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The biology of controlling fertilityIdentifying the fertile period

Fertility is the ability to produce offspring. Fertility is continuous in males and cyclical in females. Infertility can have a number of causes and there are a range of infertility treatments that work in different ways. Physical and chemical methods of contraception can prevent fertilisation and pregnancy.

Part of Human BiologyPhysiology and Health

Identifying the fertile period

Ovulation is the release of an ovum (egg) from one of the ovaries. A woman is fertile for a few days either side of this.

A woman鈥檚 fertile period can be identified in several ways:

  • Body temperature - A woman's temperature increases slightly after ovulation. This can monitored using a thermometer.
  • Cervical mucus - may become clearer, wetter and more slippery around ovulation.
  • Timing of menstrual cycle - Ovulation typically occurs 10 to 16 days before the start of a . Women with a regular cycle can use this to work out where they are in their menstrual cycle.
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