QUICK FACTS: Ovulation

Ovulation is the brief time in a woman’s menstrual cycle in which she can get pregnant. Each month an ovary will release an egg for possible fertilization.
Generally ovulation happens about two weeks after your period, but it can vary. If you have sex during this time and sperm from your partner finds that egg, it can fertilize the egg and pregnancy begins.
Sperm can live in a woman’s body for 3-5 days, but the egg only lives for 24 hours after being released from the ovary.
It is important to note, ovulation can very in timing depending on each woman and life factors such as stress, medical conditions, medication or nutritional needs.
Ovulation tests (similar to pregnancy stick tests) can help you determine the days when you are ovulating by the presence of a specific hormone in your urine. They are about $15 each and will be in the same section as the pregnancy tests.
The temperature method is another way to detect ovulation. On the days you ovulate your body temperature will increase slightly. You can purchase an ovulation thermometer or simply take your temperature each day and track it. There are also apps to track ovulation and fertility patterns.
Vitamins: If you are planning to get pregnant, begin taking prenatal vitamins which will help overall nutrition for fertilization and viability.

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