Decoding Your Fertility.
Approaching your fertility, and understanding how it truly works, is not only daunting, but a bit of an unknown subject for the majority of people until they are deciding on children. Navigating female sexual and reproductive health involves understanding fertility, recognising signs of ovulation, and knowing when to seek help if conceiving becomes challenging. Whether you're planning to start a family or simply want to understand your body better, here's a guide offering insights into fertility signs, how to track ovulation, and the appropriate time to seek professional advice.
Understanding Fertility Signs
Menstrual Cycle Regularity: A regular menstrual cycle is often a good indicator of normal fertility. Most cycles range from 21 to 35 days, but individual variations exist of course and you should always consider whats normal for you first.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Slight rises in basal body temperature can indicate ovulation. By tracking BBT daily, you may notice a pattern and be able to predict fertile days with more accuracy.
Cervical Mucus Changes: As you approach ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and egg white-like in consistency, indicating fertile days. This is something you can check very time you go to the bathroom.
Mittelschmerz: Some women experience a slight pain or twinge in their lower abdomen, known as mittelschmerz, during ovulation. This doesn’t happen for everyone, but if you’ve noticed the twinge of pain in the middle of your cycle before, it might be worth tracking.
How to Track Ovulation
Calendar Method: Keep a menstrual diary to understand the length and regularity of your cycles. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before your next period.
Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These over-the-counter tests detect the surge in Luteinising Hormone (LH) that occurs before ovulation.
Fertility Monitors: Advanced monitors track BBT, hormone levels, or electrical resistance of saliva or vaginal fluids to predict ovulation.
Apps and Technology: Many apps and digital health platforms are available to help track menstrual cycles and predict fertile windows. Natural Cycles offers a great and comprehensive way to track many of the fertility signs, including a thermometer for your basal body temperature synced to your phone. (it’s also the only FDA approved birth control app, meaning it can be used to prevent or aid pregnancy, its totally your choice).
When to Seek Help
If your goal with understanding your fertility is to help you get pregnant, there’s a few things to consider while you’re trying. While many couples conceive within a year of trying, it's not unusual for it to take longer, so don’t instantly worry if it takes time. It might be worth considering help if one of these facts is true:
You're under 35 and have been trying for a year or more: This is a standard timeframe to seek an evaluation from a healthcare provider. They may be able to give you more advice dependent on your situation (whether you have had children before etc.) and be able to run blood tests or other helpful tests like an ultrasound to check everything is okay.
You're over 35 and have been trying for six months: Due to a gradual decline in fertility as you age, seeking help sooner is advisable. Again, this is dependent on your knowledge of your fertility and your personal situation, but it can always help to get advice.
You have irregular periods or no menstrual periods: This might indicate potential ovulation problems. This does not indicate that you’re infertile or that you cannot have children at all, but there might be variables that are impacting your ability conceive - being aware of them simply helps you understanding your body’s situation.
You or your partner have known fertility issues: This includes previous medical history like surgeries, infections, or chronic health issues. If this is the case, it is recommended to go to the doctors at the start of your journey trying to conceive to understand your most viable options to have children.
Tips for Improving Fertility
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s the basics, but it’s important to remember how influential they can be in aiding or hindering your body’s ability to conceive.
Understand Your Cycle: Knowledge of your cycle and ovulation pattern can significantly improve the timing of intercourse for conception. Most people who bleed will have some sort of method of tracking this, so when considering your fertility its simply about paying more attention to this cycle and your individual experience.
Monitor Fertility Signs: Keep track of any physical changes, menstrual cycle irregularities, or consistent patterns in your body's fertility signals. Normally, this can easily be done along with tracking your period, so adding in these steps is just part of that process too.
Understanding and tracking fertility are crucial steps for anyone looking to conceive or simply understand their reproductive health better. By paying attention to fertility signs, utilising tracking methods, and living a healthy lifestyle, you can maximise your understanding of your body's cycle, and your understanding of yourself.. Remember, while these tips can guide you, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you face challenges in conceiving, consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalised guidance and support based on your individual health needs. With the right approach and support, navigating the path to conception can be an informed and positive experience.
