Your Cycle & Ovulation
Although the average cycle lasts for 28 days, it is completely normal for women to have a cycle ranging between 23-35 days, as long as it is regular. However, your cycle length should not vary by more than seven days each month.
There are two phases to your cycle. The first is the follicular phase, which is from day 1 of your period until ovulation. The second phase, the luteal phase, lasts from ovulation until the start of your next period.
Your cycle is driven by a complex interaction of hormones that needs to be secreted at the correct level for fertility. As certain hormones increase, it enables follicles in your ovaries to grow. Each follicle contains an egg and although around 20 eggs start to mature at a time, only one (or sometimes two) will become fully mature.
Ovulation occurs mid cycle, around day 14, in a 28 day cycle, when your egg follicle bursts and releases the mature egg.
The First Response Ovulation Test can help you get pregnant sooner [1] by predicting your 2 most fertile days, the time that you are most able to become pregnant, and is over 99% accurate [2].
The test measures LH (luteinising hormone), which is always present in your urine and increases just before your most fertile day of the month. This increase, or ‘surge,’ in LH triggers ovulation which is the release of an egg from an ovary.
Most women will ovulate within 24 to 36 hours after the LH surge is detected. Your two most fertile days begin with the LH surge. You are most likely to become pregnant if you have intercourse within 24-36 hours after you detect your LH surge.
Another way to determine your fertile time is by familiarising yourself with changes in your cervical secretions, caused by high oestrogen levels. The secretions will start off cloudy and turn clear as you reach your highest fertile time.
Since you are potentially fertile for up to five days before ovulation, it is a good idea to plan to have sex before ovulation too. This way sperm will be ready and waiting for the egg to be released.
While there is no evidence that different sexual positions increase your chances of conception, it is recommended that you lay flat for 20-30 minutes afterwards to give the sperm a head start.
[1] Based on directions of use.
[2] Over 99% accurate in detecting the LH surge in laboratory studies.
Sex
Don't forget to have sex! Many couples lose the spontaneity and passion when they are trying to get pregnant, by getting so caught up in the logistics of trying for a baby.
It is suggested that you regularly have sex, every two to three days, throughout your cycle. This will maximize your changes of getting pregnant and keep fresh, active and healthy sperm present.
