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Ovulation Tracking in Queensland

If you have been trying to conceive naturally for a while with no success, a good first step is ovulation tracking at Queensland Fertility Group. 

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What is ovulation tracking?

Ovulation tracking is the simple process of monitoring your menstrual cycle to identify which days you’re most fertile. This makes it easier to plan when to have sex to give you the best chance of conception. It doesn’t require any invasive treatments and is much more accurate than home ovulation prediction kits.

Timing intercourse to maximise chances of conceiving naturally

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. If you're trying to have sex at exactly the time of ovulation, you will probably miss your fertile window and the opportunity for conception that month.

After ovulation, the egg survives for just 24 hours, while sperm retain fertilising capability for 2-3 days in the fallopian tubes. Rather than trying to pinpoint the exact time of ovulation, it is recommended couples try to have regular sex (about every two days) in the week of ovulation – between days 11-17 of the woman’s cycle. This means that sperm are ready and waiting for the egg when the female ovulates.

Ovulation tracking blood tests vs home ovulation testing

If you have a typical menstrual cycle length (28 days), using tools like an ovulation calculator and monitoring for signs of ovulation - like changes in cervical mucus - can help with predicting your fertile window.

However, those with irregular cycles may require more assistance.

While home ovulation tests are common, they're not always accurate. Let's explore the various types of ovulation testing methods.

Home ovulation kits

Most home ovulation tests focus solely on measuring the level of luteinising hormone (LH) to predict your ovulation date. While this can help indicate the LH surge that occurs 36-44 hours before the release of a mature egg, it may not provide the full picture of your fertility window or cycle timing.

Fertility specialists’ method

By undertaking a combination of an ultrasound, and blood and urine tests, you will receive a more accurate and comprehensive overview of your cycle and general fertility.

Our process involves the following steps:

  1. Schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss your cycle and reproductive health.
  2. Detect the LH surge by doing a urine test.
  3. Perform an ultrasound to monitor follicle development and confirm egg release.
  4. If necessary, we can do blood tests to measure quantities of estrogen, progesterone, and LH present throughout your cycle to accurately anticipate ovulation earlier.
  5. Your specialist will help you understand your results, provide you with professional expert advice and identify any underlying problems.

Basal body temperature tracking

Some women also use the basal body temperature (BBT) charting method, which detects a slight increase in body temperature. However, measuring BBT only shows that ovulation has already happened. Since the egg survives up to 24 hours, noticing the temperature rise means it’s often too late for conception during that cycle.

Who can benefit from specialist ovulation tracking?

If you're trying to fall pregnant and want to track ovulation, charting your menstrual cycle is an effective method.

Specialist ovulation tracking is particularly helpful for individuals who:

  • Have irregular periods, making it hard to predict fertile days.
  • Have been trying to fall pregnant for some time without success.
  • Are preparing for IVF, IUI or other ART procedures.
  • Want insights into cycle length and overall reproductive health.

What if we don't conceive?

If you don’t conceive after tracking your ovulation and timing intercourse, don’t lose hope.

Many couples may take a few months before they see success. Consulting a fertility specialist can provide additional guidance, including exploring factors such as:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Timing of ovulation
  • Possibility of underlying conditions like PCOS or endometriosis

Find out more

Visit your local QFG clinic

We have fertility clinics in Brisbane, Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and across Queensland. Find your nearest clinic and schedule an ovulation tracking appointment today.

Ovulation tracking is also available at our other clinics nationwide that sit within the Virtus Health group. These include various locations across New South Wales, Melbourne and Tasmania. Find a fertility specialist near you today. 

Costs

Ovulation tracking is part of our fertility assessment process, which begins with a consultation with one of our leading fertility specialists. The cost of an initial consultation varies, depending on the specialist. 

Get in touch

To learn more about ovulation cycle tracking, please call us on 1800 718 431 or request an appointment to see a fertility specialist.

 

Find out more

To find out more about ovulation cycle tracking please call us on 1800 111 483 or request an appointment to see a fertility specialist.

Understanding your ovulation calendar