How to identify your fertile days in your cycle
The female cycle consists of several phases. The fertile days are the days leading up to ovulation.
Ovulation is the moment when a mature egg is released from the ovary. Once the egg has been released, it survives for only 12 to 18 hours. It can only be fertilised during this time.
That’s why it’s so important to have sex before ovulation! Under the right conditions, sperm can survive in the womb for three to five days. There, they wait for the egg and then fertilise it.
Signs of ovulation and fertile days
Monitoring cervical mucus
A reliable sign of your fertile days is cervical mucus. It changes throughout your cycle. Around the time of ovulation, it becomes:
- Clear (not cloudy or white)
- Stringy (can be stretched between your fingers)
- Stretchy – similar to raw egg white
This change helps the sperm reach the egg more easily. Fertile days are therefore the days on which you notice this cervical mucus.
Checking your cervix
Your cervix also changes during your cycle. You can recognise fertile days by the fact that your cervix:
- Is soft
- Is high
- Is slightly open
You can check it yourself to get a better idea of your fertile days.
Measuring your basal body temperature
Your basal body temperature is the temperature you take first thing in the morning, straight after waking up. It rises slightly after ovulation. This method helps you confirm, after the event, whether ovulation has taken place.
Combined with the other signs, it is an indispensable tool.
Methods for determining your fertile days
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
The Natural Family Planning (NFP) method is the most tried-and-tested way of determining your fertile days. It involves systematically monitoring:
- Your cervical mucus
- Your basal body temperature
- Your cervix (optional)
Analysing these signs gives you a clear picture of your cycle.
Cycle apps
There are many cycle-tracking apps available. However, only a few use the observation of cervical mucus and basal body temperature to determine your fertile window.
The ovolution app is based on the principles of the NFP method and is recommended by Stiftung Warentest as a reliable cycle app.
Ovulation tests
Ovulation tests measure the luteinising hormone (LH) in urine, which rises before ovulation. These tests are easy to use – but unfortunately, they are not always reliable:
- In about half of all cycles, there are double or multiple peaks, as well as LH plateaus
- In 23% of cases, the LH peak does not occur until after ovulation
Myths about ovulation
Many people believe that ovulation always takes place on the 14th day of the cycle. This is a myth!
Ovulation can vary greatly from cycle to cycle – particularly with irregular cycles. That’s why it’s so important to observe your body closely and not just rely on fixed dates.
Conclusion
Ovulation is a complex but fascinating process. Your body sends clear signals:
- Changes in cervical mucus
- Changes in the cervix
- A rise in basal body temperature
By closely observing these signs, you can better identify your fertile days and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
If you’re unsure, simply book an NFP introductory course or a cycle check. Take a look at our online course ‘Getting Pregnant with NFP’ too.