Getting Pregnant

Normal Ovulation
For normal ovulation to take place the mature egg is stimulated by two hormones secreted by the pituitary: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
How to detect ovulation?

  • Menstrual cycle. The first day of bleeding is the first day of your cycle. If you have regular periods, you can determine ovulation from the 11th to 14th day of your next period.
  • Temperature chart. Using a BBT (Basal Temperature Chart) you can track the times you have ovulated.
  • Endometrial biopsy. This is a standard procedure done by your doctor or midwife just before your period starts.
  • Progesterone blood test. This test is performed one week after the suspected date of ovulation, and the high levels of progesterone in your blood can mean that you have probably ovulated.
  • Curettage (D&C). During this procedure the cervix is dilated and the uterine cavity curetted (scraped). The collect tissue may indicate whether a woman is ovulating or not. However, this procedure may weaken your cervix for future pregnancies.
  • Ovulation Prediction Kits. Ovulation kits can detect LH in your urine before ovulation has occurred. After the test shows positive for LH, you ovulate usually 12 to 36 hours. It is especially helpful for those with irregular cycles or infertility problems, as they can pinpoint exactly when they ovulate before it happens.
  • Blood tests. LH levels which show when the follicle is ready for ovulation can also be measured with the help of regular blood tests.
  • Symptoms. For prediction the ovulation you can use natural signs, especially your cervical mucus. Just before ovulation, it is thin, clear and stretchy (somewhat like raw egg whites). After ovulation is completed, the mucus becomes thicker.
  • Ultrasound. Ultrasound can help to track the follicle. This procedure is painless and takes less than 10 minutes.

Abnormal Ovulation (Ovarian Failure)


Ovarian failure is a disease when the ovaries fail to produce eggs. This disease is rather uncommon, occurring in about 10% of women with lack or absence of menses (amenorrhea). Ovarian failure may be genetic (a chromosomal disorder, Turner's syndrome) or may be acquired after chemotherapy or radiation for cancer. Some medications can be used for inducing ovulation (Clomiphene citrate, Bromocriptine, HMG - human menopausal gonadotrophin, FSH - follicle stimulating hormone, hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin, GnRH or its analogue).
Testing of Hormones

  • The FSH level. It estimates the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries, and if it’s high it means that the ovary has either failed or is starting to fail.
  • LH level. It provides similar information the FSH level does.
  • Prolactin. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. High levels of prolactin can lead to irregular or even absent ovulation.