Beyond day 14: how to chart your unique fertile window

You’ve probably heard all of your life that ovulation happens on day 14 of your menstrual cycle. The thing is every woman’s cycle is different and ovulation can happen earlier or later than day 14. Understanding your body’s individual fertile window is one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances to conceive.

In this post, I’ll walk you through why cycle charting is such a powerful tool and how tuning in to your body’s signals can make all the difference.

Day 14 isn’t ovulation day for everyone

Many women assume ovulation happens exactly two weeks after the first day of their period, but in reality, cycles may vary from woman to woman and month to month. Some women might ovulate as early as day 10 or as late as day 20 or beyond. If you follow the "day 14" rule, you could actually miss your ovulation, which is so important when you’re trying to conceive.

Charting your cycle helps you move away from the cookie-cutter calendar approach and instead listen to what your body is telling you. It allows you to pinpoint your fertile window and ovulation accurately.

What is cycle charting?

Cycle charting, also known as the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM), is the practice of paying attention to the natural signs your body gives you every day about your fertility. This includes tracking your basal body temperature every morning, observing changes in your cervical mucus and checking how your cervix feels throughout the month. By recording these subtle clues, you’ll begin to understand when you’re most fertile.

How to begin charting your cycle

Tracking your cycle might sound daunting but it’s easier than you think. The first step is to get a basal body thermometer, which is more sensitive than a regular one. Each morning, before you even get out of bed, you take your temperature. Pay attention to your cervical mucus throughout the day, it changes texture and appearance throughout your cycle. It usually becomes clear and stretchy around ovulation and if often referred to as "raw egg whites," signalling your peak fertility.

Keep a daily record of these observations, either in a fertility app (I recommend Kindara) or a spreadsheet. After a few cycles, you’ll start seeing patterns and learn to predict your fertile days and when to try for pregnancy. You might also, with the help of a professional analysing your chart, uncover some hormonal imbalances and  focus on these before trying to get pregnant.

Cycle Charting: a valuable fertility tool

The benefits of tracking your cycle go far beyond knowing your fertile window. It empowers you with body literacy, a deeper understanding of your own menstrual cycle and hormone health. This knowledge builds confidence and gives you a sense of control over your fertility journey. Charting your cycle can also provide important insights if there are irregularities or hormonal imbalances that need attention.

Your cycle is as unique as you are, and learning to listen and respond to your body’s cues can be transformative on your path to pregnancy. Cycle charting requires patience and commitment, but it is a natural, effective way to connect and get to know your body and ultimately increase your chances of conceiving.