Best time to conceive not on day of ovulation

New evidence on conception and fertility may change the rationale behind when and how women should time intercourse when trying to conceive, suggests a commentary in the December 2002 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Researchers from the University of Utah reviewed new data that examined the timing of intercourse relative to the estimated day a woman ovulates. They found that a woman is most likely to become pregnant one to two days prior to ovulation rather than on the actual day of ovulation, as popularly believed.

In addition to identifying when a woman is most
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fertile, the researchers analyzed the latest methods used to predict the approach of ovulation. They concluded that either a commercial fertility monitor or techniques that chart fertility based on changes in ******l discharge were most effective in determining the optimal window of fertility. Traditional methods such as monitoring basal body temperature and using menstrual calendar calculations are not clinically based nor as reliable in determining the period of time before ovulation, say researchers.

Researchers hope that their analysis will assist care providers in advising women who want to get pregnant. Pre-conception counseling to assess fertility and timing of intercourse may reduce the time it takes for many couples to conceive, and also reduce unnecessary interventions and cost.

Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Press Release, November 29, 2002