Fertility Testing

Detecting Ovulation/Predicting Fertility

Most women who have regular cycles are ovulatory. Changes in cervical mucus, evolving from thin and watery to more thick or tenacious, may be suggestive. The most common tool to detect ovulation is an ovulation predictor kit (such as a clearblue easy fertility monitor) which uses estradiol and/or luteinizing hormone (salivary or urinary levels) to predict when ovulation is going to occur. Basal body thermometers can be purchased to detect as little as a half degree temperature rise to signify that ovulation has occurred. At Carolina Conceptions, we may use a transvaginal ultrasound to determine if a preovulatory follicle is present, indicating imminent ovulation. We often will initiate the process of ovulation by having the patient self administer an injection of Ovidrel. This causes release of the egg 36 to 39 hours later. Intercourse or insemination can be timed accordingly. Endometrial biopsy is an outdated and painful method to determine whether ovulation has occurred earlier in the cycle. Often we check blood work day 21 to 24 of a cycle for progesterone. If the progesterone level is above 3ng/mL then ovulation has presumably occurred. In reality the only real way to tell if you have ovulated is by a positive pregnancy test.

(Please Note: Carolina Conceptions does not specifically endorse Clearblue Easy, or any other brand of fertility monitor. Please consult with your doctor, if you have concerns about predicting your fertility.)