How to track ovulation: a complete beginner’s guide

Learning how to track ovulation can be a helpful step if you’re thinking about starting or growing your family. By understanding when you’re most fertile, you can make the most of trying to conceive naturally and feel more in tune with your body.

In this guide, we’ll explain what ovulation is, why it matters and how to spot the signs. We’ll also walk you through the different tracking methods available, from simple calendar counting to at-home kits and clinic-based tests. Whether you’re just starting your journey or want more clarity, the steps below aim to make things straightforward.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the point in your monthly cycle when your body releases an egg. This egg comes from a small organ called an ovary. You have two ovaries, one on each side of your uterus (womb), and in most menstrual cycles, one releases an egg.

Once the egg is released, it travels along a narrow tube that connects the ovary to the womb. If it meets sperm during this time, it can be fertilised and go on to develop into a pregnancy. If the egg isn’t fertilised, it’s reabsorbed by your body.

Most people with a regular cycle ovulate once a month, usually around two weeks before their next period, but the timing can vary from person to person and even from month to month. That’s why learning to recognise the signs of ovulation can be so useful if you’re trying to conceive or simply wish to understand your body better.

Sometimes, ovulation is induced at a fertility clinic with medicines that stimulate the ovaries.

Why track ovulation?

Tracking ovulation gives you a clearer picture of when you’re most likely to get pregnant. An egg is suitable for fertilisation for only 12 to 24 hours, so knowing when ovulation happens can help you make the most of this short window of fertility.

For many people, keeping track of ovulation brings a sense of reassurance and control.

Tracking ovulation can help with:

• Planning sex on fertile days
• Spotting irregular cycles, which may mean you’re not ovulating
• Supports discussions with a doctor if conception is difficult
• Understanding your menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health
• May help plan better certain fertility treatments

Even if you’re not planning to start a family right now, learning to recognise your ovulation can feel empowering – helping you tune into your body’s natural rhythms and prepare for the future with confidence.

Signs you are ovulating

Your body may give small clues, though not always. Sometimes, you can ovulate and have no noticeable symptoms. However, you might notice: 

• Changes in your cervical mucus – it may become clearer, wetter and stretchier, a bit like raw egg white
• A slight rise in body temperature – after ovulation, your resting body temperature increases very slightly. You won’t usually feel this change, but it can be tracked with a thermometer
• Mild twinges or discomfort – some people feel a small ache or cramp low in the abdomen when the egg is released
• Breast tenderness or mood changes – hormones linked to ovulation can sometimes cause sensitive breasts or shifts in mood before the next period. Overall, any PMS symptoms are highly suggestive of ovulation

Methods for tracking ovulation

You can track ovulation in different ways, from simple at-home methods to clinic tests. The right option depends on the detail you want and your routine.

The calendar method

The calendar method is based on the idea that ovulation usually happens 10 to 16 days before your next period begins. For someone with a regular 28-day cycle, this generally means ovulation occurs around day 14. By recording your periods over a few months, you can work out your average cycle length and estimate your most fertile days.

It’s simple and free, although it’s less reliable if your cycles vary in length.

Ovulation tracking apps

Many apps can help you log your periods and predict when you’re most likely to ovulate. They often use algorithms that learn from your cycle patterns over time. Some let you add details like temperature or mucus for enhanced accuracy.

Apps are convenient, but they only provide estimates based on your previous data rather than a guarantee of ovulation, and they aren’t always accurate.

Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking

Your basal body temperature is your resting temperature when you wake up. After ovulation, it usually rises slightly. By taking your temperature at the same time each morning and recording the results, you may see a pattern that helps confirm when ovulation has already taken place.

This method can be useful but needs patience, as it can take a few months of consistent tracking to spot a clear pattern. It’s also better at confirming that ovulation has happened rather than predicting it.

Cervical mucus monitoring

Paying attention to changes in your cervical mucus is a natural way of spotting ovulation. In the days before ovulation, mucus usually becomes clear, slippery and stretchy. This type of mucus creates the best environment for sperm to survive and travel towards the egg.

This method is free and can be effective if you feel comfortable checking for changes, but it does take practice and can be influenced by things like infections or medication.

Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs)

OPKs are home test kits that detect a surge in luteinising hormone (LH), which happens just before ovulation. LH is the hormone that triggers the ovary to release an egg.

They work in a similar way to pregnancy tests, using urine samples. A positive result suggests that ovulation is likely to happen within the next 24 to 36 hours.

These kits can be helpful, especially if your cycle is irregular. However, it’s good to be cautious, as conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can sometimes affect results and make them less reliable for some people.

Blood tests and scans

Fertility tests, like blood tests and ultrasound scans, can give you the most accurate information about whether and when you’re ovulating. A blood test can measure hormone levels at certain points in your cycle, while a scan can track the development and release of an egg.

These aren’t needed for everyone, although they can be reassuring if conception is difficult or ovulation is uncertain.

Which ovulation tracking method is right for you?

There’s no single best way to track ovulation. Some people prefer simple tools like a calendar or app, while others choose kits or medical tests. 

The key is picking what fits your routine and feels right for you. If you’re unsure, speak with your doctor or a fertility specialist for personalised advice.

Support and track ovulation with Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic

If you’d like extra clarity about your cycle, our team at Bourn Hall is here to help. From fertility tests to personalised advice, we can guide you in understanding your ovulation and support you on your path to parenthood.

Contact our team today for dedicated fertility and ovulation support.