Ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day of a women's menstrual cycle. Most women should ovulate every month in their 28 day cycle, ovulating is when an egg is released by the ovaries. Having a regular cycle can be extremely beneficial when trying to become pregnant as it allows you to track when you are most fertile and the best time for conception to occur.
Conception is the word used to describe the process of falling pregnant. During intercourse a mans penis will release sperm at the point of ejaculation within a woman's vagina. Fertilisation of a woman's egg may occur if the sperm reaches the egg. When a man ejaculates the sperm travels from the testes to the penis allowing for it to be released into the vagina, around 60 to 500 million sperm can be released at one time however only approximately 200 will arrive at the destination – the egg. Impregnation of an egg can occur up to 24 hours after it has released from the male follicle. In the event the egg does become impregnated the tail of the sperm will fall away and the head will enlarge.
An impregnated egg will then travel to the uterus and attach to the lining of the uterine – this is called implantation. The women's cells will then begin to divide which will allow for the development of any embryo which will result in a baby being produced within 9 months, providing the cycle of pregnancy encounters no difficulties.
In the event you are trying to get pregnant then you should have regular sex with your partner in order to keep his sperm count up. Only one egg is released in a women's cycle however as previously mentioned millions of sperm are released by men. If you wait until the day before you are due to ovulate before having sex you may miss your chance of impregnation.
In order to improve and aid conception you may wish to take the following steps:-
- Take care of yourself, stress will harm your chances of getting pregnant. Eat well and regularly, do not stop eating and try to get a good nights rest.
- Keep sperm at a cool temperature, sperm should be kept at a temperature of between 2-3°C in order to develop therefore wearing boxing shorts in place of tight fitting underpants may help.
- Get to know your cycle so you are having sex at the best time.
- Aids such as ovulation kits can be used to track your cycle, ideal for predicting the best time to have intercourse.
- Regular intercourse will increase a man's sperm count which in turn increases your chances of impregnation.
- Checking your cervical mucas is also a good indicator of ovulation, your mucus will become thin and clear at this time opposed to thick and sticky at other points in your cycle.
- Take your temperature every morning and record it on a chart to monitor when it rises, when it does rise this indicates you are nearing menstruation.