Couples looking to get pregnant are told to watch for fertile days in which the possibility of conception is maximum. Doctors suggest ensuring regular intercourse at this time. The good news is that you can calculate this fertile window in just a few seconds using an Ovulation Calculator. Read ahead to understand more about it.

Ovulation is the process by which the ovaries release an egg into the female reproductive tract. This egg makes its way through the Fallopian tubes to reach the uterus. This process is controlled by various hormones whose levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Immediately before ovulation, there is a sudden increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) called LH surge. Medical tests to check for ovulation include the detection of LH.

An Ovulation Calculator is a simple method to identify the day on which the egg is most likely to be released. Every woman has a period of 5 to 6 days in the month known as the fertile window. If couples have unprotected sexual intercourse around this time, there is a higher chance that the sperm released in the ejaculate can fuse with the egg resulting in a pregnancy.

Couples trying to get pregnant use an Ovulation Calculator to identify which days of the month have the maximum chances of conception. Doctors recommend having intercourse every day or every alternate day during this period. The best time for this is from five days before ovulation until the day of ovulation. Although there are several methods to detect ovulation, a calculator is convenient and works very well if you have a regular cycle. This is because calculators rely on the average length of the menstrual cycle.

Using an Ovulation Calculator is very easy. You simply have to enter the first day of your last period and the average length of your menstrual cycle. It is best to track your periods for a couple of months to get an accurate assessment.

The calculator lets you know the ovulation day and fertile window (starting 5 days before this date). The egg remains viable for only 12 to 24 hours after ovulation whereas the sperm can remain alive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days. Hence, these 5 days are ideal to get pregnant.

Ovulation Calculators are not 100% accurate as ovulation is affected by several factors such as physical and emotional stress, weight loss or weight gain, smoking and alcohol use, and any hormonal medical conditions. Therefore, if you have a regular 28-day cycle, your ovulation day will almost always be day 14 of your cycle. However, for those with irregular cycles, this timing can range from 10 to 15 days. They should preferably combine using the calculator with another method (stated below) to calculate the exact day.

Note that Ovulation Calculators are not a method of contraception. Doctors recommend using protection at all times if you are not planning to get pregnant.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.