If you are tired of the element of surprise our womenly cycles have to offer, then read on to learn the very simple method of predicting your period and ovulation cycles! There are two important things every woman should be able to predict: When your next period is coming, and when ovulation will occur. This article addresses both topics!
These two things are very much so connected and very easy to calculate and predict. The first thing you need to know in order to learn these things is your cycle length. You calculate your cycle length by counting how many days are between your periods. Day one of your period marks the first day of your cycle length. You continue to count the days all the way until the day before your next period begins (count the day before your period starts as the last day of the cycle). The average woman has a cycle length of 28 days, however some people have shorter cycles and some have longer cycles. Once you know your cycle length it is very simple to figure out your next period, as you simply count out that number from the start date of your period.
Here is a link to a free menstrual cycle calculator, in which you enter the dates your period began for the last few months. It is very useful to keep track of the start date of your period, even after you know your cycle length. I simply put it into my phone calculator but there are many different ways to keep track of it, use the method that is easiest and most convenient for yourself!
The other thing women should consider learning to calculate is what time of month you ovulate. This is actually very intimately related to your cycle length and dependent on that number. You simply subtract 14 days from when your next period is predicted to start and this is likely the day you will ovulate. For example if you have a 28 day cycle you will likely ovulate on day 14. If you have a 30 day cycle you will likely ovulate on day 16. Keep in mind this is approximate and there is a leeway but this will give you a general idea. To verify ovulation is occurring, you can take an ovulation test, which are typically found near the pregnancy tests and condoms at your local convenience store, and/or you can watch signals your body gives you.
There are many subtle signals your body gives you however the two most prominent signs are watching your discharge and temperature. As ovulation approaches, discharge increases and becomes wetter. During ovulation you get a stretchy, clear, thick, “egg white” discharge. Another great way to tell is every morning, before getting out of bed, take your temperature and write it down. You will get a good idea of your default temperature. The day of ovulation you should notice a very slight temperature increase (usually it is no more than half a degree). Here is a link to an ovulation calculator which simply asks for the date of your last period and your cycle length.
Please remember that this is meant to give a general idea of the cycles a woman’s body goes through. It is important to note that some women ovulate more than once a month or ovulate off schedule. If your cycle is not consistent and always changing it will be very difficult to predict your next period and ovulation. Enjoy the security of ovulation and period prediction! Hopefully this will reduce the element of surprise in our womenly cycles!
