Almost everything you need to know about ovulation

I thought that there are people (like me) out there who don’t know much about it. Hope this post will help you to understand things better.

Please note, as I tried to make post more relevant to me there will be no mention of cervical mucus, basal body temperature thermometer.

First of all, menstrual cycle counts from the day you get your period (its cycle day 1).

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is when an egg (and, occasionally, more than one egg) is released from the ovary, and it’s the fertile time of your menstrual cycle.

How does ovulation determine when I can get pregnant?

You must have sexual intercourse during the period spanning one to two days before ovulation to about 24 hour afterwards. The reason: sperm cells can live for two or three days, but an egg survives no more than 24 hour after ovulation- unless, of course, fertilization occurs.

What does fertile days mean?

Your fertile days are the days leading up to ovulation, the day of, and the day after. You start to become fertile about 5 days prior to ovulation, are very fertile the 3 days prior, and at your peak fertility the day before and the day of ovulation. You are also fertile the day after ovulation, as your egg can live for up to 24 hours.

How can I tell when I’m ovulating and most fertile?

Figure out when your next period is due to begin and count back 12 to 16 days. This will give you a range of days when you will probably be ovulating. For women with a 28-day cycle, the 14^th day is often the day of ovulation. To use this method, you must know how long your cycle usually lasts.

When is the best time to have sex if we’re trying to conceive?

Once you know when your egg will be release from your ovary, you can plan to have sex during your most fertile days: from three days before ovulating through the day of ovulation.

You have a range of days for baby-making sex because sperm can survive for five to six days in your body. (Your egg survives for only about a day). That means if you have sex on Monday, sperm can survive in your fallopian tubes, waiting for an egg to float by, until around Thursday- or maybe even as late as Sunday.

If you’re not sure when your fertile period will be, here’s an easy rule of thumb: Hit the sheets every other day.

Another tip: If you and your partner are waiting to have sex until your most fertile time, make sure you haven’t gone through too long of a dry beforehand. Your partner should ejaculate at least once in the days before your most fertile period. If he doesn't there could be a build up of dead sperm in his semen when it’s go time, and dead sperm can’t get you pregnant.

Hope this was helpful! 

I want a boy!

                                                      

* Edited 05/02/2014 none of the methods we tried worked for us as we are having a girl!

I know some of you may say that it does not matter what gender is your baby, of course, I will be happy if it is a boy or a girl, but our plan at the moment is to conceive a boy.  

So I decided to Google “how to get pregnant with a boy” or “how to conceive a boy” first few websites had absolutely ridiculous suggestions,  to be honest even couple of suggestions from Askmum website were a bit weird to me, but I guess we just have to try it.

Askmum: Before even having sex, your partner can increase his sperm count by wearing loose-fitting trousers and sponging his scrotum with cool water, which is good for making boy babies. When it comes to doing the deed, you and your partner should do it doggy style, and you should try and climax first. The best time to have sex is just after ovulation.

TheBabywebsite recommends:

-          Time your intercourse exactly on the way of ovulation

-          Aim for sexual positions that promote deeper penetration

-          Monitor the pH level of the vaginal environment

The Shettles Method is a child conception idea that is reputed to help determine a baby's sex. In order to have a boy insemination should occur as close as possible to the moment of ovulation so that the faster, Y-sperm arrive first and achieve conception, according to the theory. When seeking a girl insemination the couple should seek to have sex 2½ to 3 days before ovulation. Shallow penetration coupled with the sperm deposited close to the entrance favors female conception because the area is more acidic, which inhibits the weaker Y sperm, according to the theory. To allow the Y sperm to reach the egg first (which supposedly moves at a faster rate), deeper penetration should be sought, to deposit the sperm at the least acidic area near the uterus opening (Wikipedia).

Mentioned “suggestions” are similar, the only difference is that the latter is described in more scientific terms.

Wish us luck!!!

* Edited 05/02/2014 none of the methods we tried worked for us as we are having a girl!