Ovulation Cycle Tracking

What is ovulation cycle tracking?

Ovulation cycle tracking is a simple process that can help you identify which days you’re most fertile. 

We do this by tracking your hormone cycle to predict when ovulation is going to take place.

Ovulation is triggered by a surge of hormones from the pituitary gland (Luteinising Hormone). This usually takes place 24 hours before ovulation.

By carrying out simple blood and ultrasound tests to detect this hormone surge, we can advise you of the ideal time to have sex to give you the best chance of conception. 

Only the female partner in treatment needs to come into the clinic for cycle tracking, but your partner is always more than welcome to join any appointments. 

Why is the timing of sex so important for conception?

If you’re trying to fall pregnant, the timing of when you and your partner have sex is critical and many couples get this wrong. The most fertile time in your menstrual cycle - or your fertile window - are the days leading up to ovulation, before the egg is released from the ovary.

After ovulation, the egg survives for just 24 hours, while sperm retain fertilising capability for two to three days in the fallopian tubes. For this reason, we recommend couples have sex every two days throughout the female’s fertile window and in the lead up to ovulation. This means that sperm are ready and waiting for the egg when the female ovulates.

If you are waiting trying to coordinate having sex at exactly the time of ovulation you are most likely to miss your fertile window and the opportunity for conception that month. For this reason, tools that tell you when you have ovulated are only useful to help you predict when you will ovulate next month, assuming your cycles are regular.

Clinic ovulation tracking vs home ovulation kits

By undertaking a combination of blood tests and ultrasounds you’ll receive a more accurate and comprehensive overview of your cycle and general fertility.

Unlike most home ovulation tests that just measure the luteinising hormone (LH), we’ll measure the quantity of estrogen, progesterone and LH present throughout your cycle enabling us to anticipate ovulation earlier and use the ultrasounds to confirm that there are actually follicles developing.

Our fertility nurses will help you understand your results, provide you with professional expert advice and identify any underlying problems so if necessary you can be referred quickly onto a fertility specialist.

What if I have irregular periods?

If your cycles are irregular or your cycle length varies from month to month it could be difficult to calculate your ovulation date and fertile window. Ovulation cycle tracking can help pin point your fertile window, or if necessary you can be referred quickly onto a fertility specialist.

Common causes for irregular cycles include PCOS, obesity or low body weight, thyroid dysfunction, premature ovarian failure or low ovarian reserves. Treatment will often depend on the cause but may include diet and lifestyle changes or simple fertility drugs to trigger ovulation in the form of ovulation induction.

Learn more about ovulation induction.

How much will my cycle tracking cost?

We can offer cycle tracking following an initial consultation with one of our leading fertility specialists. The cost of an initial consultation varies, depending on the specialist you select. Please contact us via the form below or call 1800 111 483 to learn more.

After the initial consultation, the first cycle tracked is bulk-billed. 

Where can I have my cycle tracked?

Ovulation cycle tracking is now available at all IVF Australia clinics, in and around Sydney. Most clinics are open from 7am, 7 days a week for blood tests and ultrasounds so you can have your cycle tracked close to work or home, whichever is more convenient for you.

Sounds easy! What do I do now?

Call us on 1800 111 483 to register your interest in commencing ovulation cycle tracking.

Before you start, you’ll need a referral from a GP to your nearest IVF Australia clinic. Download referral and take it to your GP or medical specialist to complete.

Then on the first day of your period, call our nursing team who will book you in for an appointment.

At the first appointment a blood test will be taken. This will be repeated over the following days in addition to an ultrasound. The combined results of these tests allow us to detect when your hormone surge will take place and therefore when your fertile window is.

Around two weeks later, we’ll undertake another blood test, the results of which will tell us whether you are pregnant.

What if we don't conceive when my cycle is being tracked?

If after ovulation cycle tracking, and timing sex at the right time of the month, you are still unsuccessful you will be in the right place to ask for a consultation with one of our experienced fertility specialists. Our doctors can undertake further investigations to determine if there are underlying fertility issues with either partner.