How to estimate your ovulation date
L matches the release of the egg by the ovaries. To get pregnant, she needs to be impregnated by a sperm. Knowing when it happens, you naturally increase your chances of starting a pregnancy. To calculate it, you must know the duration of your cycle, that is the number of days between the first day of your period and the first day of the following rules.
You have a 28 day “classic” cycle: your ovulation takes place on the 14th day after the first day of your period.
You have a short cycle: If your cycle lasts 21 days, your ovulation will take place on the 7th day from the first day of your period. To know the date of your ovulation, just remove 14 from the duration of your cycle. If it lasts 25 days, ovulation takes place on the 11th day (25-14). If it lasts 24, it will be on the 10th day (24-14). ).).).).).).
You have a long cycle: just apply the same math. If your cycle lasts 33 days, your ovulation takes place on the 19th day after the first day of your period, that is 33-14 = 19.
You have an irregular cycle: it’s harder to estimate your ovulation date from this simple math.
Can we calculate it more precisely?
To know your ovulation date, three other methods are possible:
The temperature curve: every day you note your temperature on a graph. Before ovulation, your curve is usually between 36,1° and 36,7°C, a period that matches the maturation of the egg. Around the middle of the cycle, the temperature rises by a few tenths of degrees and stands above 37°C until the end of the cycle. This moment of transition shows that your ovulation has taken place. This method doesn’t really anticipate your ovulation, unless you do your curve several months in a row.
Fertility calendar: a simple and quick method to know when you are likely to ovulate. Just enter the duration of your cycle and the first day of your period.
The ovulation test: sold in pharmacy like pregnancy tests, it allows to identify in the urine the level of estrogen or luteinizing hormone that increases as ovulation approaches. This is the most reliable method.