Ovulation is when the egg is released from the ovary. With each menstrual cycle, you release an egg. This most commonly occurs 14 days prior to the start of your period. To tell when you are due to ovulate you need to work out the length of your cycle. To calculate the length of the cycle, you count from the first day of your period up to but not including the first day of your next period. Most cycles are 28 days in length, but this can fluctuate and can be anywhere from 24 to 34 days.
There are other ways to check for ovulation. There are ovulation kits you can purchase over the counter from the chemist and these most commonly test your urine. You can check your basal temperature during the cycle. Your temperature usually starts increasing as you are ovulating and remains elevated until you menstruate. You can also check your cervical mucous which is more useful in timing intercourse. Just before ovulation, the mucous becomes clear and slippery, like egg white. This is to enable sperm to travel through the cervix. Your body is naturally telling you it is the best time to fall pregnant. After ovulation the mucous becomes thick again making it hard for the sperm to get through the cervix.
Ovulation Induction with medications allows an egg to mature and be released by the ovary. The cycle is tracked with Ultrasound scans and a blood test. Ovulation induction can be achieved either by oral medications such as Clomiphene or Letrozole, or with daily injections of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
Ovulation induction may be a good option for you if your fallopian tubes are not blocked, you are not ovulating naturally, you have an irregular cycle, or have unexplained infertility. Ovulation induction can also be combined with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) to further increase the chances of achieving a pregnancy. Ovulation induction can lead to multiple pregnancies and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. The medications can cause side effects such as hot flushes, mood changes and irritability. You will be monitored closely during the cycle. At Southside ob-gyn, the doctors can check whether you are ovulating and commence ovulation induction if suitable.