Ovulation: What It Is and Why the Timing Matters

You’re fertile for about six days each cycle — not just the single day of ovulation. Ovulation is when an ovary releases an egg that can be fertilized for roughly 12–24 hours. Because sperm can live up to five days in the reproductive tract, the best chance to get pregnant is the two days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.

Knowing when ovulation happens helps with planning sex, avoiding pregnancy, or timing tests. You don’t need medical training to spot the signs; a few simple checks and small habits give a clear picture.

Signs to Watch For

Cervical mucus: It changes across your cycle. Look for clear, stretchy mucus that feels like raw egg white — that’s peak fertility. Track it daily; the day you see this mucus is usually your highest chance.

Basal body temperature (BBT): Your resting temperature rises slightly after ovulation. Take your temp first thing each morning before getting up and chart it. A sustained rise of about 0.3–0.6°C (0.5–1.0°F) for three days usually means ovulation just happened.

Ovulation pain and breast changes: Some people feel a brief twinge or dull ache on one side of the lower belly. Breasts can feel tender around ovulation for some cycles. These signs help but aren’t reliable alone.

Increased libido and mood shifts: A natural uptick in sex drive around ovulation is common. If you notice a pattern cycle to cycle, it can be a helpful clue.

Easy Ways to Track and Use the Info

Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs): These detect the LH surge that triggers ovulation. Use them as directed, starting a few days before you expect ovulation. When the kit turns positive, plan intercourse that day and the next.

Calendar method: If your cycles are regular, subtract 14 days from your expected next period to estimate ovulation. This gives a rough window but won’t work well with irregular cycles.

Combine methods for best results: Use mucus tracking, BBT, and OPKs together. Mucus and OPKs help predict ovulation; BBT confirms it after the fact. Apps can help log patterns but don’t rely on an app alone if your cycles vary.

When to see a doctor: Talk to a clinician if you can’t get pregnant after one year of trying (or six months if you’re over 35), or if your cycles are very irregular, absent, or painful. Conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, or low ovarian reserve can affect ovulation and are treatable.

Quick tips: have sex every 1–2 days during your fertile window; test for LH around mid-day while reducing fluid intake before a test; and keep a simple chart of mucus, BBT, and OPK results. That small effort gives you real control over timing and helps your provider give better advice if you need help.