Why Ovulation Matters More Than You Think

When you’re trying to conceive, timing is everything — but so is ovulation.
Ovulation is the main event in your menstrual cycle: it’s the release of an egg ready for fertilization. If ovulation doesn’t happen, conception can’t either — no matter how perfect the timing is.

Yet, many women aren’t told how to confirm whether they’re actually ovulating. It’s one of the most common (and most overlooked) causes of infertility.

What Really Happens During Ovulation

In a healthy cycle, hormones work in harmony:

• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) encourages egg growth.

• LH (luteinizing hormone) triggers the egg’s release.

• Progesterone rises after ovulation, preparing the uterus for implantation.

When that rhythm is off — for example, in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalance, or perimenopause — ovulation may not occur regularly, or at all.

How to Tell If You’re Ovulating

Common signs include:

• A clear, stretchy cervical mucus change mid-cycle

• A slight rise in basal body temperature

• A positive result on an LH surge test

• Regular cycles that are roughly 26–35 days apart

But those signs aren’t always reliable on their own. The most accurate way to confirm ovulation is with a Day-21 progesterone blood test.

Day-21 Progesterone: Proof That Ovulation Happened

Around one week after ovulation (typically cycle day 21 in a 28-day cycle), progesterone should rise significantly.
A blood test during this phase can tell whether ovulation truly occurred — and whether progesterone levels are high enough to support early pregnancy.

If your levels are low, it may mean ovulation didn’t happen that cycle, or that hormone support is needed to balance the luteal phase.

Why This Step Matters

Many women spend months trying to conceive without realizing they’re missing this crucial step. Confirming ovulation helps your provider:

• Identify whether an egg was released

• Determine the best timing for conception

• Personalize treatment (if needed)

Getting clarity early can save months of guesswork — and give you a clearer path forward.

The Takeaway

If you’ve been trying to conceive for several months, or if your cycles are irregular, it’s worth taking a closer look at your hormones and ovulation patterns. A simple blood test — and a provider who knows how to interpret it — can be the key to understanding your next step.