How much do you know about monitoring ovulation?

What is the first thing many patients ask when they visit the clinic? "Doctor, I want to test my ovulation?"

There is nothing wrong with this statement itself, but for gynecologists: not everyone needs to monitor ovulation!

Every woman who is planning to have a baby can test her ovulation. Couples can try to get pregnant naturally first. If they have not gotten pregnant for a long time, or couples who have been diagnosed with infertility can monitor whether the woman has ovulated.

What is the method of monitoring ovulation?

Methods for monitoring ovulation include basal body temperature monitoring, ovulation test strip monitoring and ultrasound monitoring.

The pros and cons of various methods of monitoring ovulation

#1 Basal body temperature monitoring

The method is simple, but we need to know the time of our ovulation. Measuring basal body temperature is too troublesome and affects sleep.

#2 Ovulation Test Strips

The disadvantage is that it cannot accurately measure the size of the follicle at the time of ovulation.

#3 Ultrasound monitoring of ovulation

Ultrasound monitoring of ovulation is the most accurate method. Doctors usually recommend B-ultrasound monitoring of ovulation, which can accurately know the time of ovulation, the size of the follicle at ovulation, and the thickness and shape of the endometrium at ovulation.

What does B-ultrasound monitoring of ovulation look like?

Monitoring time:

Monitoring usually begins around the 10th day of the menstrual cycle to observe changes in the diameter of the follicles.

Follicle diameter:

In the 4 days before ovulation, the diameter of the follicle increases by an average of about 1.5mm per day. Before ovulation, the follicle matures to about 18-22mm and disappears after ovulation. Continuous monitoring shows that the follicle continues to grow before ovulation. When the largest follicle disappears, ovulation occurs.

Doctor's advice

#1

Go to a regular hospital for examination. It is recommended that you have a fixed doctor to review the report every time you have an examination.

#2

When monitoring ovulation with B-ultrasound, you must pay attention to continuity. You cannot stop monitoring as soon as you see a dominant follicle or a mature follicle. You must continue monitoring until ovulation occurs.

#3

For patients with irregular menstrual cycles, the time of initial monitoring should be appropriately adjusted according to the length of the menstrual cycle. Those with longer menstrual cycles should postpone the time appropriately, while those with shorter menstrual cycles should advance the time appropriately.

At the end of each B-ultrasound examination, the doctor will inform you of the date for the next test based on the results of the B-ultrasound examination.

Note: There is no copyright issue for the pictures in this article

Author: Wang Ying Liuzhou, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Health and Medical College

About the Author

Liuzhou

Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor of Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Adjunct Professor of Hainan Medical College.

Engaged in clinical, teaching and scientific research work in obstetrics and gynecology for 28 years. Professional research direction: gynecological tumors, gynecological minimally invasive techniques and conservative surgery for adenomyosis, and rescue of critical obstetric emergencies.

Clinic hours: Monday afternoon, Thursday morning.

About the Author

Wang Ying

Deputy Chief Physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Health Medical College. Has been engaged in obstetrics and gynecology for 20 years and has been working in the front line of obstetrics and gynecology for a long time.

In the past 20 years of work experience, I have systematically and comprehensively mastered the diagnosis and treatment principles and measures of common, frequently occurring and difficult and complicated diseases in obstetrics and gynecology. I have accumulated rich clinical experience and advocated the patient-centered working principle in the diagnosis and treatment process. I have good professional ethics and dedication.

Clinic hours: Saturday morning.

Funded by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission's Science Popularization Project

(Project No.: 20DZ2311100)