Ovulation: Cycle Changes and Timing for Conception

I would like to inquire about the ovulation period?

Hello Dr.
Lu,
Here are the first days of my menstrual cycle over the past few months: 5/18, 6/21, 7/27 (with ovulation medication), 8/30 (with ovulation medication and progesterone), 9/29 (with ovulation medication and progesterone), and 10/29.
I would like to ask, my original cycle was about 33 to 35 days, and the doctor mentioned that taking ovulation medication could adjust it to around 28 to 30 days.
I have been taking ovulation medication for three months, and this month I would like to stop and let things happen naturally.
I want to understand if my cycle will return to 34 days or remain around 28 to 30 days after stopping the medication.
I am unsure how to determine my ovulation period on my own.

Additionally, I would like to use basal body temperature and ovulation test strips.
Will the ovulation day be on the low temperature day or the following day? If the low temperature day and the ovulation test strip show different results, is it advisable to have intercourse for three consecutive days, or is it better to have a day of rest in between? If we have intercourse for three consecutive days, will the quality be compromised? Thank you.

BB, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/29

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
After not taking ovulation medication this month, the cycle may return to 34 days or even later, and there is a possibility of not ovulating.

2.
It is recommended to engage in intercourse during the low-temperature phase, as ovulation may have already occurred the next day.

3.
Intercourse can be done for three consecutive days.

Respectfully, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/10/29

More Info

Understanding ovulation and the menstrual cycle is crucial for those trying to conceive. Based on your provided menstrual history and the use of ovulation medications, let's break down your questions and concerns.

Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation
Your menstrual cycle typically ranges from 33 to 35 days, which is slightly longer than the average cycle of 28 days. The use of ovulation medications can help regulate your cycle, potentially shortening it to 28-30 days. After three months of medication, it is reasonable to expect that your cycle may revert to its natural length once you stop taking the medication. However, individual responses can vary. Some women may find their cycles return to their baseline length, while others may continue to experience a shorter cycle due to the effects of the medication.

Tracking Ovulation
To track ovulation naturally, you can use several methods, including monitoring basal body temperature (BBT) and using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs).
1. Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your BBT typically rises slightly after ovulation due to increased progesterone levels. The day of ovulation is usually marked by a drop in temperature followed by a rise. Therefore, the day you notice a significant increase in temperature is generally considered the day after ovulation.

2. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs 12-36 hours before ovulation. A positive OPK indicates that ovulation is likely to occur soon.

Timing for Conception
Regarding your question about the timing of intercourse, it is generally recommended to have intercourse in the days leading up to and including ovulation to maximize the chances of conception. If you are tracking both BBT and OPKs, you may find that they do not always align perfectly.
- If your BBT indicates ovulation has occurred, and your OPK shows a positive result on a different day, it is still advisable to have intercourse on both days. Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so having intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation can increase the chances of sperm being present when the egg is released.

- As for the frequency of intercourse, having sex every day during your fertile window is generally considered beneficial. However, some couples prefer to have sex every other day to ensure sperm quality. While daily intercourse is unlikely to significantly decrease sperm quality, if you have concerns about sperm count or quality, spacing out intercourse might be a good strategy.

Conclusion
In summary, after stopping ovulation medications, your cycle may return to its natural length, but this can vary. Tracking ovulation through BBT and OPKs can help you identify your fertile window. Having intercourse in the days leading up to and including ovulation is recommended, and daily intercourse during this time is generally acceptable. If you have further concerns or specific questions about your cycle or fertility, consulting with a healthcare provider or a fertility specialist can provide personalized guidance.

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