Ovia works with all cycle types. If you have an irregular cycle and are entering your data consistently, we’ll be able to alert you when you’re fertile or when you should be taking certain actions.
What is an irregular cycle?
Although very few people have periods that consistently last exactly 28 days, it’s a good approximation of the average cycle length. However, the term “regular cycle” includes far more than just the very small selection of individuals who can predict their period to the hour. Doctors only characterize someone as having an irregular menstrual cycle when it lasts fewer than 21 days, more than 35 days, or varies more than 7 days between the shortest and the longest cycle.
How can an irregular cycle hamper your ability to get pregnant?
Irregular periods can make it harder to conceive in a couple of ways. An irregular period, or the lack of a period altogether, is an indicator that no ovulation is happening. If ovulation doesn’t occur during a cycle, then no egg is released, effectively making conception an impossibility. Those with irregular periods who do ovulate during their cycle can also have challenges conceiving, as it is more difficult to pinpoint the fertile window as it changes from cycle to cycle.
How can you get pregnant in spite of an irregular cycle?
One of the best ways to get pregnant despite having an irregular cycle is to track your ovulation metrics, including cervical fluid and basal body temperature, and by taking ovulation tests. When you track your cervical mucus and basal body temperature throughout your cycle, you can start to notice patterns and personalized indicators of ovulation to determine your unique fertile window, rather than adhering to one-size-fits-all fertility advice.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
