Am I Ovulating Today? Let's Find Out

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key signs of ovulation, what tools actually work (hint: it’s more than just a calendar), and how to use them effectively — whether you're using an ovulation stick, ovulation test, or basal body thermometer. We’ll also cover where to find quality ovulation tests in NZ, and how to confidently time insemination or intercourse without second-guessing yourself.

What Is Ovulation and Why Does It Matter?

Ovulation is when your ovary releases a mature egg, typically about midway through your menstrual cycle. This egg is only viable for about 12–24 hours — which means your timing matters when you're trying to conceive.

Fertility isn’t just about the day you ovulate. The 5–6 days leading up to ovulation make up your fertile window, as sperm can survive in the body for up to five days. Knowing when you ovulate allows you to plan insemination (or sex) to align with this fertile window and maximise your chances of pregnancy.

Signs You Might Be Ovulating

Your body actually gives clues when ovulation is approaching — and when it has happened. Here are a few to watch for:

Cervical mucus changes: Around ovulation, discharge often becomes clear, stretchy, and egg-white-like — perfect for helping sperm swim.
Ovulation pain (Mittelschmerz): Some women feel a dull ache on one side of their lower abdomen when ovulation occurs.
Increased libido: Your body may naturally feel more in the mood — your hormones are doing their thing!
Slight rise in basal body temperature (BBT): Your body temperature slightly increases after ovulation (more on that below).
Positive ovulation test result: Read on for how those work.

Tool #1: Ovulation Tests (Ovulation Sticks or Strips)

An ovulation test, often called an ovulation stick or ovulation strip, detects the LH surge — a rise in luteinizing hormone that happens 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. It’s the most accurate way to predict ovulation before it happens.

How to Use:

Test around the same time daily (mid-morning or early evening is best).
Avoid excessive fluid intake beforehand (which can dilute your urine).
A positive result typically means you’ll ovulate within the next 24–36 hours.

Why It’s Worth It:

Takes the guesswork out of ovulation
Gives you a clear yes/no result
Pairs well with tracking your cervical mucus and BBT

If you’re looking for reliable ovulation tests in NZ, we stocks trusted, easy-to-use kits that deliver quick results — no decoding necessary. You can browse and shop them here

Tool #2: Basal Body Thermometer (for Next-Level Insight)

While ovulation tests predict when you will ovulate, a basal body thermometer helps confirm that you did.

Basal body temperature (BBT) is your resting body temperature. After ovulation, progesterone causes your BBT to rise slightly — usually by 0.2–0.5°C. By tracking this over time, you can:

Confirm that ovulation occurred
Understand your cycle pattern
Identify the length of your luteal phase (which matters for implantation!)

How to Use:

Take your temperature at the same time every morning before getting out of bed
Use a BBT-specific thermometer for accurate decimal readings
Record it in a chart or app daily

Tracking BBT alongside ovulation strips gives you a fuller picture — helping you plan your cycle like a fertility detective. Shop Basal Body Thermometers

Tool #3: Your Body’s Clues

Don’t underestimate your intuition. Your body often knows when it’s ovulating — and when you pair that awareness with the right tools, the clarity can be the game-changer.

Make sure to pay attention to:

Cervical mucus
Mood or energy shifts
Light spotting (sometimes happens during ovulation)

The more you track, the more predictable your patterns become.

What If You’re Not Seeing Clear Signs?

Not everyone ovulates like clockwork. And that’s okay! Irregular cycles, PCOS, postpartum cycles, or coming off birth control can throw things off.

If ovulation tests don’t show a surge or your BBT doesn’t rise, it might be worth chatting with a fertility coach (hey, that’s us!) or your GP. We’re happy to talk through your cycle, your symptoms, and what support tools might help. Book a free 30 minutes TTC consult

Ovulation isn’t a mystery — you just need the right tools and a little support. Whether you’re using an ovulation strip, checking in with your basal body thermometer, or peeing on an ovulation stick like a pro, you’re already doing something incredible: tuning into your body and giving yourself the best shot.

At Hāpū Helpers, we’re here for every cycle, every question, and every high-five-worthy positive result.