How do I track my ovulation?

Maybe you're not stressing yet, maybe you believe it will happen when it's supposed to. That's awesome you're able to be so calm, I however was not. At 38 years old I knew my time clock was a 'ticking. I tried to understand my cycle based on what google told me. I asked my obgyn to break it down, which just added more confusion. It wasn't until I started tracking my LH levels daily that it all made sense.

There are so many options when it comes to tracking ovulation, but I found Premom https://premom.com/ to be the most user friendly and cost effective. You simply pee on a stick every morning, wait about 5-10 minutes, take a picture within the app and out pops an LH result. (Luteinizing Hormone)

LH levels are indicative of where you're at in your ovulation cycle.

How it works:

Step 1: Wait for your period to start, enter the start date & then end date into the app.

Step 2: Test LH levels following the end of your period. To test, use the blue test strips provided in the kit. Try to test the same time every day, mornings are usually best because later in the day you're more hydrated and could dilute the sample.

Step 3: Wait 5-10 minutes after you've peed on the strip to enter into the app.

Step 4: Within the app, from the homepage, click on "Tests." Next, at the bottom of the screen click "Add test result." This will automatically upload your test to the app and keep track of your levels.

Step 5: Keep testing every day until you see the LH levels start to increase. This indicates you're at the beginning stages of ovulation. Also it's a good time to have 'sexy time' if you're actively trying to conceive. Fertile window is about 5 days give or take before your peak ovulation.

Step 6: Test every day until your LH levels go back to normal. By this, you will be able to tell if you're ovulation is more of a "rapid onset" or "gradual onset." It's not good or bad either way, simply gives you a better idea of what your fertile window is.

Fun Fact: Women typically ovulate 24-36 hours after your LH peak.

Although this entire process can take an emotional toll, I found the ability to track my ovulation quite beneficial to my mental health. It gave me a sense of control when so much of this is out of our control. It made me feel more in touch with my body and how it works.

Side note* If you've gone 3 or more cycles without getting pregnant, ask your man to get tested. He can take care of it privately and quickly :) https://ro.co/testing/semen-analysis-sperm-storage/

Another super helpful link https://premom.com/blogs/how-to-get-pregnant-fast/ovulation-testing-are-you-giving-yourself-your-best-chance-to-get-pregnant