When trying to conceive, one of the most important factors to consider is when you will ovulate. As defined, ovulation is the process in which your ovaries release one or more eggs into the fallopian tubes every month.  Either ovary may perform this process and the ovary that will actually release an egg is random and doesn't necessarily alternate between ovaries each ovulation cycle.

An unfertilized egg will only live for up to twenty-four hours after ovulation so it is particularly important  when considering the best time to have intercourse in order to conceive.  Sperm may live up to two or three days.  Accordingly, the best chance of conception will occur one to two days prior to ovulation and up to 24 hours after ovulation.  In general, a normal, fertile couple has a 25% change of conception after each ovulation cycle.

This is where an ovulation predictor can be very effective in determining the beginning and end of your ovulation cycle. They measure the mount of LH or luteinizing hormone in your urine, which can help establish when ovulation will occur.  When used correctly, an ovulation predictor can tell you 24 to 36 in advance whether ovulation will occur.

Other signs of ovulation also include the following:

• Changes in cervical mucus - As your ovulation cycle progresses,  cervical mucus will increase in volume and change in texture. This is an indication that the estrogen levels in your body are rising in response to ovulation.  You are most fertile when your cervical mucus becomes slippery, stretchy and clear.

• Your body temperature rises -  this slight change in temperature will not be noticeable unless you use a basal body temperature thermometer (BBT).  It rises only from 0.5 to 1.6 degrees.  The release of the hormone progesterone stimulates this temperature change. You are your most fertile in the two or three days before the temperature reaches it's highest point. If you are considering using the body temperature an ovulation prediction, it is recommended that you take your temperature every morning for a few months and charting the results to determine your pattern and narrow down the date you are most likely to ovulate.

• Discomfort in your lower abdomen -  Some women feel the signs of ovulation which can be anything from a mild ache to streaks of pain. This may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

• If you have a regular menstrual cycle, count back about 12 to 16 days from the beginning or your menstrual cycle each month in order to predict when ovulation will occur.

However, in the end, each woman is different. Ovulation does occur on a fairly regular cycle, but there is no set date for when the ovulation cycle will begin. An ovulation predictor method like the ones described above is very helpful in determining when ovulation will take place.