Ten Ways To Know When You're Fertile

If you've been trying to conceive, you're probably already an expert on predicting ovulation. Here is an article which talks about some methods you've already heard before, but it has some new ones as well. Read more:

Become an Ovulation Detective
10 Ways to Know You're Fertile
By Teri Brown (www.preconception.com)


From the article:

The "Regular" Menstrual Cycle– Generally speaking, ovulation occurs 14 days prior to the first day of the next menstrual cycle. For women that have no physical signs of ovulation, ovulation predictor kits, which test the urine for a hormone (LH) secreted prior to ovulation, can be used.
Changes in Cervical Mucous – Cervical mucous becomes copious, clear and stretchy.
Mid-cycle Cramps – This may signal that ovulation is occurring or has occurred.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) – This is only good to signal that ovulation has already occurred. The general rule is that you have ovulated when your temperature rises 0.2 degrees higher than any temperature from the previous 6 days, and it stays elevated for at least 3 consecutive days after ovulation.
Changes in the Cervix – During the beginning of your cycle, your cervix is low, hard and closed. As ovulation takes place, it pulls up, softens and opens just a bit. You can check with two fingers and track what it feels like. Along with the other clues, this can be a good indicator of ovulation.
Changes in Emotions – Because of the shift in hormones, many women become moody during ovulation. If you get moody during the middle of your cycle, you may be such a woman.
Breast Tenderness – Many women get breast tenderness and pain during ovulation. Again, this is caused by the hormone shift.
Increased Sex Drive – An amplified libido is often a sign of ovulation.
Swollen Vulva – Some women experience a swollen vagina or labia during ovulation.
Bloating – Some signs of ovulation mimic the signs of PMS, and many women feel bloated during this time.