Cervical mucus
During the cycle, the cervix changes under the influence of sex hormones. At the time of ovulation, it is ready to allow sperm to pass into the uterus: The cervix has dilated, stimulated mucus production and changed its composition. The cervical mucus is now liquid, watery clear and can be drawn into long strings between two fingers.
Basal temperature curve
Shortly before ovulation, the temperature is at its lowest. Immediately after ovulation, it rises by around 0.5° C under the influence of the corpus luteum hormone (progesterone) and remains at this level until menstruation (12 to 14 days).
The most fertile time is around ovulation. On the third day after the temperature rises, the fertile days are over. If the temperature drops after less than ten days, this may indicate luteal weakness, which can make it difficult to get pregnant.
The basal body temperature method is very prone to error and is very unsafe as a sole method of contraception. Alcohol, medications, colds, and even lack of sleep can alter body temperature.
Ovulation tests (ovulation tests)
Various (technical) tools are commercially available to help couples determine fertile days at home. The mini-computers measure and analyze either body temperature or hormones in the urine.
Hormone tests/computers measure sex hormones (LH and estradiol) or their breakdown products in urine. On certain cycle days, the device prompts you to perform a test. From the course of the hormone concentration, the computer calculates the fertile days.
