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Fertile window tracking
Fertile window tracking helps identifying the days in the menstrual cycle during which pregnancy is most likely.
What is the fertile window?
5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.
The sperm can live inside the female reproductive system for up to 5 days, the egg survives for up to 48 hours after ovulation.
That is why the fertile window is 6 days.
When does ovulation occur?
14 days before the expected menstrual cycle day.
In a 28-days menstrual cycle it occurs on day 14.
In a 30-days menstrual cycle it occurs on day 16.
In a 26-day cycle it occurs on day 12.
The ways to identify fertile period:
- Calendar method:
- The cycle should be tracked for 3 months
- Estimate ovulation time based on average cycle length
- This method can’t be used in irregular cycles (the cycle has to be regular for at least 3 months)
- Basal body temperature:
- Temperature slightly rises on the day of ovulation (up to 0.5 degrees Celsius)
- The temperature is taken daily before getting out of bed
- It detects ovulation after it happens, not before
- Cervical mucus:
- At the time of ovulation cervical mucus is clear, slippery and stretchy in order to facilitate the movement of sperms
- Ovulation predictor kits:
- Detect LH surge in urine
- If it was positive then ovulation will most likely happen within 36 hours
- Used to time intercourse
- Artificial intelligence-based applications
- Ultrasound tracking by a gynecologist starting on day 9 of the menstrual cycle and every few days
Factors that affect ovulation:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Thyroid disease
- Stress
- Significant weight loss/gain
- Breastfeeding
- Perimenopause
These lower the chances of overall pregnancy
Percentage of pregnancy using fertile window tracking:
- Depends on timing, age and overall fertility health for both couples
- Women under 35: 25 % per cycle
- Women between 35-37 years: 20% per cycle
- Women between 38-40 years: 10% per cycle
- Women over 40 years old: less than 5%
Cumulative pregnancy rates:
- 70% within 6 months
- 85% within 12 months
- 90% within 24 months
These percentages are for healthy young couples with no fertility problems.
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
