What makes ovulation tracking different than cycle tracking?
This article examines 6 misconceptions of ovulation tracking and offers accurate explanations.
Cycle tracking is usually done on a phone app nowadays, where a computer algorithm predicts when you ovulate based on your total cycle length. This is similar to the “calendar method” of understanding fertility. The problem is that it is based on the outdated (false) thought that ovulation always occurs in the mid-point of your cycle.
Ovulation tracking, on the other hand, considers ovulation the MAIN EVENT. This is a paramount difference – as it helps all cycling women understand what’s going on in their bodies: whether a woman is post-partum, breastfeeding, has PCOS, or is in perimenopause, she will be able to identify ovulation. The period (or menses) is the result of ovulation not resulting in conception
Additionally, tracking ovulation helps find out essential information about your cycle health. Do you have a short luteal phase? Are you having anovulatory cycles? These hormone imbalances often lead to health problems like PMS, PMDD, infertility, (and even risks for endometrial cancer).
6 Misconceptions of Ovulation Tracking
1/ Your cycle app knows when you ovulate
Cycle apps use algorithms to predict ovulation. They are based on the old “calendar” method, where ovulation was thought to be in the middle of the cycle. So a 28-day cycle, ovulation “should occur” on day 14. For a 30-day cycle, ovulation would be predicted to occur on day 15.
What we now know is that ovulation is variable and can occur earlier or much later in the cycle. So if your cycle is 28 days long, you could have ovulated on day 12 (and had a 16-day luteal phase), or you could have ovulated on day 19 (or later!) – and had a short luteal phase. Note that luteal phases shorter than 9 days long indicate a hormone issue (usually low progesterone).
2/ Ovulation tracking is just for women wanting to get pregnant
Ovulation tracking is for every teen and woman! It gives so much information about your health and helps connect you with your body. Understanding when you ovulate helps to anticipate and manage PMS symptoms and to get accurate lab testing (from a doctor who understands ovulation and hormones!). Finally, ovulation tracking is a very accurate way to space/avoid pregnancy as well.
3/ LH strips confirm ovulation
The ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) sold in drugstores can only predict, not confirm, ovulation. They measure urine levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), which surges 36 hours prior to ovulation. However, they cannot confirm that ovulation actually occurred. In hormone imbalance, LH can be high enough to trigger the test kit but not actually result in ovulation. Using other markers of ovulation is important to identify ovulation more precisely.
For example, cervical mucus will start during the fertile time and usually dramatically stop (if you are paying close attention) after the fertile time. Basal body temperature will rise about .8-degree Fahrenheit after ovulation due to the “thermogenic” effects of progesterone.
Some tracking methods, like Marquette, use other hormones like pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG), a urine metabolite of progesterone, to confirm ovulation.
4/ You are still fertile the day after ovulation
Once ovulation has occurred, you can no longer be fertile because the egg will die and be broken down by the body if conception does not occur.
A slight caveat is that the egg takes about 12 hours to disintegrate if not fertilized by a sperm cell – so the morning after ovulation could be fertile.
5/ Cervical mucus always means you’re fertile
Cervical mucus tells A LOT about your hormones. The most precise method is the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System – where women are taught to observe for vaginal discharge and cervical mucus before and after every urination and bowel movement. This is an international, world-class method of charting.
Cervical mucus will typically begin a few days after the end of the period and continue for up to 8 days. It is a very characteristic discharge that often progresses from being short in length (1/4-1/2 inch) and cloudy in color to being >1” long, crystal clear, or lubricative in sensation.. The “peak type mucus” is either >1”, clear, or lubricative. The peak day is the last day of peak-type mucus. After that, there is a dramatic change to either completely dry when a woman wipes or to “non-peak” type mucus (<1”, cloudy/yellow, non-lubricative). The Peak day, as identified by the Creighton Model, is the best studied sign of ovulation.
That being said, some women have mucus that occurs for over 8 days or that happens after ovulation. These are signs of hormone imbalance and/or cervical inflammation. It is important to work with a trained Practitioner so you can get individualized guidance for your unique cycle.
6/ Ovulation occurs on day 14
Ovulation can occur as early as day 6-7 in some women (typically during perimenopause) – this is why some women can actually be fertile on their period! OR Ovulation can occur weeks later than day 14 – especially due to stress, hypothyroidism, or PCOS. Even women with regular cycles will often have ovulation occurring on different days each cycle.
Learn ovulation tracking and cycle charting
The best way to get started is to work with a trained cycle-tracking practitioner. The Creighton Model FertilityCare System is a great option, as you don’t need anything outside of your own body. You will observe the natural discharges your body creates each day. This is the first time ever in women’s health where we have an international, standardized terminology for mucus observations. It’s also the first time that we have a standardized, international vaginal discharge recording system. Any doctor trained in this system will be able to interpret your chart. This makes you a truly active participant in your own healthcare. Additionally, the Creighton Model is very accessible for couples to truly share the responsibility of charting and making decisions about their shared fertility.
Dr. Whelan offers private fertility charting classes with single women and couples in her private practice. To get started the first step is to schedule the internationally renowned Introductory Session to the Creighton Model FertilityCare System.
About Dr. Whelan
Dr. Whelan is a highly regarded licensed naturopathic doctor (N.D.) and Creighton Model FertilityCare™ Medical Consultant. She is renowned for her expertise in treating women’s reproductive hormone disorders, such as PCOS, PMS, and endometriosis. Her practice specializes in lifestyle medicine, nutritional counseling, botanical medicine, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree from the National University of Natural Medicine. She completed additional training as a Creighton Model FertilityCare™ Practitioner and NaPro Medical Consultant from the St. Paul VI Institute in Omaha, NE.