Ovulation Calculator
Calculate your most fertile days to increase chances of conception.
The Fertile Window
The "fertile window" is the period during a menstrual cycle when pregnancy is possible. It typically lasts for 6 days: the 5 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive inside the female body for up to 5 days, while the egg survives for only 12-24 hours after release.
Signs of Ovulation
While a calendar calculator gives an estimate, your body provides real-time signals:
- Cervical Mucus: As ovulation approaches, mucus becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy (like raw egg whites). This helps sperm swim to the egg.
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your resting temperature rises slightly (about 0.5°F) *after* ovulation has occurred. Tracking this confirms ovulation happened.
- Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): Some women feel a mild twinge or cramp on one side of the lower abdomen.
Irregular Cycles?
If your cycle length varies by more than a few days each month, calendar calculations may not be accurate. Consider using Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) which detect the LH hormone surge that precedes ovulation.