Kiddipedia
By Lucy Lines, International Embryologist and Fertility Educator
Women will spend quite literally thousands of dollars trying to work this out, but it’s really very simple.
As an embryologist, turned fertility educator and IVF advocate, I have been working with women and couples who are trying to conceive for over 20 years. This is one of the most common things I help troubleshoot.
Why Fertility Can Be Confusing
At high school, we are taught so much about how to avoid pregnancy that we are led to believe that as soon as we stop birth control, we’ll be pregnant in weeks.
When this doesn’t happen, many women start a journey of self-education, which can quickly spiral into obsession with:
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Ovulation test kits
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External devices that promise to track fertile windows
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Apps that claim to tell you everything about your cycle
Fact: A 2018 study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion found that the accuracy of ovulation prediction by cycle tracking apps was no better than 21%
Searching for fertility apps can be overwhelming, especially as many are not free or require external devices to improve accuracy.
The Menstrual Cycle Explained
Despite our modern technology, the human menstrual cycle hasn’t changed. Factors like diet, exercise, stress, ethnicity, and body weight can impact:
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Menstrual cycle regularity
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Egg quality
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Sperm quality
Many apps allow users to input these factors, but their algorithms often cannot accurately predict fertility.
Two Main Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
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Follicular Phase
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Starts with period
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Follicles grow – one becomes dominant and contains an egg for ovulation
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Luteal Phase
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The fertilized egg (hopefully) implants in the uterus
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If implantation doesn’t occur, cycle restarts
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Cycles are calculated from day 1 of bleeding to day 1 of bleeding.
Key fact: Women usually release one egg per cycle (rarely 2). The egg is released roughly 12-14 days before the next period, even though the luteal phase isn’t always exactly 14 days.
Cycle Variations Are Normal
Most women don’t have a perfectly 28-day cycle. If your cycle varies between 26-33 days, your fertile window is likely unaffected.
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Variation usually occurs in the follicular phase (before ovulation)
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Luteal phase (after ovulation) is usually fixed
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Getting a period almost always means ovulation occurred
How to Track Ovulation Naturally
Your body gives signs of impending ovulation. Instead of relying on devices, listen to these signals:
Signs of Ovulation:
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Increased libido
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Heightened sense of smell
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Breast sensitivity
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Increased cervical mucus
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Feeling confident, on top of the world, and making healthy choices
Tip: Jot your signs on a calendar (old-school style on a wall or bathroom). Over time, you’ll notice a pattern unique to your body.
Remember: Sperm survive 3-5 days, and the egg survives 12-24 hours. Regular sex every 2-3 days from the end of your period until signs of ovulation is the most effective approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A frequent error is withholding sex until ovulation, thinking:
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Sperm quality improves
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You need to pinpoint ovulation exactly
This is unnecessary – sperm are constantly produced, and regular ejaculation can improve sperm quality.
Tips for Improving Fertility
Even before seeking IVF, there’s a lot you can do:
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Track natural ovulation signs
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle
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Seek guidance from a fertility educator
Did you know? About 80% of couples conceive within the first 12 months. If you haven’t conceived in 6 months, there’s a 50% chance you may need professional support – not necessarily IVF.
The 90-120 days before conception are critical for the health of future children. Gather information and education before taking the next steps.
About Lucy Lines
Lucy Lines is a clinically experienced embryologist and fertility educator who has practised in IVF labs across Australia, Sweden, Ireland, and the UK.
Frustrated by gaps in patient education within the fertility industry, Lucy founded Two Lines Fertility to provide:
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Education, care, and guidance
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1:1 support
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E-courses, website, and blog content
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Signature program: IVF WTF
Her goal: empower women and couples to feel educated, in control, and confident in their fertility journey – whether just starting to grow their families or navigating IVF treatment.
Contact:
Website: www.twolinesfertility.com.au
Email lucy@twolinesfertility.com.au
Instagram: www.isntagram.com/twolinesfertility
Facebook: www.facebook.com/twolinesfertility
