What is ovulation?
Ovulation - the process of the release of an egg from the ovaries - is a prerequisite for pregnancy. Usually, ovulation occurs about 36-40 hours after the increase in the level of luteinizing hormone (LH), which is necessary for the normal functioning of the woman's reproductive system. LH stimulates the secretion of estrogen by the ovaries, and the peak increase in its level, in turn, induces ovulation. Once the egg leaves the ovaries, it is released and travels down the fallopian tubes, where it is fertilized when it meets the sperm.
Why is ovulation important?
The problem with the onset of ovulation is a common cause of infertility. For couples who are trying to conceive a child, it is especially important to know when a woman has the best time for a possible procreation in order to properly plan sexual intercourse with this information in mind. If a woman seeks to find the reason why she cannot get pregnant, the first thing that is useful to know is whether ovulation occurs in her body.
One of the indicators of regular ovulation is a stable menstrual cycle of 21-35 days, sometimes accompanied by specific intermenstrual pain. However, there are a number of more reliable methods for determining a favorable period for conception. This can be keeping a graph of basal body temperature, taking urine or blood tests to measure levels of certain hormones, as well as transvaginal ultrasound.
What tests can you use to check ovulation?
Blood test to measure hormone levels
The increased LH level in the blood makes it possible to predict when the follicles (the container in which the eggs mature) will mature and are ready for ovulation. However, LH is produced in small amounts and impulsively, so an increase in LH levels may not always be detected by blood tests or urinalysis.
Another hormone, estradiol (a type of estrogen hormone), is produced by follicles as they grow, and levels rise rapidly just before ovulation. But it is worth remembering: if a woman uses fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation, the estradiol level helps to monitor the growth of follicles, without being a guideline for determining ovulation.
A week before the start of the menstrual cycle, ovulation is usually indicated by an increased level of progesterone in the blood, which, however, does not allow predicting the exact timing of its onset.
Urine tests to measure luteinizing hormone (LH) levels
Homemade test kits are available at pharmacies and show changes in LH levels in female urine. The hormone LH found in urine means that ovulation will occur within 12-24 hours (usually ovulation occurs 14 days before the start of a woman's menstrual cycle). Urine tests for an increase in LH are taken at least two days before the expected onset of ovulation and continue until the LH increases or for the next 20 days. For women with irregular periods, urinalysis should be scheduled according to the earliest and latest possible ovulation onset dates.
The probability of detecting ovulation within 5 days of daily tests is 80%, within 10 days - already 95%. Once an increase in LH is detected, it is no longer necessary to continue testing in the current cycle. In rare cases, ovulation may not occur despite an increase in LH. If ovulation cannot be detected for two or more cycles in a row, there is a possibility of problems with its onset, which should be discussed with your doctor.
Some fertility tests, along with LH, check for estrogen in the urine, but it's best not to rely on their results if you are taking medications to stimulate ovulation.
Transvaginal ultrasound
The egg cell develops in a part of the ovaries called the follicle (a container filled with fluid). As the egg is ready to ovulate, the follicles grow larger. Follicle growth can be seen with ultrasound. This technique uses ultrasound waves to display an image on a monitor screen using a tampon-like probe that is inserted into the vagina. Before ovulation begins, the follicles have thin walls and are filled with fluid. The release of an egg from the ovaries usually occurs when the follicles are between 1.8 and 2.5 cm. and check each follicle, then designate the correct time for intercourse.
Basal body temperature chart
Taking your basal temperature on a daily basis can help determine if you are ovulating or not. However, it is worth remembering that using this method it is impossible to accurately predict the time of its occurrence. Thus, this method allows you to obtain certain information about fertility at home, but keeping a chart of basal temperatures is not always effective enough and does not allow you to plan sexual intercourse in advance.
Conclusion
Determining ovulation may seem like an exhausting and lengthy process, but this stage is a necessary link on the way to the onset of the desired pregnancy. It is important for women to consult with their health care providers to find the most appropriate ovulation control method for them. If the examinations revealed that the woman does not ovulate or has irregular cycles, the problem can be solved with the help of a number of treatment methods that will significantly increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
