Predicting Ovulation

Ovulation calculators can help determine when you’re fertile, but they work best for people with regular menstrual cycles. According to Jill Purdie, M.D., a board-certified OBGYN and medical director at Northside Women’s Specialists, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group, people with irregular cycles “may not be able to use this method because ovulation varies, and that's what makes the cycle irregular,” said Dr. Purdie. Other ways to determine ovulation include measuring and charting your basal body temperature. “With this method, a patient takes their temperature every morning prior to getting out of bed,” said Dr. Purdie. An increase of 0.5–1°F typically indicates that ovulation has occurred.

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