Timing is of paramount importance for couples who want to have a baby. Even though it might seem straightforward, understanding the best time to get pregnant requires couples to get insights into ovulation, fertility cycles, and other factors that affect conception. 

Specialists emphasize the fact that couples need to know when ovulation occurs. It can significantly improve their chances of success. That’s why they should take advantage of an ovulation calculator and other digital tracking tools. 

Let’s delve into the latest on ovulation and fertility. 

Understanding ovulation and its role in fertility 

It’s the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary. That’s how it makes it available for fertilization. Typically, it occurs somewhere about 14 days before the next woman’s menstrual period. However, the exact timing may vary. As soon as it’s released, the egg survives for only 12-24 hours. Nonetheless, sperm can live for up to 5 days inside the female reproductive tract. That’s why conception can still occur if intercourse happens a few days before ovulation. 

According to reproductive health specialists, the period when a woman is most likely to conceive lasts about 6 days. Timing intercourse within this window dramatically increases the chances of conception. 

How to identify your most fertile days 

Even though many women rely on menstrual cycle tracking to estimate their ovulation period, it can be unpredictable due to a number of reasons. It includes stress, health conditions, and hormonal imbalances. Here are some of the best ways to determine when ovulation occurs: 

• Basal body temperature tracking. After ovulation, there can be a slight increase in body temperature. It happens due to rising progesterone levels. In such a case, if you track BBT, it can help you predict ovulation; 
• Ovulation predictor kits. Those are at-home tests that can help you pinpoint the most fertile days. They detect the surge in luteinizing hormone that happens before ovulation; 
• Cervical mucus monitoring. Throughout the cycle, the consistency and appearance of cervical mucus change. You can understand when ovulation is approaching if you see clear and slippery cervical mucus; 
• Digital ovulation calculators. For some people, most methods might seem complicated. That’s why the easiest and most convenient way is to use an ovulation calculator. They help couples plan intercourse more effectively as these tools predict the most fertile days. 

When is the absolute best time to conceive? 

The fertile window spans 6 days. However, many experts suggest that the two most fertile days are the day before ovulation and the day of ovulation. Numerous research indicate that these two peak days have the highest likelihood of conceiving. 

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that conception rates were highest when intercourse occurred a day or two before ovulation. This timing is the best as sperm is present and ready when the egg is released. 

Factors that can affect ovulation and fertility 

No matter how careful you are with tracking, there are factors that can impact ovulation and fertility. Here are some of them: 

1. Age. It’s not news that fertility declines with age. There’s a decrease in egg quality and ovarian reserve. Most specialists claim it happens after a woman turns 35; 
2. Stress. Stress can bring significant changes to our bodies. High levels of stress can interfere with ovulation and hormone regulation; 
3. Lifestyle and diet. It includes poor nutrition, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and lack of exercise; 
4. Medical conditions. There are three most common conditions that can disrupt ovulation. It’s PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid disorders. 

How technology is changing the way couples track fertility 

Nowadays, we see great advancements in technology. That’s why couples have more tools than ever that can help them with conception. Here are some of them: 

• Digital fertility monitors; 
• Smartphone apps; 
• AI-powered ovulation calculators. 

All of them help take the guesswork out of tracking cycles. Moreover, many of them sync with wearable devices. They collect real-time information, including basal body temperature, hormone levels, and other key indicators. 

Many women are aware of apps like Flo, Clue, and Premom. They use ML to analyze cycle patterns. In this regard, they can provide highly accurate ovulation predictions. Moreover, there are tools that offer integration with OPKs and BBT tracking. Thus ensuring more precise results. 

Technology has become a game-changer in fertility tracking. More and more couples successfully conceive because they have access to better information and real-time insights into their cycles. Moreover, understanding the factors that can disrupt the cycles helps couples react proactively and work on curtailing their influence. 

Final thoughts 

The journey to parenthood can become smoother and more predictable with cutting-edge tools like an ovulation calculator, digital fertility monitors, and so on. Besides, now, couples have all the knowledge to understand the science behind ovulation better. They can significantly increase their chances of conception by identifying the fertile window and timing intercourse effectively. Still, couples need to pay more attention to factors that can disrupt ovulation.