10
3: Pinpointing the Peak
The last day of the slippery sensation is the most
fertile day of your cycle. It is called the Peak of
fertility, and is very close to the time of ovulation…
so a great day for baby-making! You can be sure
that if you recognise the Peak of fertility then you
have identified the time very close to ovulation.
Just before ovulation another hormone called
progesterone starts to be produced. This hormone
prepares the lining of the uterus in case there is a
fertilised egg ready to implant. Progesterone also
causes changes in the cervical mucus. It activates
the cervix to produce the thick, impenetrable mucus
that forms the plug in the cervix. It also activates
the reabsorption of fluid from the mucus so that the
slippery sensation disappears. So it is the rising level
of progesterone that causes the abrupt change in
sensation that helps you identify the Peak.
You will only be able to confirm your Peak day the following day, when you no longer
feel the slippery sensation. Ovulation occurs on the peak day in the majority of cycles,
but may be delayed until day 1 or day 2 past the peak. The egg will live for up to 24
hours. During these 3 days past the peak the plug of mucus reforms in the cervix. After
the end of the 3 days your fertile time for that cycle is over.
It is important to
realise that the Peak
is not necessarily the
day of most mucus.
The amount of mucus
may decrease but
the slippery sensation
may continue for a
day or two— the
sensation is the most
valuable symptom.
