenheit and that it usually lasts for about 24 hours-48 hours.

Observing your cervical mucus fluid is another effective method of ovulation prediction.  The cervical mucus changes from thick, non-transparent to thin, sticky and transparent mucus. During ovulation, the mucus can be observed and likened to an egg white.

 Apart from these and the other signs of ovulation such as: breast tenderness, mood swings, Mittelschmerz, increase in appetite/sex drive, cervical positions and the like, it is also of utmost importance to listen to your body and improve your health. Did you know that there are chemicals found in our household, that could be detrimental not only to your health but also to your fertility? If you are hoping for pregnancy, avoid exposure to chemicals as well as radiation.

 The most common vice that has been proven to affect fertility is tobacco (cigarettes) and alcohol.   And another important factor that can definitely affect your capability to get pregnant is your diet. Food nourishes our body and prepares it for our daily llife. However, eating too much which can result in being overweight or eating too little, which can result in being underweight greatly affects any woman’s chance of conception. Therefore, it is best to watch out for type of food that you eat. Start an exercise regimen which can help you boost your health and improve your weight.

 Certain traditional remedies can also affect pregnancy, such as acupuncture. It can affect the tissues or organs that support pregnancy. Certain herbal remedies that are believed to correct imbalances also affect fertility.

 Remember that ovulation prediction may not necessarily need advanced tools. Just listen to your body and learn how it functions.  When you do, it will be easier for you to know your ovulation cycle. If  all  else fails, visit your doctor  so he or she could perform tests to detect any problems and find a solution for you.

Calculators – ovulation test kits could be purchased either online or from your local drug store. They are proven to be very accurate tools in aiding you in determining your most fertile days, hence the best days for intercourse or the avoidance thereof. Descriptions and guidelines are provided for you inside the package.

Online Ovulation Calculators – are ovulation calculators that are available online. Although this is an easier tool to use, it is least accurate, unless you have a regular cycle.   Online ovulation calculators will ask you the about the “first day of last period”, “length of cycle” and “luteal phase”. After you fill in the details, it will automatically calculate your next possible ovulation date.  However, not all women know the length of their cycle nor the length of their luteal phase.

Calendar Method – it is the oldest form of ovulation calculator that is still used until today. It is not highly accurate when used alone; rather it should be used in conjunction with signs of ovulation or birth control methods.  For women with regular cycles, being able to predict your ovulation using the calendar method may be easier compared to those who have irregular menstrual cycle. A regular menstrual cycle is usually from 25-28 days and ovulation dates are obtained by either counting 12-14 days backward (from the first day of your menstruation) or counting 12-14 days onward (from the first day of your menstruation. For an irregular cycle, it involves the recording of 7-8 consecutive menstrual cycles. Afterwhich, 18 is subtracted from the shortest cycle, and 11 is subtracted from the longest cycle. 

Let’s say for example that for 7-8 months of recording, 27 and 30 are your longest and shortest cycle. Deduct 18 and 11 from these values, respectively, and you will get 9 and 19. If you’re period arrived on the 6th of the month, count 9 -19 (starting from the first day of menstruation) and you will arrive on dates 14 and 24.  Use the days between these two values (14 and 24) to help predict your ovulation days.   If you’re gunning for pregnancy, these are the best days to engage in intercourse. Otherwise, abstain.