So at Monash IVF we do a lot of natural cycle ovulation tracking. So that’s really to facilitate the timing of, to facilitate women’s awareness of the timing of ovulation ensure that intercourse is happening at the right time.
We would review the woman at a clinic in the morning perhaps three or four times in the first 12 days that would consist of a blood test and an ultrasound to pinpoint when ovulation is occurring. We would get a lot more information about the quality of ovulation in terms of the hormonal surges, the development of the follicle, and the adequate thickness of the lining of the uterus.
This compares to home ovulation testing. The most common one that women would use is like a dipsticks where they would just put a small amount of urine on a dipsticks and look for the colour change. That would give you about 36 to 48 hours notice of when your most fertile time is and when to have intercourse, but it won’t provide the additional information on the development of the follicle and ensuring the adequate thickness of the lining of the uterus.
Also as part of ovulation tracking, we would check the progesterone in the second half of the month, to ensure that it’s gone above an adequate level and that’s consistent with a good quality ovulation.
Dr. Jenny Cook is a Fertility Specialist who works at the Monash IVF clinic. She has published widely in the area of Gynaecological Laparoscopy and has presented at many national and international meetings. She is recognised for her experience in laparoscopic gynaecological procedures.
