What You Need to Know about Ovulation When Trying to Conceive

When trying to conceive, your first step to success should be to get in sync with your ovulation cycle. Understanding how ovulation works will help you plan your path to pregnancy and conceive sooner. We've prepared some important facts about ovulation to help you on your way sooner.

How does ovulation work?

Each month, your ovaries release a single egg. The process starts with the production of estrogen and other hormones, which stimulate your ovaries’ follicles and get your body ready for ovulation. At the peak of your cycle, usually 12-18 days after your period finishes, your ovaries release an egg. The egg descends through the fallopian tubes and settles in your uterus. It will stay there for about 12-24 hours, which is your window for fertilization. If the egg isn’t fertilized in that period, your uterus will shed its lining, along with the egg.

When can I get pregnant?

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when your body is ovulating, so you usually won’t be able to pick a specific day for conception. Keep in mind that you’ll usually be ovulating 12-18 days after the end of your period. If you have a very regular menstrual cycle, it will be easier to predict when you’re ovulating. Sperm can survive inside the body for up to 7 days, so women are the most fertile in the week leading up to ovulation. For the best chance of conception, you should have sex regularly starting around the 10^th or 11^th day of your cycle and continuing through the 18^th. It’s possible, but less likely, to get pregnant outside of this window.

Are there ways to tell when I’m ovulating?

The most tried-and-true method of figuring out whether you’re ovulating is by checking your body temperature. Your temperature increases slightly (usually by just 0.5-1 degrees) when you have just ovulated. To use this method, you’ll need to start tracking your temperature over time. Make sure that you measure it at the same time each day, ideally in the morning when you’ve just woken up. Gradually, you’ll be able to see your body’s pattern and more accurately predict when you’ll be ovulating. You can also try an ovulation predictor kit, which measures hormones in your urine to predict when ovulation is about to start. These tools can be a big help in determining when is the best time to conceive.

CONCEIVE PLUS OVULATION CALCULATOR

Use our ovulation calculator to find out the best time to get pregnant. Understanding when you are ovulating (your fertility period) will significantly increase your chances of conception. Read more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when I'm ovulating if my periods are irregular?

If your menstrual cycle varies in length, tracking ovulation can be trickier, but using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), monitoring your basal body temperature, or checking for changes in cervical mucus can help. The NHS recommends seeing your GP if you've been trying to conceive for over a year, or sooner if your periods are irregular, as this could indicate an underlying condition affecting ovulation.

When should I see my GP about fertility if I'm struggling to conceive?

According to NICE guidelines, you should visit your GP if you haven't conceived after one year of regular unprotected sex, or after six months if you're over 36. It's worth knowing that 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues, so you're certainly not alone. Your GP can arrange initial tests and refer you to a fertility specialist if needed.

Can I get fertility tests on the NHS to check if I'm ovulating properly?

Yes, your GP can arrange blood tests to check your hormone levels, including progesterone, which confirms whether you're ovulating. These initial fertility investigations are typically available on the NHS, though waiting times can vary depending on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). If issues are found, you may be referred to a fertility clinic for further assessment.

What is the best time to have sex when trying to conceive?

The NHS advises having sex every

two to three days throughout your cycle to maximise your chances of conception. However, your most fertile window is typically the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself, as sperm can survive in the body for up to seven days whilst the egg only survives for 12-24 hours after release.

Do ovulation predictor kits actually work?

Ovulation predictor kits detect the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation, making them a reliable way to identify your fertile window. Whilst they're widely available from pharmacies like Boots and Superdrug, the NHS notes they're not always accurate for women with certain conditions like PCOS. Using them alongside other methods like temperature tracking can give you a clearer picture.

How long after stopping the pill will I start ovulating again?

Most women begin ovulating within one to three months of stopping hormonal contraception, though it can sometimes take longer for your cycle to regulate. The NHS states there's no need to wait before trying to conceive after stopping the pill. If your periods haven't returned within three months, it's worth booking an appointment with your GP to rule out any underlying issues.

Will the NHS fund fertility treatment if I'm not ovulating?

NHS funding for fertility treatment varies significantly across England, as each Integrated Care Board sets its own eligibility criteria. NICE recommends that women with ovulation disorders should be offered ovulation induction medication before considering IVF. To find out what's available in your area, speak to your GP who can explain local funding policies and waiting times for treatment.