Ovulation Tracking 101

Written By Samantha Briguglio

When it comes to ovulation tracking, I find the most common method used are ovulation predictor kits and calculating apps. But what if I told you using just those methods can lead to inaccurate results?

My name is Dr. Samantha Briguglio, ND, and I specialize in natural fertility care! After talking to many of my patients, I realized that this was a topic that needed to be discussed further.

Below is a detailed explanation of how to correctly track your ovulation.

Fertility Awareness Method (FAM): This is a scientifically proven method on how to track your cycle using basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus, and other signs! This charting method may be used to improve calculating time of ovulation (it has been used both to enhance the chances of conception as well as a form of contraception).

Step 1: Recording your BBT daily

- Its basis is that a small (0.4- 0.8 degrees F) rise in basal temperature is seen following ovulation due to the rise in progesterone. The temperature rise is typically 10-14 days.

- Instructions:

  • Temperature taken upon waking

  • Same time each day

  • Use BBT thermometer

  • Temperature increases with increasing progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum

  • As progesterone decreases, temperatures will also decrease

- What does BBT tell you?

  • Whether ovulation has occurred

  • Whether luteal phase is long enough for egg to implant

  • Date of conception/predicted due date if pregnancy occurs

  • Temperature shifts AFTER ovulation

Step 2: Identifying Cervical Mucus

  • Mucus changes throughout cycle are normal and healthy

  • Dry, watery, milky, sticky, crumbly are all examples of infertile mucus

  • Fertile mucus is clear, slippery, and stretchy discharge, like egg whites, and lasts 3-5 days

  • Fertile mucus provides a sensation of lubrication in vaginal vault and may leave a symmetrical, round circle on underwear

- How to check mucus

  • Check when you go to the bathroom. When you have some on your underwear or when you wipe. You do not need to reach up in the vaginal vault to check this.

- Cervical mucus’ job:

  • Analogous to seminal fluid

  • Contains alkaline medium to protect sperm from the acidic vaginal environment

  • Provides nourishment to sperm

  • Provides motility to sperm

  • Filters sperm

  • Cervical mucus can change texture when there is semen in the vaginal canal. Be mindful that this could make it a little bit harder to evaluate the mucus.

Step 3: Additional Signs of Ovulation

  • Cervix SHOW: Soft, high, open, wet (usually lower (one finger length) and more firm)

  • Midcycle spotting

  • Pain/achiness near ovaries

  • Increased libido

  • Swollen vulva

  • Water retention

  • Improved energy level

  • Heightened vision, smell, taste

  • Increased sensitivity of breasts/skin

  • Breast tenderness

Step 4: Recording all the information

  • You can use apps such as Ovia, Kindara, or Premom to record all your information

Ovulation prediction kits:

  • LH will peak/surge will occur 24-36 hours before ovulation. It is recommended to have intercourse on the day of the surge and the following day

  • This might not be a very helpful tool since LH can surge randomly throughout the cycle, not just when you ovulate

Optimizing timing with fertility:

  • Frequent intercourse (every 1 to 2 days) yields the highest chance of pregnancy

  • No specific guidelines on time of day, position, or rest period post intercourse

  • Chances of conceiving are higher with intercourse occurring 1-2 days BEFORE ovulation.

For a simple ovulation tracking guide you can download to your phone:


Samantha Briguglio
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