The Calendar Method. This is a simple method which requires you to track your cycles so you can try and predict when you ovulate. If you have a regular cycle ovulation normally happens between 12 and 16 days before your next period starts. To predict ovulation you will need to track your cycles for at least a couple of months. The problem with this method is that the day you ovulate can still vary between cycles and in studies the calendar method has been found to predict the correct fertile days in only one third of cycles.
Apps. There are several apps available, often free, and many use the simple calendar method, requiring you to enter information about your cycle length and periods to predict your fertile days. Some also use data from measuring your Basal Body Temperature or changes in your cervical mucus. Only the Clearblue Connected Ovulation Test System tracks 2 key fertility hormones to accurately identify your fertile days, and syncs results to your phone.
Measuring your Basal Body Temperature. This is a popular method where you take your body temperature each morning before you get out of bed. You should see a rise in 0.4-1.0°C in your body temperature after ovulation. This method is not ideal because once you have seen this rise you have already ovulated. As the egg only survives 12-24 hours after ovulation it’s too late in this cycle to optimise your chances of getting pregnant. It takes several cycles to build up a picture of your fertility window, and body temperature can be affected by other factors, such as travel, sleep changes, and alcohol. This method has been shown to be less than 70% successful.
Using an ovulation test. The most effective way to determine when you are at your most fertile is to track your hormones, which can be done using an ovulation test. Some ovulation tests detect the LH surge to pinpoint your 2 most fertile days but others detect both estrogen and LH providing a wider fertile window. Clearblue tests are at least 99% at detecting the LH surge and maximise your chances of getting pregnant.