Most women ovulate near the middle of their monthly menstrual cycle. The average cycle length for a woman is between 23 to 35 days. It is possible, however, to have a longer or shorter menstrual cycle. Sometimes it is even possible to have ovulation occur twice in one month, or to have a month where no ovulation occurs at all. Most doctors agree that ovulation usually happens 13 to 14 days before starting your period or monthly bleeding.

Just prior to ovulation, your body produces more estrogen. This is sometimes called an “estrogen surge.” You are able to see this estrogen in your saliva in the form of the crystal-like or ferning patterns using the TCI OvuLook™ Ovulation Detector.

When you see these patterns you will know that ovulation is likely to occur in the next 24 to 72 hours.

It is important to note that an estrogen surge or ovulation may not occur in all cycles.

It is recommended that you use a new round tracking disk each month. This way you can compare your saliva patterns with the months before. You will also be able to show the disks to your health care provider or doctor, so he/she can help you to understand your fertility cycle.

By using your tester regularly, you will be able to understand your fertility cycles by seeing the ferning patterns that develop in your saliva around the time of ovulation.