Four Ovulation Myths That Need to be Debunked

There are plenty of myths surrounding ovulation, but if you’re trying to get pregnant it’s important that you’re armed with the facts. Here we clear up the confusion and debunk some of the more popular ovulation myths.

You Ovulate on Day 14 of Your Cycle

This myth is based on the premise that average woman’s cycle is 28 days. To clarify, you will ovulate 14 days prior to getting your period. So if your cycle is 28 days then you will most likely ovulate around day 14 (give or take a day). But if your cycle is 21 days, then you’ll ovulate on day seven. Or likewise, if your cycle is 35 days, you’ll ovulate on or around day 21. The best thing you can do is understand your cycle so you have a clearer idea of when you will ovulate. If you want to track your cycle, you can use access our useful guide here.

You Have to Have Sex the Day You Ovulate

While having sex on the day you ovulate is perfectly fine, that is not your only fertile time. Your fertile period lasts for around five days, and it is recommended that you have sex every second day during that period. Tracking ovulation is not an exact science. So if you have sex a couple of days before your predicted ovulation day and a couple of days after you will increase your chances of conception because the sperm can survive in the vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes for up to five days.

An Increase in Body Temperature is When You’re Most Fertile

If you’re tracking your basal body temperature to better understand your cycle and when you ovulate don’t get tripped up by this common myth. When your basal body temperature rises this means you have ovulated and your fertile period is complete for this cycle. You want to be having sex before your temperature rises to optimise your chances of conceiving.

An Irregular Cycle Means You’re Less Fertile

Having an irregular cycle can certainly make it more difficult to conceive, but it doesn’t mean that you are less fertile. Your egg quality is not compromised by how long or short your cycle is. It just means it’s harder to predict when you might ovulate. Having regular sex throughout the month is what will improve your chances of conception.

 

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