Any couple that has ever tried to conceive understands the importance of ovulation. In fact, studies suggest that intercourse that occurs a day or more after ovulation rarely results in pregnancy. The reason for this is simple: the egg that is released from the ovary can only survive for twenty-four hours. This means that couples only have a short window in which to conceive. In this article we are going to discuss ovulation and getting pregnant.

Though the numbers are not set in stone, we do know that best time for couples to try to conceive is within a week of ovulation. But because sperm cannot survive for more than a few days, even under optimal conditions, the closer to ovulation the better. What do we mean optimal conditions? Well, when a woman approaches ovulation her cervical fluid changes from being thick and sticky to smooth and slippery. This makes it much easier for the sperm to survive and to travel in. In this optimal environment, sperm can live for several days.

So, how does a woman know when she is ovulating? While you can’t exactly set your watch by it, ovulation ordinarily occurs on the 14^th day of the menstrual cycle. Of course, this can vary by a day or even two. But since the best time to conceive is on the day of ovulation, it is important to identify the signs and symptoms.

The most common sign of ovulation is an increase in vaginal secretions. As we mentioned earlier, these secretions will be slippery and smooth and will look rather like a raw egg white. After ovulation, when the chances of getting pregnant are slim, secretions will return to their regular, sticky state. 

Another important thing to know about ovulation and getting pregnant is that your basal body temperature will increase by a few degrees during ovulation. That is why women who are trying to conceive should take their temperature halfway through their menstrual cycle. By simply recording the temperature at the same time every morning on a graph, a woman will be able to determine her ovulation schedule each month. 

Again, it is important to note that none of these suggestions are likely to be one hundred percent effective, but they have been proven to increase the odds of conception. There are also over-the-counter ovulation kits. Much like pregnancy tests, they test the urine for an increase in hormones.

Lastly, when it comes to ovulation and getting pregnant, quantity is more important than quality. That’s right! If you are a couple that is trying to conceive you must have sex…a lot. Studies show that daily intercourse increases the odds of conception threefold, especially when intercourse is occurring during or before ovulation. Yes, we know…it’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it!

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