Ovulation Cycle Tracking
Ovulation Cycle Tracking in Melbourne
For one in six couples, getting pregnant can take longer than expected. Ovulation cycle tracking is a great first step when trying to conceive naturally. It doesn't require any invasive fertility treatments or medicines and is more accurate than home ovulation prediction kits.
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What is ovulation cycle tracking?
Ovulation cycle tracking is a simple process that can help you identify which days you are most fertile. This helps you plan when to have sex to give you the best chance of conception.
Why is timing sex important?
If you're trying to get pregnant, the timing of when you and your partner have sex is critical - and many couples get this wrong. The most fertile time in your menstrual cycle - your fertile window - are the days leading up to ovulation, before the egg is released from the ovary.
After ovulation, the egg survives for just 24 hours, while sperm retain fertilising capability for 2-3 days in the fallopian tubes. For this reason, we recommend couples have sex every two days throughout the female’s fertile window and in the lead-up to ovulation. This means that sperm are ready and waiting for the egg when the woman ovulates.
How does ovulation cycle tracking work?
Ovulation is triggered by a surge of luteinising hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This normally takes place 24 hours before ovulation. We carry out urine tests to detect this hormone surge and perform a simple ultrasound scan to track follicle development, allowing us to advise you of the ideal time to have sex to achieve conception.
Fertility specialists ovulation tracking vs home ovulation kits
Fertility clinic cycle tracking
By undertaking a combination of urine tests and an ultrasound, you will receive a more accurate and comprehensive overview of your cycle and general fertility.
Here's a breakdown of our process:
- Schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss your cycle and reproductive health.
- Detect the LH surge by doing a urine test.
- Monitor follicle development and confirm egg release using ultrasound scans.
- If required, we can do blood tests to measure quantities of estrogen, progesterone, and LH present throughout your cycle to accurately anticipate ovulation earlier.
- Your specialist will help you understand your results, provide you with professional expert advice and identify any underlying problems.
Home ovulation tests
Ovulation kits often rely on tracking LH levels to predict ovulation. Most home ovulation trackers can only predict your ovulation date for the next month, assuming you have a regular cycle. If you attempt to time sex exactly at the moment of ovulation, you may miss the fertile window. These tools are generally less effective for those with irregular periods or unpredictable cycle lengths.
BBT ovulation charting
Some women use basal body temperature (BBT) tracking to detect a slight temperature increase. However, BBT only indicates that ovulation has already occurred. Since the egg survives for up to 24 hours, by the time the temperature rises, it’s often too late for conception that cycle.
Why consider ovulation tracking?
There are many reasons why women decide to track ovulation:
- You have irregular periods.
- You've been trying to fall pregnant for a few months without success.
- You're preparing for ART procedures like ovulation induction, IVF or IUI.
- You're experiencing hormonal imbalances.
Whether you have regular or irregular periods, or if you’ve been trying to fall pregnant for a few months, we can confidently help you understand when your fertile window is.
What if we don't conceive?
If you've been monitoring ovulation and timing intercourse correctly but still haven't conceived, don't lose hope.
Your fertility specialist may recommend undertaking further investigations to determine if there are underlying fertility issues with either partner.
Where can I have my cycle tracked?
Ovulation cycle tracking is available with Melbourne IVF fertility specialists. Contact your local clinic today:
Ovulation tracking is also available at our other clinics nationwide that sit within the Virtus Health group. These include various locations across Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania. Find a fertility specialist near you today.
How much does ovulation tracking cost?
Ovulation tracking is part of our fertility monitoring process, which begins with a consultation with one of our leading fertility specialists. The cost of an initial consultation varies, depending on the specialist.
Getting started
Call us on 1800 598 696 or request an appointment online for ovulation cycle tracking with a Melbourne IVF fertility specialist.
Before you start, you will need a referral from a GP to a Melbourne IVF fertility specialist. Download our fertility referral form below.
