After intercourse sperm can remain intact in female reproductive tract for few days. So, if someone can keep track of their exact ovulation window in different phases of menstrual cycle, that will be really useful in family planning. Although, tracking ovulation can help someone to conceive but it is also useful if pregnancy is not intended.

Spinnbarkeit

At the time of ovulation, the cervical mucus is thin and elastic. it can be stretched out into threads, about 10-12 cm long. Cervical mucus shows this property of elasticity due to high estrogen level, is known as ‘Spinnbarkeit’. Also, when a thin layer of mucus is spread on a slide, it produces a typical fern like pattern on drying. In the post-ovulatory period, with rise in level of progesterone, the cervical mucus become thick and no longer shows the fern like pattern.

Basal body temperature

It begins to rise just after ovulation. This progesterone induced rise in basal body temperature is an important indicator of ovulation. Sometimes, utilized as a useful method of contraception.

Ovulatory pain

Blood escaping into peritoneal cavity at the time of ovulation may cause irritation which may lead to pain and discomfort. This also indicates ovulation.

Elevated estrogen levels

During the time of ovulation urinary and plasma estrogen levels reach its peak value.

Elevated gonadotrophin levels

Plasma gonadotrophins (FSH and LH) levels peak at the time of the ovulation.

Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle

Estrogen and Progesterone are the main reproductive hormones that usually helps in the regulation of menstrual cycle.

Estrogen

These are 18-carbon steroid compounds found in three forms

• 17-β-estradiol
• Estrone
• estriol

Of these three, estradiol is secreted in largest quantity and it is also the most potent estrogen. The principal sources of estrogen are the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle, the corpus luteum and also the placenta.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a 21-carbon steroid. It is secreted from the corpus luteum, the placenta and also in small amounts from the ovarian follicles. It is an important intermediate in the synthetic pathway of most steroid hormones.