The better you understand your unique menstrual cycle, the better you can understand your overall health.

Although the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, a cycle can actually be a few days longer or shorter and still be considered normal. Cycle length can also vary a little from cycle to cycle and still be considered normal.

Hormonal changes in the body trigger each cycle phase: menstrual, proliferative, ovulatory, and luteal. And while your period is the most recognizable phase, the other three are equally important and impact your energy levels, immune system, moods, and sleep patterns differently. Let’s dive in.

What are the menstrual cycle phases?

The body performs different functions throughout the four phases of the menstrual cycle, each of which plays a unique role in the reproductive process:

Proliferative: During the proliferative phase, ovarian follicles (structures in the ovary that each contain a single egg) mature and prime themselves for ovulation. Your hormones perform different functions that are geared toward the goal of producing an egg for fertilization during ovulation, the next phase. Although many follicles start maturing during the proliferative phase, usually only one eventually proves dominant, and becomes the sole egg available during ovulation.

Ovulatory: The ovulatory phase begins as a hormone surge forces the dominant egg to break free from its follicle and nest in a fallopian tube, where it will disintegrate if not fertilized within about 24-36 hours. Ovulation is the only phase in which you can get pregnant. But because sperm can live for up to five days in the reproductive system, if sperm is present in the short time leading up to ovulation, this can also result in conception.

Luteal: Following ovulation, the follicle that released the egg transforms into a corpus luteum, a structure that produces the pregnancy hormone progesterone. Progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus in preparation for a fertilized egg to make its home there for the next nine months. If conception occurs, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone to maintain a healthy pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum ceases its progesterone production after about two weeks. This drop in progesterone signals menstruation to begin.

Menstruation: The onset of menstruation is considered to be the start and end of a menstrual cycle, as it signifies the end of an opportunity for fertilization for one egg (and the beginning for millions more). Menstruation is triggered when the corpus luteum of the last cycle’s unfertilized egg ceases to produce progesterone, usually occurring about two weeks after ovulation, causing the uterine lining to shed, along with a bit of blood. The length and intensity of a period varies from person to person and cycle to cycle, but usually lasts between 4-6 days. Once the period stops, the proliferative phase begins again, starting the reproductive process anew.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• The menstrual cycle and your hormones
• Tracking fertility during the proliferative phase
• 5 signs you might be ovulating

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Menstrual cycle: What’s normal, what’s not.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 4/16/2013. Web.
• “Patient Fact Sheet: Am I Ovulating?” ASRM. American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2014. Web.

Call your healthcare provider if you experience these complications

When new symptoms appear, you might find yourself wondering if you should wait things out or call your healthcare provider right away. Some reasons that you should, indeed, go ahead and call your provider include:

If you experience unusual bleeding

Everyone’s periods are different, and what’s normal for one person might not be normal for another. Some women have light periods, others heavy. And for some women, irregular periods or spotting between regular periods might be par for the course. But if bleeding becomes different than what you’re used to – like, say, bleeding profusely during your period (enough to change pads or tampons every hour) or spotting between periods when this just isn’t typical for you- then you’ll want to be in touch with your healthcare provider to figure out just why these changes are occurring.

If you experience a lot of pain during your period

Many women experience cramping during that time of the month. But if you experience pain during your period that is extremely painful or incapacitating, pick up that phone and be in touch. Major pain could be a sign of a bigger problem. And even if it’s not, you shouldn’t suffer, and your provider can work with you to try to find ways to mitigate your discomfort.

If you notice vaginal itching, burning, odor, or an unusual discharge

Vaginal discharge is common – and you likely know what sort of a discharge is normal for you during different stage of your cycle – but if you experience a discharge that’s a bit different than normal, especially if it’s accompanied by an unusual odor, then touch base with your healthcare provider. Same goes for if you’re experiencing any vaginal itching or burning. These symptoms could be signs of vaginitis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or a yeast infection.

If you experience discomfort when you urinate

If you experience pain or discomfort when you urinate, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Sometimes pain while peeing might also be accompanied by a strange odor or discharge, or by fever, chills, or pain in your back. If you’re experiencing any of these issues – you guessed it – get in touch with your provider.

If sex is painful

Sex should be pleasurable, but if you’re experiencing unwelcome pain, give your healthcare provider a ring. There are a number of reasons this discomfort could be happening, and talking through just what exactly is painful with your provider can help you get back in the saddle – comfortably – in no time.

If you experience pain, fullness, or discomfort in your abdominal or pelvic area

If you have discomfort in your abdomen or pelvis area, talk things through with your provider. There are a range of reasons you might be experiencing feelings of pain, fullness, or other discomfort – everything from pelvic inflammatory disease, to ectopic pregnancy, to fibroids, to cysts, to endometriosis, to infection. This really runs the gamut, and an expert opinion is needed to determine whether the pain is a symptom of something critically threatening, or benignly uncomfortable.

If you have trouble getting aroused or climaxing

If you notice that you’re having trouble when getting intimate, either getting aroused or orgasming, your healthcare provider can help you work through these problems. Whether there are some underlying physical issues at play or it just takes a few small refinements in the bedroom, you deserve to have a healthy sex life, and your healthcare provider can help you work through these concerns.

If your period suddenly stops

If you’ve been sexually active and your period suddenly stops, the most likely explanation is that you’re pregnant. If you’ve been actively TTC, this might be just what you’ve been hoping for! You know what to do – pee on a stick and call your healthcare provider. And if you haven’t haven’t been sexually active, then obviously there might be something else at play, so be in touch with your provider to figure out what’s going on.

If you’ve been TTC for a while

Just what is a while? If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) and have not yet had a positive result, it could be time to be in touch with your healthcare provider to see if there are any underlying issues that might be preventing you from getting pregnant or if you need some extra help along the way.

If you have questions or concerns about your current method of birth control

If you’re not presently TTC and aren’t feeling so hot about your current birth control – maybe you’ve been experiencing side effects or just don’t think you current option jives with your lifestyle (perhaps you’re forgetting to take that daily pill?) – then your provider can help you find another option that will work best for you.

If you notice any other major changes

You know what’s normal for your body. And you might have noticed that much of the above list involves changes that signal something is different. So as a general rule, any major change that signals something is out of sorts is definitely worth being in touch with your healthcare provider. What if it’s something that doesn’t seem quite so major but definitely seems slightly off? Give them a call anyway. Err on the side of caution, and let your provider give you some guidance on what is likely a-okay and what warrants an office visit to have things checked out further.

Sources:

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Benign breast problems and conditions.” ACOG. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, June 2012. Retrieved September 26 2017. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Benign-Breast-Problems-and-Conditions.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “FAQ136: Evaluating infertility.” ACOG. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, June 2012. Retrieved September 26 2017. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Evaluating-Infertility.
• “Annual Exams.” Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Retrieved September 26 2017. http://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/gynecology/annual_exams.html.
• “Contraceptive Options.” Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Retrieved September 26 2017. http://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/gynecology/contraceptive_options.html.
• “Infections and Pelvic Pain.” Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Retrieved September 26 2017. http://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/gynecology/infections_pelvic_pain.html
• “Menstrual Problems.” Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Retrieved September 26 2017.
• “Period Problems.” Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Retrieved September 26 2017. http://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/gynecology/period_problems.html.
• “Sexual Health.” Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Retrieved September 26 2017. http://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/gynecology/sexual_health.html.

Pregnancy implantation signs and symptoms

Timeline

The first difference is in the timing of the symptoms. Implantation happens any time between about 5-10 days after you ovulate, while PMS usually sets in closer to two weeks after. So if symptoms start and it feels a little early to you for it to be menstruation, it might be a successful implantation.

Cramping

Mild cramping can be a sign of successful implantation, as the fertilized egg attaches to your uterine lining. These cramps don’t happen in every case, and they’re not, on their own, enough to say for sure that implantation has happened. When they do occur though, they’re different from menstrual cramps in that they only last for short periods of time, rather than continuously like menstrual cramps. The pain they cause also tends to be much more mild than that from menstrual cramps.

Spotting

Implantation bleeding produces a lot less blood than a menstrual period. Instead, it’s more like spotting, and is more likely to range from pinkish to brownish, instead of red like menstrual blood. If you have heavier-than-period bleeding, especially with extreme cramping, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Soreness

Both implantation and PMS can cause soreness in your breasts. The two types of soreness won’t necessarily feel that different from one another, but soreness from a period will usually go away after a few days, whereas soreness from implantation might stick around through your pregnancy. In fact, the elevated presence of progesterone and other hormones during pregnancy can cause several different changes in your breasts. Another change that you might notice around the time of implantation is a darkening of your areolas.

Other signs

There are other signs of implantation that don’t correspond to menstrual symptoms, like nausea and morning sickness, increased urination, and, of course, missing your period. Since everyone’s body is different though, you may not notice some or all of these signs. At-home pregnancy tests can provide a bit more confirmation, though they won’t reach their full accuracy until around your expected period date.

Sources

• “Is It Implantation Bleeding — Or Just My Period?” WhattoExpect. What to Expect, Apr 12 2016. Web.
• Margaret Scott. “Signs Of Successful Implantation: Why It Is Important To Stay Optimistic.” ImplantationSpotting. All About Implantation Bleeding, 2014. Web.

Popular questions and answers about your period and birth control

Your unanswered questions about periods, birth control, and ovulation.

Do you still ovulate on birth control?

It’s unlikely. Hormones play important roles in many of our bodily systems. The pill, the patch, the ring, and the birth control shot all suppress ovulation by blocking certain hormone signals that cause an egg to be released every month. This is why hormonal birth control is so effective at preventing pregnancy. 

If you’re on the IUD, however, you typically will ovulate. Hormonal IUDs work by making the uterine lining a hostile environment for a fertilized egg to implant into and copper IUDs are simply toxic to sperm.

Is it really safe to control if and when you get your periods?

In many cases, yes, it’s safe to skip a period. However, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider before doing so.

Anyone who has chosen to skip a family reunion can back us up on this: just because something regularly happens, doesn’t mean you’re obligated to participate. Periods often are no exception. Menstruation is part of how the body prepares for pregnancy, so if you’re not trying to get pregnant, you might not need to shed your uterine lining every month.

Some healthcare providers discourage (or at least don’t recommend) purposefully skipping periods, so it’s important to speak with your provider about whether or not this would be right for you.

Are IUDs and pelvic infections linked?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when bacteria enter and infect the reproductive organs. Though individuals are at risk for bacteria to enter their vagina after an IUD has been inserted, the risk is lower than commonly believed. Undetected and untreated STDs are more likely to put someone at risk for PID than an IUD insertion.

Do you need birth control while breastfeeding?

Wasn’t pregnancy fun? Want to do it again? Like, in a month? If your answer is no and your baby is still breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to get on some form of birth control. Even though you may not be menstruating, as soon as three weeks after labor your body could start releasing an egg again. This makes you fertile! Speak to your healthcare provider to decide what’s best for you.

Sources

• Murry, Mary. “Birth control after pregnancy: Think ahead.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. December 14, 2010. Web.
• “Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. May 23, 2016. Web.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Choosing a birth control pill.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. January 22, 2015. Web.
• Lopez, L.M.; Grimes, D.A.; Chen-Mok, M.; Westhoff, C.; Edelman, A.; Helmerhorst, F.M. “Hormonal contraceptives for contraception in overweight or obese women.” PubMed. NCMI. 2013. Web.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Mirena (hormonal IUD).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. January 10, 2015. Web.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Delaying your period with birth control pills.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. February 10, 2015. Web.

Here are the TTC acronyms you should know about

AF:

Aunt Flow. Your period.

Thanks for the invite, but my Aunt Flow’s in town. I’m gonna go home and treat her to some wine and reruns.

BBT:

Basal Body Temperature. BBT may spike right before ovulation, so many women track it to help them pinpoint their ovulation.

The very first thing I did this morning was grab my thermometer and take my BBT.

BCP:

Birth Control Pills.

In almost no time after I stopped taking BCP, I was pregnant.

BD:

Baby Dance. Sexual intercourse, usually done on the most fertile days of your cycle. (Can also mean baby dust, which is a phrase you use to wish someone good luck.)

My ovulation test is positive, which makes me want to dance – the BD, that is!

BFN/BFP:

Big Fat Negative/Big Fat Positive (on your pregnancy test).

Every time I buy a pregnancy test, I think about how it could be the one to show the BFP.

BOB:

Baby on the Brain!

I’m having a hard time shopping with BOB. All I can think about is tiny socks and pacifiers, which makes it impossible to keep track of my grocery list.

CD:

Cycle Day. A specific day in your menstrual cycle (or fertility treatment cycle). To track it, start by counting from the first day of your last menstrual cycle.

It varies each cycle, but normally I ovulate on CD 13, or 13 days after the first day of my period.

CM or CF:

Cervical Mucus or Cervical Fluid. Changes in cervical fluid indicate that a woman is at different stages of her cycle.

At the most fertile point of each cycle, my CM is clear and super stretchy.

CP:

Chemical pregnancy. A very early miscarriage.

My doctor recommended that I put off trying again until one cycle after my last CP.

DD:

Darling daughter. A daughter you already have.

DH, DD, and I go on vacation next week.

DH:

Dear husband.

I’m 42 and DH is 43.

DPO:

Days Past Ovulation, or Cycle Date Post Ovulation.

By 7DPO of the TWW, I’m already wondering if every little cramp is a sign of pregnancy.

DS:

Darling son.

It’s a challenge to care for DD and DS while also TTC.

ENDO:

Endometriosis. A chronic disease in which tissue that is supposed to grow in the uterus grows outside of it. Millions of women experience this condition and it can affect fertility.

After getting diagnosed with ENDO, I was able to find a huge and supportive online community of other women who had the same condition.

EWCM:

Egg White Cervical Mucus. When your cervical mucus looks like egg whites, it may mean that you’re at your most fertile point.

Nothing is as exciting as seeing EWCM when TTC!

FMU:

First Morning Urine. Most pregnancy tests require that women take them the very first time they pee in the morning. In the morning, urine typically has the highest concentration of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or hCG, an early pregnancy hormone.

I tested with FMU and got a faint BFP.

FP:

Follicular Phase. The phase of the menstrual cycle when follicles mature in the ovary. This phase begins on day 1 of your period, and ends with ovulation.

I’m so excited to try and get pregnant, I just want my FP to be over!

hCG:

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. A hormone produced during early pregnancy that helps the baby grow.

I had a positive test, which means there was enough hCG in my urine to detect a pregnancy.

HPT:

Home Pregnancy Test. A pregnancy test that you can take at home. This morning my HPT showed a BFP – but I’m going to my doctor’s to take a blood test to confirm.

IUI:

Intrauterine Insemination. A specific kind of fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation.

After 2 years of TTC, we’ve decided to try IUI.

IVF:

In Vitro Fertilization. A procedure in which an egg is fertilized in a lab and then implanted.

We went through several rounds of IVF before getting a BFP.

LMP:

Last Menstrual Period. The first day of your last period.

I started my LMP on June 6th.

LPD:

Luteal Phase Defect. If the corpus luteum didn’t form properly, a luteal phase defect may occur, causing a short luteal phase. This can make it hard for a woman to get pregnant.

I’ve been really accurate with my charting, because I suspect I might have LPD and I want to have a lot of information to show my provider.

LSC:

Low Sperm Count. Commonly the cause of male infertility.

A semen analysis showed that my partner has an LSC.

M/C:

Miscarriage.

I got my first BFP a year ago, which ended in a really upsetting MC.

MF:

Male Factor Infertility.

To help with the MF issues, we found an infertility counselor who was covered by our insurance.

NTNP:

Not trying for pregnancy, not preventing pregnancy.

I just stopped taking BCP, so I guess that we’re NTNP.

O or OV:

Ovulation.

I O’ed on CD15 and BD on days 13 and 15.

OPK or OPT:

Ovulation Predictor Kit or Ovulation Predictor Test. These tests tell you when your body has a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which indicates the onset of ovulation.

I just got a positive OPK, which means BD as soon as possible!

PCO, PCOS, or PCOD:

Polycystic Ovaries, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Disease. A condition in which a woman’s levels of estrogen and progesterone are unbalanced. Women with PCOS develop cysts on their ovaries, and the condition can cause infertility.

My doctor thinks I have PCOS, so I’m waiting to hear back about my blood work.

POAS:

Pee On Stick. Taking a pregnancy test (peeing on a stick), usually at home.

I’m 7DPO and it’s so hard to wait to POAS!

RE:

Reproductive Endocrinologist. A type of fertility specialist.

I’m meeting with an RE tomorrow to go over my fertility test results.

SA:

Semen Analysis. This is a test that providers can use to determine the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm.

The results of his SA show he has low sperm count, low motility, and poor morphology.

SO:

 Significant other.

My SO and I have decided that next month we’ll start TTC.

TWW or 2WW: Two Week Wait. The time period between when you ovulate and can take a pregnancy test.

 just started my TWW and I need to find some ways to distract myself!

TTC:

Trying to Conceive.

I haven’t decided who I want to tell that we’re TTC.

U/S:

Ultrasound.

Our first U/S is scheduled for the end of the month.

When you’re trying to conceive, the similarities between symptoms of implantation and signs of PMS can sound maddeningly similar on paper, but in reality, there are differences you may be able to feel, and there’s a good chance you’ll have an idea whether implantation took place before a pregnancy test can even tell you.

Signs of implantation: A timeline

The first difference is in the timing of the symptoms. Implantation happens any time between about 5-10 days after you ovulate, while PMS usually sets in closer to two weeks after.

Implantation symptoms

If symptoms start and it feels a little early to you for it to be menstruation, it might be a successful implantation.

Cramping

Mild cramping can be a sign of successful implantation, as the fertilized egg attaches to your uterine lining. These cramps don’t happen in every case, and they’re not, on their own, enough to say for sure that implantation has happened. When they do occur though, they’re different from menstrual cramps in that they only last for short periods of time, rather than continuously like menstrual cramps. The pain they cause also tends to be much milder than that from menstrual cramps.

Spotting

Implantation bleeding produces a lot less blood than your period. Instead, it’s more like spotting, and is more likely to range from pinkish to brownish, instead of red like menstrual blood. If you have heavier-than-period bleeding, especially with extreme cramping, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Soreness

Both implantation and PMS can cause soreness in your breasts. The two types of soreness won’t necessarily feel that different from one another, but soreness from a period will usually go away after a few days, whereas soreness from implantation might stick around through your pregnancy. In fact, your hormones during pregnancy can cause several different changes in your breasts. The other one that you might notice around the time of implantation is a darkening of your areolas.

Other signs

There are other signs of implantation that don’t correspond to PMS, like nausea and morning sickness, increased urination, and missing your period. Since everyone’s body is different though, you may not notice some or all of these signs. At-home pregnancy tests can provide a bit more confirmation, though they won’t reach their full accuracy until around your expected period date.

Sources

• “Pregnancy Symptoms.” American Pregnancy Association. American Pregnancy Assocaition. June 29, 2018. http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/early-pregnancy-symptoms/
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Symptoms of Pregnancy: What happens first.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Jan. 5, 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853

What’s the lifespan of sperm after intercourse?

An important aspect of fertility and pregnancy is sperm, and the lifespan of sperm after ejaculation completely depends on where it’s living.

Inside the vagina

How long sperm live depends on where the sperm are deposited. Sperm inside the vagina can live within cervical mucus or the upper genital tract for three to five days, allowing fertilization to occur so long as the sperm are living. This is why the fertile window is six days long — it includes the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation. Once an egg is released, it is viable for 24 hours.

Outside of the body

Outside of the body, sperm can survive in semen for up to a few hours because they require precise conditions of warmth and humidity to survive. Sperm can be preserved for weeks when semen is stored at a lowered temperature, and for years when semen is frozen.

Read more

• Can I use lube while TTC?
• Could I have a sperm allergy?

Sources

• Landon Trost, MD. “How long do sperm live after ejaculation?” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, May 1 2015. Web.
• Eileen Bailey. “How long does sperm live outside the body?” HealthCentral. Remedy Health Media, LLC., Jul 13 2016. Web.

Why might I have tested negative?

One of the most common reasons women test negatively inaccurately is by taking a pregnancy test too early. You may be able to test as early as 10 days after ovulation, but it usually takes an average of 13-15 days after ovulation and fertilization for a pregnancy test to turn positive. Many women test too early, use a test with low sensitivity, or use the test incorrectly, which can lead to false negatives.

Other causes of false negative pregnancy tests include diluted urine, expired tests, improper testing, and ectopic pregnancy. If you test negative but have not gotten your period, make sure to take multiple tests throughout the week, and consult your healthcare provider with further questions.

Getting proper results

Women who do not use fertility and ovulation trackers often miscalculate the date of their next periods, meaning that it is possible they have not missed their period but simply haven’t started it yet. Knowing exactly if and when you’ve ovulated, using Ovia’s tools, can help you avoid false negatives and make sure you take a pregnancy test at the right time.

Five ovulation signs to look for

And if you’re TTC with a partner, being aware of when you’re ovulating can be immensely important – since it’s during your fertile window surrounding ovulation when conception is possible – and let you know whether you’ll want to plan to set aside some time for baby-making. Getting pregnant isn’t always especially easy, but to be able to identify when you’re ovulating can help you on your journey toward pregnancy – and hopefully help you conceive that much faster.

1) Low basal body temperature

Basal body temperature, your lowest body temperature in any given day, tends to dip slightly just prior to ovulation and spike sharply immediately afterwards. If you’ve kept a careful log of your BBT, a dip in temperature is one of the best indicators that ovulation is imminent. The best way to tell if a dip has occurred is by carefully tracking your BBT every morning, and Ovia can help with that!

2) Mittelschmerz pains

Many women notice these “middle pains” on one side of the lower abdomen before and during ovulation. The cause of mittelschmerz is not entirely known, but most doctors believe it has to do with the rupturing follicle that houses the egg. Keep in mind that these are minor pains, and can be confused with period cramps. If major pain occurs consult a doctor immediately.

3) Feeling frisky

Believe it or not, many women report increased sex drive and feelings of excitement and confidence during or just before ovulation. While emotional symptoms are subjective and can be indicative of other bodily situations, being turned on while ovulating is your body’s way of telling you that babies might be on the horizon.

4) Fertile cervical fluid

Ever wondered about the fluids inside your cervix? Produced naturally by your body, cervical fluid starts out dry or thick at the beginning of the cycle, then becomes thin and stretchy while you’re ovulating. To determine if your cervical fluid indicates fertility, insert a clean finger into your vagina and observe the fluid you pick up by rubbing it between your fingers.

5) Positive ovulation tests

Ovulation tests, which search your urine for the presence of the hormone that instructs your ovary to release an egg, are taken by urinating on a cup or test directly. While taking ovulation tests can help let you know when you’re ovulating, relying on them effectively halves your fertile window because they do not notify you of ovulation more than a day or two in advance. As with all of the above signs, ovulation tests work best in conjunction with other ovulation tracking techniques.

Read more

• Tracking during the fertile window
• The effects of travel on ovulation

Sources

• Bruno Scarpa, David B Dunson, Bernardo Colombo. “Cervical mucus secretions on the day of intercourse: An accurate marker of highly fertile days.” European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. Volume 125, Issue 1, Pages 72-78. Web. 3/1/2006.
• Samantha J. Dawson MSc, Kelly D. Suschinsky PhD, Martin L. Lalumiere PhD. “Habituation of Sexual Responses in Men and Women: A Test of the Preparation Hypothesis of Women’s Genital Responses.” The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Volume 10, Issue 4, pages 990-1000. Web. 4/13/2015.
• Stephen R. Pallone, MD and George R. Bergus, MD. “Fertility Awareness-Based Methods: Another Option for Family Planning.” Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. vol. 22 no. 2 147-157. Web. March-April 2009.
• “Ovulation Detection.” ASRM. American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2006. Web.

How does the fertile cervical position change throughout the menstrual cycle?

As you progress throughout your menstrual cycle, your cervix will undergo changes in position and texture, and the internal os – the opening to your uterus – will open or close depending on the cycle phase.

Menstrual

During the menstrual phase, your os will remain slightly open in order to allow for menstrual blood to flow from your uterine lining, and your cervix will remain relatively lower in your vagina, as well as being firm to the touch.

Proliferative

After you stop menstruating, the internal os will close, cutting off the passageway between your vagina and uterus. Your cervix will begin as firm and low in the proliferative phase, but will rise, and become softer and more moist (just like your cervical fluid) as you approach the fertile window and ovulation. Tracking your cervical position during the proliferative phase can really help you determine when the fertile window is approaching.

Fertile window

When you are fertile, your cervix will rise in your vagina, and become even more soft and moist than it was during the proliferative phase. Your internal os will also open in order to allow sperm cells to travel to your fallopian tubes and waiting egg. The cervix may become so soft and high that you can’t reach it with your finger, and if you do, may seem to blend in with the rest of your vagina. You are probably at your peak fertility when your cervix is at its highest position, and softest.

Luteal phase

In the days after you ovulate, your cervix will move down once again in your vagina, and the internal os will close. Your cervix will also become more firm and distinguishable. If you do not conceive in a cycle, your cervix will transition back to its low, firm menstrual state. However, if you do conceive, you will likely notice your cervix remaining high and soft, though with a closed internal os.

How do I check my cervical position?

There are a few different ways to check your cervical position, but regardless of the technique you use, you should always make sure to wash your hands, and keep your nails trimmed before inserting a finger in your vagina. Some women prefer squatting when checking their cervical position, but most will raise one leg up on to the bathtub ledge or toilet, before inserting a finger into the vagina to check for cervical position, texture, and moistness.

You should keep track of the way your cervix changes throughout the cycle in order to best predict when you might be fertile.