We understand that getting pregnant is one of the world’s most beautiful feelings and so is intimacy with your partner. Whether you are trying to conceive or whether you want to put it on buffer for now, an ovulation calculator can help you do both.

When you have sex during the non-ovulating and low risk days of the month, the chances of pregnancy are fairly low.

  1. How to use an ovulation calculator? Calculating your ovulation period is very simple. Here’s how you can go about it.
    Step 1: Enter the date of your first day of last period. For example, if your last period began on 12th of the month and ended on 17th, your first day of last period would be 12th.

    Step 2: Select your average cycle length. To do this, calculate the number of days between the first day of your last to last period and the first day of your last period. For example, if in March, your period started on 12th and in April, your period started on 10th, your average cycle length is 30 days, the number of days between the two dates.

    To get a more accurate reading, however, follow the same process for 4 to 5 months. Let’s say, your average cycle length for periods across March to July are 30, 29, 27 and 30. Your average cycle length would be an average of these numbers, that is, 29.

    Step 3: Press on 'Calculate' to see your ovulation date, ovulation window and your next period date. The ovulation window is also called the fertility window as these are the most fertile days for the woman. However, you must keep in mind that these are only rough estimates and your dates may differ.
  2. Why is ovulation calculation important?
    Understanding how your body works is essential to being healthy and wise. Calculating your ovulation is important a) if you are planning a pregnancy b) to avoid a pregnancy and c) if you want to keep a check on ovulation symptoms such as light spotting, breast tenderness, slight cramping, abdominal bloating or increased sex drive.
  3. How long do I ovulate?
    Ideally, ovulation lasts for about 12 to 24 hours. Once your ovary releases an egg, it stays in your body for about 12 to 24 hours and after that, it dissolves or dies if it is not fertilized by a sperm. This leads to shedding of the uterine lining, leading to menstruation two weeks later.However, this does not mean that you can only get pregnant during this one-day window. A sperm is known to stay in the woman's body for up to five days. So, if you have unprotected sex during the six-day window which includes five days prior to the ovulation day and the ovulation day, chances are you can get pregnant.
  4. When should I see a doctor?
    If you are suffering from Poly-cystic ovarian disorder (PCOD), your ovulation gets affected. In that case, you must see a doctor to understand your ovulation cycle.Thyroid problems can also affect your ovulation cycle and can lead to premature menopause. Consult a doctor if you have been diagnosed with an overactive or an under-active thyroid.If you see any unusual occurrence, such as a period that is preponed or delayed by more than a week, unusually light or heavy discharge or excruciating pain, you must see a doctor.
  5. What are the signs that show that I am not ovulating?
    One must know that regardless of the fact that you ovulate or don’t ovulate, your body’s uterine lining breaks every month and you have your menstrual cycle. The signs that your body is not releasing an egg are:Heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding for the last few periodsExtremely painful periodsIrregular periodsSudden changes such as weight gain, drop in sex drive, growth of body hair or development of acne.

Quick tips:
- Always keep a track of your menstrual cycle, any symptoms such as abdominal cramping, breast tenderness and mood changes. This will help you plan a pregnancy better.
- Keep a rough graph of your ovulation days in mind and watch out for symptoms.
- Keep track of your basal body temperature for at least three periods. This will help you notice a rise in the temperature just after ovulation, typically less than half a degree Fahrenheit.


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