Many women who are trying to become pregnant choose to utilize the fertility calculator. The most convenient way to do this is via an online calendar to track ovulation. Tracking ovulation makes it much easier to pinpoint fertile days when trying to get pregnant. The following is a discussion of available online fertility calculators, and how to use them.
What is an Online Fertility Calculator?
An online fertility calculator is an interface, which allows you to enter information about recent menstrual cycles, including the date of your last menstruation. The calculator will automatically take a look at the information entered, and will provide dates when fertility is at its peak. The more information you can provide about previous menstrual cycles, the more accurate the ovulation prediction will be.
How to Use Fertility Calculators to Track Ovulation
It is important to note that most women generally have a menstrual cycle of 28 to 32 day on average. However, there are women who ovulate at different frequencies. This is why it’s important to monitor not only the dates of menstruation, but also the signs and symptoms of ovulation. Also be aware that women who have irregular menstrual cycles may have more difficulty pinpointing dates of ovulation.
At a minimum you will need to enter the first day of your last period. Depending on the ovulation calculator, you may be provided with peak fertility times as well as your actual cycle length.
When using an online fertility calendar, you can opt to enter information daily, or at your convenience. If you choose to enter information daily, you may wish to record morning basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and ovulation test results on the calendar. In addition, you can also note information about any medications you may be taking. By recording this information over time you can obtain a better idea of exactly when you ovulate, as well as your typical physical side effects of ovulation. As a result, you will be able to time intercourse in such a way that chances of conception are increased.
Where to Find an Online Fertility Calculator
There are countless online fertility calculators, with most of them being free. The following are three of the most popular online fertility calculators and calendars.
- Fertility Friend Ovulation Calculator - The Fertility Friend ovulation calendar is a great tool that helps you to pinpoint your ovulation days for free. They also provide premium services that include an advanced ovulation detector and comprehensive ovulation chart analysis. In addition, fertility friend also offers a free calendar that will allow you to enter all fertility data on a daily basis if you so choose.
- Ovulation-Calculator.com - Ovulation-Calculator.com offers a free ovulation calculator. You simply enter the first day of your last period, cycle length, and luteal phase (time between ovulation and start of period) length. The calculator will then render the results on predicted ovulation date and fertility peak. The site also offers articles and other information on fertility.
- WebMD Ovulation Calculator - The WebMD ovulation calculator requires that you enter the first date of your last three menstrual periods for the most accurate results. The system automatically calculates your cycle length, predicted date of next menstrual period, and dates of peak fertility.
Regardless of which online ovulation calculator you choose, targeting peak fertility dates has been shown to help women become pregnant. It is also important to point out that these online ovulation calculators are not intended for use as a means of preventing pregnancy. For more information on online fertility calculators, please visit the websites discussed within this article.
Sources:
Fertility Friend Ovulation Calculator (accessed 9/1/2010)
Ovulation-Calculator.com Ovulation Calculator (accessed 9/1/2010)
WebMD Ovulation Calculator (accessed 9/1/2010)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.