When Are Women Most Fertile

Knowing about a woman's fertile period is very important not only for women who are trying to start a family, but also for those who want to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. This is because the woman's fertile period is the time when she is most likely to get pregnant. Studies have found that one of the most common causes for some people's inability to conceive is because of the lack of knowledge as to when are women most fertile. Hence, let us try to understand more about women's fertility and when in the month is she most likely to get pregnant.

When are Women Most Fertile to Get Pregnant?

One cannot talk about women's fertility period without discussing ovulation. This is because the answer to the question, when is a woman most fertile is during the time of ovulation. However, the exact date of ovulation will depend on the menstrual cycle of a woman. For instance, in case of women who follow a 28 day menstrual cycle, it is easy to calculate the date of ovulation. These women are likely to ovulate on the 14th day of their menstrual cycle, counting from the first day of their periods. In other words, ovulation occurs 14 days before the date of their menstrual periods. However, this does not mean that a woman can get pregnant only on the date of ovulation. Though the egg does not stay in the woman's body for more than 12 - 24 hours, the sperms can survive in the body for 5 - 6 days. Hence, it can be said that the woman's fertile period extends from 12 - 16th day of her menstrual cycle, while the first seven days of her menstrual cycle is said to be the most infertile period.

Ways of Calculating a Woman's Fertile Period

As I have said earlier, for those who follow the regular menstrual cycle, calculating the date of ovulation is actually an easy task. However, for those who have a 22 or 35 day menstrual cycle, this can be quite difficult. However, there are several other ways with which it is actually possible for a woman to find the answer to the question when are women most fertile in their cycle.

Basal Body Temperature
One of the most effective ways of finding the date of ovulation is with the help of the basal body temperature. It has been observed that during the period of ovulation, the woman's basal body temperature increases by 0.4 to 0.1 degrees. Hence, keeping an account of the body temperature everyday in the morning can help in identifying the day of ovulation.

Some Other Physical Symptoms
Apart from the change in body temperature, there are some other signs of ovulation that can be easily recognized. Some women experience severe lower abdominal pain while they are ovulating. So, if you have experienced this earlier, you will surely be able to determine the date of your ovulation. However, though this method may work for some, it is surely not a foolproof method to understand one's fertility period. Some other symptoms that can be seen during the period of ovulation include moodiness, breast enlargement or tenderness, spotting etc.

Change in Cervical Mucus
Another thing that will help you to determine your date of ovulation is change in the texture as well as appearance of the cervical mucus. The cervical mucus which is usually cloudy and thick tends to become clear and stretchy.

Ovulation Prediction Kits
If none of the above ways of calculating the date of ovulation works for you, another way that you can try is with the help of ovulation prediction kits that are easily available in the market. These kits are effective in giving the tentative date of ovulation by measuring the levels of hormones in the urine. However, the only problem with these kits is that they are quite expensive and so, buying them every month may not be affordable.

I hope all your doubts about the question, when are women most fertile are cleared with this article. Couples who have been trying to conceive for some time must understand that the chances of getting pregnant in every month is not more than 20% - 25%. Hence, it is extremely crucial to time sexual intercourse during the fertile period of the woman. However, if you have been trying to have a baby by keeping a track of the date of ovulation, without any success, it will be best to consult a gynecologist who can help you better in this matter.