Why understanding your ovulation cycle is important for getting pregnant?

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If you are trying to get pregnant, then understanding your ovulation cycles is the first step to getting there. You need to know the best time to have sexual intercourse to increase your chances of conceiving. Your ovaries release a mature egg, usually once a month. When the egg is released from the ovaries, it proceeds towards the uterus making its way through the fallopian tubes. It is here that it meets the sperm and gets fertilized. The uterus prepares itself for the fertilized egg by thickening its inner walls. Generally, an egg cell lives for about 12-24 hours after it is released from the ovary. The sperm cells can stay alive up to 72 hours in your body. If the conception does not occur, the unfertilized egg along with blood and inner lining of the uterus is shed and released from the uterus.

Therefore, it is really important to identify your ovulation cycle so that the egg is fertilized as soon as it is released from the ovaries.

Tracking your ovulation cycles

A woman’s monthly cycle is calculated from the 1st day of her menstrual period to the first day of her next period. It is approximately about 30 days but can be shorter or longer. Ovulation cycle is measured from the first day of the last menstrual period. Ovulation can occur anytime between the 11th day to 21st day of the cycle, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. This is the best time to conceive as sexual intercourse during this time increases the chance of pregnancy. There are various tables or calculators available online which can help you track your ovulation cycles.

Stress, illness and other factors like disruption of normal routine can affect your ovulation cycles. Therefore sometimes online ovulation cycle calculators do not work perfectly. Other ways to track your ovulation cycle are through Ovulation kits and fertility monitors. These are can be purchased over the counter affordably and are safe to use.

If you have decided to start a family, it is advisable that you consult your doctor. Conceiving can sometimes take months altogether and one can easily get frustrated. Just ensure to keep trying and not let the frustration affect you mentally. Always stay positive!