Over the years, it has become clear that many people have misconceptions about how the reproductive system actually works. Let’s clear up one of the biggest ones: ovulation.
A typical menstrual cycle starts on the first day of bleeding, and ovulation usually happens around day 14. However, there’s only a small window—about 24 hours—when an egg is available for fertilization. That said, sperm can survive inside the female body for about five days, meaning pregnancy is possible for about 5 days before and 1 day after ovulation. To play it safe, think of it as a six-day fertile window. If fertilization occurs, implantation happens around 6–10 days after ovulation.
It’s important to remember that every woman’s cycle is different. While the “textbook” cycle is 28 days long with ovulation on day 14, many people experience variations in cycle length and timing. Understanding these differences can help you better track your fertility and overall reproductive health.
How to Tell When You Are Ovulating
One of the simplest at-home methods for tracking ovulation is measuring axillary (armpit) temperature immediately upon waking—before getting out of bed. On the day of ovulation, this temperature will rise slightly compared to previous days. However, for this method to be accurate, it requires consistency, careful charting, and attention to detail.
To ensure accuracy, avoid any activity before taking your temperature. Do not get out of bed, remove covers, use the restroom, or watch TV beforehand. Keep the thermometer by your bedside and take your axillary temperature as soon as you wake up. By tracking your readings daily, you’ll establish a baseline. Then, approximately 14 days after the start of menstruation, a slight temperature spike will indicate ovulation has occurred.
Another method is Ovulation Test Kits. (OPKs) These detect luteinizing hormone (LH) surges, which trigger ovulation about 12–36 hours before the egg is released.
