How to Count a Luteal Phase

A luteal phase is the time within the menstrual cycle that occurs between ovulation and the beginning of your next period. Even though a woman's egg may or may not become fertilized during ovulation, the body prepares itself to accommodate a fertilized egg during the luteal phase. The luteal phase must occur in order for the egg to implant itself in the lining of the uterus. If the phase is not long enough, you may be at a high risk for miscarriage.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar
• Ovulation predictor kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Place a mark on a calendar that indicates the first day of your last period.

• 2

  Count 14 days from the first day of your last period. The average time of ovulation is 14 days into the menstrual cycle, based on a typical 28-day cycle.

• 3

  Mark the 14th and 15th days of your cycle as your ovulatory phase. An additional symptom of ovulation for many women is pelvic tenderness on one side.

• 4

  Mark each day from the 16th day of your cycle until the first day of your next period as your luteal phase.

• 5

  Use an ovulation predictor kit if you have an irregular cycle. This kit can help you to pinpoint when you are ovulating. Once you figure out the length of your personal cycle and when you typically ovulate, you can count the days of your luteal phase on the calendar.