What are the Most Fertile Days in Menstruation?

Most women begin tracking their cycles as a way to know their most fertile days in menstruation. Here are three common ways:

Cervical Mucus Analysis
Noticing and recording the changes in your cervical mucus is one way to track ovulation. Following your period you will have dryness. As you approach ovulation, the mucus will increase and be moist and sticky. At ovulation, the amount of mucus will increase and it will look similar to "egg whites". It will feel slippery and stretchable. These are your most fertile days to conceive! After ovulation it will begin to dry up again.

Basal Body Temperature Charts
At the beginning of the menstruation cycle body temperature is lower (usually 97 to 97.5 degrees F). A minimum of 0.4 to 0.6 degree increase can be detected as the body produces more of the hormone progesterone. The rise in body temperature will stay throughout the remainder of the cycle. By tracking your basal body temperature at the same time everyday and taking note of when the temperature rises you can determine when you begin ovulating.

The Calendar Method
Using an everyday calendar can help you see patterns in your cycle. This method is best for people who have regular periods. The first day to be marked is the day you actually begin your period. The next cycle starts when you begin your period again and is not included in the last cycle's numbers. After numerous months (some recommend seven to eight) you:
1.Find your shortest cycle.
2.Subtract 18 from the total number of days.

For example, if your shortest cycle is 29 days, subtract 18 from 29, which is 11.

3.Go to your current cycle and count 11 days in and circle that second date. That is when ovulation begins.