Karimums says...
The best way to start to understand your body and your own, individual 'fertile window' is by keeping a 6 month record of your menstrual cycles. While it's never 100% accurate, it should give you a good picture of your most fertile days. Count the days from the first day of your period (day 1) until the day before your next period started, this is one full cycle. Find your shortest cycle and subtract 20 from the number of days to estimate the first day of your fertile window. Find your longest cycle and subtract 10 from the number of days to estimate the last day of your fertile window. For example, if your shortest cycle was 28 days, then the estimated first day of your fertile window is day 8 of your cycle (28 – 20 = 8). If your longest cycle was 32 days, then your estimated last day of your fertile window is day 22 of your cycle (32 – 10 = 22). So your fertile window is from day 8 to day 22 of your cycle. Remember, you need to keep this diary after you go off long-term contraception, to make sure you are ovulating. A combined approach, if you are willing to check your daily temperature and mucus changes, should give you greater confidence in understanding your cycle. For other tips, feel free to give us a call, email or live chat; we’re ready to answer any questions you might have, no matter how big or small!
Please sign in or register to add your comments.
I was in awe of my body, when I realised what it was telling me. I had no idea the mucus changes were part of my 'cycle'. Once I had that figured, BAM. 2 kids, perfect timing. Listen to your bodies girls, we take it for granted.
Posted 1/02/2012
by Melita
i have heard about the mucus changes but not sure what they signify? Is it a case of "there is the change, quick DTD!" :) or is it a couple of days later?
Posted 2/02/2012
by purplekel
That is the beauty of getting to know your body! And once you know how, it isn't hard. Simply put, you are fertile once your mucus changes to wet or 'spinn'. With some refinement ,you can pinpoint when you ovulate and ideally you DTD the day before you ovulate so the sperm are fresh, vigorous and waiting!
Posted 3/02/2012
by Kal (Karimums Midwife)
i've been using the period tracker app for my iphone for years - just to know when my period was due. now we're trying to conceive i find it really handy as it shows butterflies on your phone when you are fertile. now to see if it works!
Posted 6/02/2012
by belhak
This is very interesting...though my periods are all over the place since they re-started. I also have Endometriosis which makes it harder to track....
Posted 8/02/2012
by AussieBritLu