This is a conversation between Brigid and Dr Pat about everything you need to know about ovulation. It deep dives into the terminology of ovulation, your fertility and what some red flags are before your start trying to get pregnant. After listening to this podcast you will have a list of great practical tips to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

We talk about how to pick when you are ovulating, the technology you may need to help track your ovulation, the terms and acronyms about ovulation and when you may need further investigation.

This episode covers:

• What is ovulation
• What are the common acronyms
• LMP, LH Luteinising hormone,
• What is cervical mucus
• The symptoms of ovulation
• Sex drive, increased taste/vision, tender breasts, pain on one side, thin cervical mucus
• What is BBT charting
• What is a Normal cycle? How many women have a normal cycle?
• Irregular cycles, what are the causes of irregular cycles?
• What am I tracking to see if I am ovulating?
• What are the apps for?
• Best devices to track ovulation
• What is OPK or ovulation predictor kits.

Dr Pat’s advice. If you are not getting a positive result on the OPK for ovulation, seek further help. Many women spend months blaming the device for not working when you may not be ovulating and need further investigation.

This podcast covers how long should someone keep trying to get pregnant before looking for help.

If you are under 35 and your partner is under 50 and you are not pregnant within 12 months you need to see a gynaecologist. If you are over 35 or have a history of PCOS or endometriosis this shortens to 6months.

We also talk about getting caught in the web of the ‘trying to conceive (TTC) forums’. Spoiler alert. Don’t do it.