Ovulation

  • An egg lives 12-24 hours after leaving the ovaryNormally only one egg is released each time of ovulation
  • Ovulation can be affected by stress, illness or disruption of normal routines
  • Some women may experience some light blood spotting during ovulation
  • Implantation of a fertilized egg normally takes place 6-12 days after ovulation
  • Each woman is born with millions of immature eggs that are awaiting ovulation to begin
  • A menstrual period can occur even if ovulation has not occurred
  • Ovulation can occur even if a menstrual period has not occurred
  • Some women can feel a bit of pain or aching near the ovaries during ovulation called mittelschmerz, which means “middle pain” in German
  • If an egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates and is absorbed into the uterine lining

TESTING FOR OVULATION

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Chart

  • Helps monitor different phases of your menstrual cycle.
  • Take temp in the morning when you wake at the same time each day.
  • Ovulation = rise of 0.5-1.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Increased body temperature for several days usually indicates ovulation has occurred.
  • Basal body temperatures cannot be used to predict ovulation, as the temperature rise does not occur until after ovulation, but can confirm that ovulation has occurred, which is helpful in planning for the next cycle.
    • Endometrial Biopsy
    1. Can determine if ovulation has occurred and if endometrium has been stimulated with progesterone.
    2. Can help diagnose luteul phase defect (if progesterone changes are less than expected)
    3. In-office procedure.
    4. Sample of uterine lining is swabbed and checked under a microscope.
    5. Performed prior to expected menstruation.
    • Blood Tests
    1. Measure Hormone Levels.
    2. Elevated progesterone levels associated with ovulation.
    3. LH levels – LH surge just before ovulation.
    4. Estrogen levels rise just prior to ovulation.
    5. Can measure hormones present with some fertility disorders.NOTE: If no ovulation is detected in 2 or more consecutive cycles, it may be indicate an ovulatory problem exists. Occassionally, you may miss one cycle of ovulation, so if you do not detect ovulation in only 1cycle, this may not be a problem or you may have miscalculated with the above methods.
  • Urine Test Kits aka Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)
  1. Measures luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.
  2. Rise in LH is usually 12-44 hours later, so you can use this to time intercourse.
  3. If no ovulation is detected
  • Vaginal/Abdominal Ultrasound
  1. Useful for timing intercourse or insemination.
  2. Measures the follicle to see if it is ready for fertilization (1.8-2.5 cm).

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