The Big O: Natalist x Rescripted Ovulation Survey Results

Women’s bodies are complex, which makes trying to conceive (TTC) even more difficult. A recent survey by Natalist and Rescripted of over 2,000 women aged 18-45 from across the U.S. found that most are unsure how ovulation affects conception, but tracking ovulation can help improve this knowledge and positively impact the TTC experience. Here's a breakdown of our survey results*. 

1. There Is A Knowledge Gap Surrounding Ovulation and TTC

There is a significant knowledge gap among women surveyed about the importance of ovulation in conception.

• Less than 50% of respondents know how ovulation is defined.

• The average respondent said ovulation is somewhat important when trying to get pregnant. 

• Almost half (41%) aren’t sure or don’t think it’s even possible to track ovulation during your menstrual cycle. 

• One in five respondents (21%) believe you can become pregnant if you don’t ovulate.

Additionally, many women are unsure how long sperm can survive in the reproductive tract. When asked about this window, only 29% of respondents knew the correct answer (3-5 days):

• 12% of respondents answered 1-2 hours
• Nearly a quarter of respondents answered 1-2 days
• Almost 30% of respondents answered correctly with 3-5 days
• A quarter of respondents stated they did not know how long sperm can survive in the reproductive tract.  

2. Many Women Don't Know The Best Way to Track Ovulation

The majority of women surveyed are not aware of or do not use the most accurate method of ovulation tracking, which is ovulation tests.

• When asked what method is the most accurate form of ovulation tracking, 61% did not identify ovulation tests.

• Only a quarter (27%) reported tracking their ovulation using ovulation tests.

3. TTC Leaves Many Feeling Stressed and Exhausted

This lack of knowledge only compounds the fact that many of the women we surveyed find TTC emotionally exhausting and stressful.

• 60% of respondents reported feeling some type of negative emotion associated with TTC (i.e. stressed, overwhelmed, helpless, overloaded or exhausted).

• When asked what emotions they felt while trying to conceive, 98% of responses from 35-44 years old included helpless, overloaded, stressed, overwhelmed and/or exhausted, compared to 78% for 25-34 year olds and 51% for 18-24 year olds

4. Ovulation Tracking Leads to Positive Emotions While TTC

The survey found that tracking cycles and ovulation is associated with more knowledge about the connection between ovulation and conception, as well as more positive emotions while TTC.

• Respondents who reported tracking their menstrual cycle tend to also track their ovulation (and vice-versa), and tracking ovulation is correlated with feeling “hopeful” and “informed”. 

• In fact, respondents who tracked their ovulation had the highest overall knowledge of ovulation.

Click here for a full infographic of the Natalist x Rescripted Big O Survey results!

*Data sourced from an online survey of 2,152 women aged 18-45 living in the United States. The results are nationally representative based, weighted to U.S. Census on age, region, ethnicity and education.