Ovulation tracking has been a common practice for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. The goal of ovulation tracking is to identify the specific time in a woman’s menstrual cycle when she is most likely to get pregnant. Understanding the menstrual cycle and ovulation can help women plan for pregnancy or avoid it altogether.

The ancient Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to document the menstrual cycle. They believed that the menstrual cycle was linked to the phases of the moon, which is why the term “menstruation” comes from the word “mensis,” meaning “month.” The ancient Greeks also believed that the menstrual cycle was linked to the moon, and they developed the first recorded method for predicting ovulation. This method involved monitoring the menstrual cycle for several months and noting the length of each cycle. Ovulation was thought to occur around the 14th day of the cycle, which is still considered the average ovulation day today.

During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping the understanding of the menstrual cycle and ovulation. The Church believed that menstrual blood was dirty and unclean, and they encouraged women to avoid sexual activity during their menstrual periods. This belief led to the development of methods for tracking ovulation in order to avoid pregnancy.

In the 19th century, scientists began to study the menstrual cycle and ovulation more closely. In the 1850s, Dr. William Harvey discovered that the ovaries produce eggs and that fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes. This groundbreaking discovery led to a better understanding of the menstrual cycle and ovulation. In the 1930s, Dr. Georgeanna Jones and Dr. Howard Jones developed the first successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, which helped to further advance the field of reproductive medicine.

Today, there are numerous methods for tracking ovulation, including basal body temperature tracking, ovulation predictor kits, and fertility apps. Basal body temperature tracking involves taking the woman’s temperature at the same time every morning before she gets out of bed. The temperature increases slightly during ovulation, so tracking this change can help identify when ovulation is occurring. Ovulation predictor kits use urine tests to detect the hormone luteinizing hormone (LH), which increases just before ovulation. Fertility apps use algorithms to track menstrual cycles and predict ovulation based on factors such as cycle length, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus changes.

Ovulation tracking can be a useful tool for women who are trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. However, it is important to note that ovulation tracking is not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other methods of birth control. It is also important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any fertility treatments or trying to conceive.

In conclusion, ovulation tracking has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient civilizations. Today, there are numerous methods available for tracking ovulation, including basal body temperature tracking, ovulation predictor kits, and fertility apps. While ovulation tracking can be a useful tool, it is important to use it in conjunction with other methods of birth control and to consult with a healthcare provider before trying to conceive.

Sources:

• “The Menstrual Cycle.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186.

• “Ovulation and the Menstrual Cycle.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/women/guide/ovulation-menstrual-cycle#1.

• “The History of Ovulation Tracking.” Ovulation Calculator