Cycle tracking and apps

This page is reference information compiled from the cited sources. It is not medical advice. For any decision about health, diagnosis or care, consult a qualified professional.

What it is

Cycle tracking refers to the practice of monitoring biological signs to identify ovulation. Some people choose to track ovulation in order to improve or aid becoming pregnant by timing intercourse with their ovulation. The charting of symptoms such as basal body temperature, mittelschmerz and cervical position is referred to as the sympto-thermal method of fertility awareness. This method allows auto-diagnosis by a female of her state of ovulation. Fertility charts can be completed on a cycle-by-cycle basis to show ovulation. This gives the possibility of using the data to predict fertility for natural contraception and pregnancy planning.

Key facts

Ovulation is the release of the secondary oocyte ovarian cells from the ovaries, stimulated by an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH). It occurs about midway through the menstrual cycle, after the follicular phase, with the most fertile phase being the few days surrounding ovulation. The time from the last menstrual period until ovulation averages 14.6 days but varies substantially. Signs of ovulation may include cervical mucus changes, mild cramping, and a small rise in basal body temperature. Other possible signs include tender breasts, bloating, and cramps, although these are not a guarantee. Many females experience heightened sexual desire in the several days immediately before ovulation. Urine levels of the hormone pregnanediol 3-glucuronide over 5 μg/mL can be used to confirm ovulation.

When to seek professional help

The source associates professional care with disorders of ovulation, which are classified as menstrual disorders. These disorders include oligoovulation, which is infrequent or irregular ovulation, and anovulation, which is the absence of ovulation when normally expected. Anovulation can manifest as irregularity of menstrual periods, including unpredictable variability of intervals, duration, or bleeding. It can also cause cessation of periods, known as secondary amenorrhea, or excessive bleeding, known as dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Furthermore, midcycle pain may not be due to Mittelschmerz but due to other factors such as cysts, endometriosis, sexually transmitted infections, or an ectopic pregnancy. Medication is also sometimes required by those experiencing infertility to induce ovulation.

Source: Ovulation (CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia)), retrieved 2026-09-02.