Sperm, on the other hand, can survive in the body for between three to five days. The best time to have sex in order to get pregnant is actually a few days before ovulation occurs so sperm is in the body and ready to meet the egg as soon as it is released.
Signs of Ovulation: Ovulation Test Kits
Right before ovulation there is a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Ovulation predictor kits, or OPKs, detect elevated levels of this hormone and can tell you that ovulation will occur within the next 24 hours. Simply urinate on a stick each morning until you see a positive result (refer to the package insert for more detailed instructions). Begin having sex once daily from the point the test turns positive until day 14 or day 15 of your cycle.
Depending on how long your cycle is (from the start of one period to the next, 28 days on average), you’ll need to determine when to start testing. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before your next period. So, for example, if your cycles are 35 days, ovulation is probably occurring on day 21. Start testing a few days earlier to make sure you don’t miss the window.
Signs of Ovulation: Monitor Cervical Mucus
Leading up to ovulation, you may notice changes in your cervical mucus – this will be one of the most visible signs of ovulation. It will likely become more abundant, clear and stretchy. Right after ovulation, cervical mucus becomes thicker and more opaque. To check your cervical mucus, insert a clean finger into the vagina and remove a small sample of mucus. Observe its consistency and texture and try to stretch it between your fingers. Alternately, use toilet paper to wipe yourself and get a small sample of mucus. With time, you’ll begin to notice differences and understand what signs of ovulation to look for.
Our cervical mucus monitoring guide.
Signs of Ovulation: Track Basal Body Temperature
Checking your basal body temperature, or BBT, won’t necessarily help you predict your ovulation in a single month, but can clue you into cycle patterns that emerge over time. Check your temperature each morning using a thermometer that can read to the nearest tenth of a degree. Over time, you’ll probably see that your temperature dips a little before rising after ovulation.