- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preconception articles
- preconception q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Shirley Moore Certified Nurse Midwife Women's Health Specialists, Chicago | ||
 |
I have been trying to concieve for a year with no success. My cycle length has ranged from 28 days to 41 days. I was wondering if an ovulation kit would be the best way for me to find out when I am ovulating, and how long should I use a kit before seeing my doctor? Thank you.
Trisha,
Ovulation predictor kits can be very useful in determining ovulation and timing of intercourse. These kits can be purchased in any pharmacy. They measure the LH surge, which is a hormone that is released 24 to 36 hours prior to ovulation. Once evidence of the LH surge is seen intercourse should occur over the next three days.
One problem with the ovulation predictor kit is that if you have cycles that vary greatly in length it is difficult to determine exactly when to begin using the device. In women who have normal 28 day cycles, the testing should begin on the 10th day after the onset of the menses and continue for 5 days. In women who have longer cycles testing should begin on the 10th day after the onset of menses and if in 5 days no evidence of ovulation has appeared a second kit should be utilized and testing continued for another 5 days. Normally ovulation will occur 14 days after the onset of the menstrual cycle and normal menstrual cycle variation is usually 21 to 35 days. In a 21-day cycle ovulation may occur as early as day 7 and in a 35 day cycle ovulation may occur as late as day 21. Women who have shorter cycles may want to start testing earlier than 10 days after the onset of the menses. If cycle length varies greatly, the use of ovulation prediction kits may become a costly method of detecting ovulation.
Keep in mind that there are other ways to aid in predicting ovulation. One is the basal body temperature method. With this method you take your temperature using a basal body thermometer (divided in .1 degrees) daily at the same time upon awakening. Plot this temperature on a graph. Ovulation is indicated by a rise in temperature from between 0.4 to 0.6 degree or more between 24 hours readings.
Cervical mucous can also be an indicator of ovulation. Cervical mucous will have the appearance of a clear egg white substance that when placed between the thumb and index finger will stretch at least two inches without breaking. Some women will experience a twinge of pain in the lower abdomen at the time of ovulation. This is called mittleschmerz pain and accompanies the release of the egg.
If you have tried reliable methods of ovulation prediction and timed intercourse appropriately and are not pregnant within one year, you should visit your health care provider for further counseling. If you have not seen your health care provider prior to attempting pregnancy, I strongly advise you see them soon for a preconception visit. Good luck.