Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: ovulation

  • Infertility

    Infertility is a fairly common medical condition that affects over 6 million Americans (15% of couples of reproductive age), with over 9 million women currently using infertility services. It is typically defined as the inability to conceive and become pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex, regardless of cause. Although if a woman is over 35, after only about 6 months of trying without any success, fertility problems can start to be suspected. A broader view of infertility includes not being able to carry a pregnancy to term, in other words if the woman suffers from repeated miscarriages.

    Infertility is not the same as sterility. Being sterile means that it is impossible for a person to conceive a child. A diagnosis of infertility simply means that becoming pregnant may be a challenge rather than an impossibility.

    Conception is a complicated process that depends upon many factors. First a woman must be able to release an egg from one of her two ovaries (ovulation). Second, the egg must be able to travel through a fallopian tube that is unblocked, towards the uterus, to reach the man’s sperm for fertilization. Third, the man must be able to produce a significant number of healthy sperm that have the ability to penetrate and fertilize the egg when they meet up in the fallopian tube. Fourth, the fertilized egg must be able to implant itself inside the uterus, attaching to the endometrial lining. Lastly, the fertilized egg must be able to adequately grow and develop without any interference inside the uterus to continue to full term. When just one of these factors is impaired, infertility can result.

    If a couple has been trying to conceive for more than a year, there’s a good chance that something may be interfering with their reproductive function. Infertility may be due to a single cause or a combination of factors that may prevent a pregnancy from occurring or continuing. Infertility can be male or female related. About 1/3 of infertility is due to problems with the man (male factors) and 1/3 is due to problems with the woman (female factors). Other cases are due to problems in both partners or are due to unknown causes that cannot be explained.

    Infertility has a strong impact on self-esteem and often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. Suddenly their lives, which may have been well planned and successful, seem out of control. Coping with the multitude of medical decisions and the uncertainties that infertility brings can create great emotional upheaval for most couples. Facing the disappointment of not becoming pregnant month after month can lead to depression and significant feelings of loss. These feelings are perfectly normal responses, which everyone has as they pursue infertility treatment. For many, the life crisis of infertility eventually proves to be an opportunity for life-enhancing personal growth.

    Infertility and Women
    Infertility and Men
    Treatment of Infertility

  • Women: Infertility

    The most common female infertility factor is ovulation disorders. Disruption in the part of the brain that regulates ovulation can cause deficiencies in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Even slight irregularities in the hormone system can affect ovulation. Along with hormonal imbalance, medical problems such as a pituitary gland tumor can cause ovulation problems. Age is another important factor in female infertility. The ability of a woman’s ovaries to produce eggs decline after age 35. About 1/3 of couples where the woman is over 35 have problems with fertility. Without ovulation, eggs are not available to be fertilized. Signs of ovulation problems include irregular periods or no periods.
    Other causes of female infertility include blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, which may occur when a woman has had pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted diseases (especially Chlamydia), an ectopic pregnancy, prior surgeries or endometriosis (a painful condition causing adhesions and cysts). If the fallopian tubes are blocked at one or both ends, the egg can’t travel through the tubes into the uterus.

    Uterine problems and abnormalities can interfere with embryo implantation. Adhesions, scar tissue, fibroids and defects in the shape of the uterus can all result in repeated miscarriages. A condition called Asherman’s Syndrome, where the walls of the uterus adhere to each other is another problem that can lead to infertility. Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), used in the 50s and 60s to prevent miscarriage, can cause abnormalities in women’s reproductive organs such as deformities of the vagina, uterus or cervix, as well as many other complications.

    Cervical problems can cause your cervical mucus to be of poor quality. Sometimes your cervical mucus may even contain antibodies which immobilize or kill the sperm. Usually around the time of ovulation, your cervix produces clear, stretchy mucus, which allows sperm to penetrate the cervix on their journey to meet up with the egg. If you have poor quality mucus or not enough mucus, sperm cannot get through your cervix.

    There are many causes that can lead to temporary infertility in women including obesity and certain medications. In most cases, fertility is restored when the medication is stopped. Excess weight can lead to elevated estrogen levels which may prevent a woman from ovulating. Thyroid problems (either too much or too little thyroid hormone) can interrupt the menstrual cycle and cause infertility.

    Infertility and Men
    Treatment of Infertility

  • Physical Fertility Signs

    Besides changes to your cervix around the time of ovulation, you may also notice other physical changes. Spotting and bleeding may occur mid-cycle, indicating possible fertility, due to hormonal changes leading up to ovulation. Backaches, breast tenderness or changes, feeling sick to your stomach, softer clearer skin, abdominal bloating, rectal pain and water retention all show that your hormonal levels are rising and falling. Headaches can sometimes accompany ovulation as well. Occasionally women notice that there is a pattern to when they get headaches during their cycle. Make sure you chart all the additional physical signs that you notice, so you can more easily identify your fertile and infertile times.

    Some women actually feel ovulatory activity every month or occasionally. Pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis during ovulation (or just before or after) is fairly common, although some women don’t feel anything. This usually happens midway through your menstrual cycle, about 2 weeks before your next period. This condition is often called mittelschmerz (MITT-ul-shmurz), which is a medical term that comes from the German words for “middle” and “pain.” It usually lasts only a short time, anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, but it may continue for an entire day.

    Mittelschmerz occurs during ovulation, when an egg is released from your ovary. No one knows for sure what causes it, but it’s quite possible that just before ovulation, follicle growth stretches the surface of your ovary, causing you pain. It’s also possible that blood or fluid released from the ruptured follicle irritates the lining of your abdomen, leading to discomfort. Slight bleeding or spotting is not uncommon and may also occur during this time, accompanying pain.

    Ovulatory pain can happen on either side of your abdomen or even in the middle, although it is more commonly experienced on the right side. It may be felt on one side one month, then switch to the opposite side the next month, or it may be felt on the same side for several months in a row. The pain typically radiates from whichever ovary is ovulating. Some women notice cramping on one side or pain resembling menstrual cramps. The pain may be described as a nagging pain that begins as a sharp twinge and diminishes to a dull ache or tenderness or discomfort near the ovaries. It can be intermittent or constant, but is rarely severe although it can sometimes be aggravated by intercourse, working out or other physical activity.

    Pain during ovulation is usually easy to recognize because of its timing and location. If you notice cramping or pain, be sure to record this on your chart. Ovulatory pain can be a useful guide for some women and may help you further understand your cycles and also assist you in monitoring when you ovulate.

    Emotional Fertility Signs

  • Your Physical and Emotional Symptoms

    In addition to cervical changes, temperature fluctuations, and changes in your cervical mucus during your monthly cycle, many women experience other fertility signals as well. Sometimes these additional symptoms are referred to as “secondary” fertility signs, because they don’t occur in all women, or even in every cycle in individual women. You can increase your chances of conceiving by familiarizing yourself with your emotional and other physical changes that occur each month and recording them on your chart in addition to your BBT, mucus and cervix signals. By doing this, you will get a more accurate picture of when you are most fertile.

    —Physical Fertility Symptoms
    —Emotional Fertility Signs

  • Fertility Charting Tools

    To chart your fertility, the only tools you need are a ‘calendar’ or fertility chart/graph and a basal body thermometer. Basal thermometers are more accurate than regular thermometers and are ultra-sensitive, tracking your body’s slightest temperature shift. Most digital basal thermometers come with a sample graph that can be enlarged and duplicated on any copy machine, or you can even download a printable chart on-line. Some women prefer to do their charting completely on-line, it’s just a matter of person preference.

    Record your observations and findings on your chart each day. If you tend to have very regular cycles each month, your charts may look strikingly similar. If your monthly cycles are irregular, you may gain a wealth of information by charting for an extended period of time.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

  • Fertility Charting

    Fertility charting is basically a pregnancy achievement technique. It requires recording all of your fertility signs on a chart; allowing you to track ovulation, predict the most fertile time in your cycle, understand your own personal fertility patterns and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

    Besides rapid pregnancy achievement, charting can also be helpful in diagnosing and resolving many fertility issues, such as hormonal imbalance or ovulation problems. Potential complications that charting may be able to alert you on include anovulation (when no egg is released), low estrogen, low progesterone, thyroid conditions and even possible miscarriage.

    For couples having difficulty in conceiving, fertility charting can be a very valuable tool. Charting can help you identify your most fertile days, so you can make love on those days to increase your chances of conception. A woman is only fertile for a few short days (the egg lives and can be fertilized for 12-24 brief hours after ovulation) during each menstrual cycle, so timing when you make love is critical part of conception.

    In addition, many doctors and naturopaths strongly encourage fertility charting because it’s completely safe, natural and does not rely on drugs or medical procedures and there are no health risks or side effects. Plus, by charting your fertility, you will also become more aware of the patterns unique to your body, along with gaining a better understanding of how pregnancy is achieved. Once you understand these patterns and changes (and with a little patience), you can begin to anticipate ovulation through a combination of methods:

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility

  • Getting Pregnant

    One can increase their chances of getting pregnancy and increasing fertility. Most people believe the most fertile days during their cycle is 14 days after the beginning of their period, when really ovulation usually takes place about 14 days before your period begins. This is most accurate only if your periods are very regular. Say you have a 32-day cycle, then your most fertile day is most likely about day 18. Or if you have a 27 day cycle, day 13 is your most fertile day. It’s best to have intercourse starting a few days before ovulation, to heighten your chances of conceiving and improving fertility.
     

    Your Man and Conception

    Toxic chemicals can also cause deformed or low numbers of sperm. The following substances can potentially interfere with both men’s and women’s fertility: alcohol, caffeine, some drugs (including over-the-counter, prescription and “recreational”), cigarette smoking, marijuana, radiation, and chemicals such as lead, pesticides, polystyrene, benzene, mercury, and anesthetic gases. With regard to fertility, removing the problem usually allows the generation of new healthier sperm, but it may take up to 3 months for the quality and quantity to improve the chances of getting pregnant.

    Wearing tight underware or pants may push the testicles against the body, causing excessive heat- lowering a man’s sperm count. Have your partner trade in is tighty-whiteys for boxers at least 2 to 3 months before trying to get pregnant. Also, hot tubs, saunas, long distance bike-riding, a high fever as well as working around hot furnaces or ovens may also cause a man’s sperm count to drop dramatically.

  • Emotional Fertility Signs

    For fertility, charting your mood swings, thoughts, emotions and energy level along with your cervical mucus and changes, your other physical changes and your BBT, you may discover that they are closely linked to possible conception. On the other hand, some women don’t notice cyclic mood and energy variations whatsoever.

    Estrogen rises and peaks as ovulation approaches, therefore many women experience increased sexual feelings, heightened desire, and more feelings of affection. This may be due in part to the increased slippery-feeling cervical mucus (which is similar to arousal fluid, but more watery) that is produced as ovulation draws near, causing increased libido on your most fertile days. It’s no coincidence that the word “estrogen”, the fertility hormone, stems from Latin roots which mean “creating mad desire.”

    Other secondary signs you may notice as ovulation approaches may include: increased energy level, heightened sense of vision, smell or taste, easier concentration and mood swings. After ovulation, as your fertile phase ends, you may suddenly feel depressed or let down. Many times you may experience a drop in your libido as well. These feelings are important signals and are good to note on your chart.

    —Physical Fertility Symptoms

  • Cervix, Changes and BBT

    Cervix, Changes and BBT

    bbt basal body temperatureA combination of charting your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus and cervical position and shape will indicate when the most fertile time of your cycle is. Cervical change signals general fluctuations in your estrogen levels and can be very helpful and fairly reliable in predicting your fertility. Checking your cervical position and shape takes some practice. Also, to chart this particular sign, there are some guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

    Your Cervical Changes and Shape

    Right after your period ends, the position of your cervix is low, hard and closed. At this point in your cycle, it should be easily reached by your fingertip and feel as if you are touching the tip of your nose. A firm, pointed shape generally indicates low estrogen and you are considered to be infertile during this time.

    As estrogen and fertility increase (immediately prior to ovulation), your cervix softens, opens up and rises to it?s highest point within your body so that it?s harder to reach. The opening increases as well, which makes the slit or tiny hole feel much larger, becoming more receptive to sperm, allowing them to make their way more easily through your cervix. Your cervix remains this way until after ovulation has taken place.

    Once ovulation has occurred- when estrogen levels suddenly drop, you can feel your hardened, closed cervix back in its lower (pre-ovulatory) position. Keep in mind that women who have given birth previously may notice that their cervix feels slightly open, even after ovulation. When the position of your cervix drops, it will become easy to reach once more. At this point, you are considered infertile once again and cannot get pregnant.

    You should begin observing your cervical position and shape the first day after your period ends. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical mucus. Before checking your cervix, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. The best time to check it is right after you have showered. Sitting on the toilet or with one foot on the toilet seat (or bathtub) may be the most comfortable positions for checking your cervix. You can check your cervical position by gently inserting your finger and feeling for your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina. Record if it?s hard to reach (high position) or easier to reach (low position) and also if it feels firm or soft. It normally takes a few months to see all the changes in your cervix during your cycle and notice a pattern.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Cervix and Changes

    A combination of charting your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus and cervical position and shape will indicate when the most fertile time of your cycle is. Cervical change signals general fluctuations in your estrogen levels and can be very helpful and fairly reliable in predicting your fertility. Checking your cervical position and shape takes some practice. Also, to chart this particular sign, there are some guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

    Your Cervical Changes and Shape

    Right after your period ends, the position of your cervix is low, hard and closed. At this point in your cycle, it should be easily reached by your fingertip and feel as if you are touching the tip of your nose. A firm, pointed shape generally indicates low estrogen and you are considered to be infertile during this time.

    As estrogen and fertility increase (immediately prior to ovulation), your cervix softens, opens up and rises to it?s highest point within your body so that it?s harder to reach. The opening increases as well, which makes the slit or tiny hole feel much larger, becoming more receptive to sperm, allowing them to make their way more easily through your cervix. Your cervix remains this way until after ovulation has taken place.

    Once ovulation has occurred- when estrogen levels suddenly drop, you can feel your hardened, closed cervix back in its lower (pre-ovulatory) position. Keep in mind that women who have given birth previously may notice that their cervix feels slightly open, even after ovulation. When the position of your cervix drops, it will become easy to reach once more. At this point, you are considered infertile once again and cannot get pregnant.

    You should begin observing your cervical position and shape the first day after your period ends. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical mucus. Before checking your cervix, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. The best time to check it is right after you have showered. Sitting on the toilet or with one foot on the toilet seat (or bathtub) may be the most comfortable positions for checking your cervix. You can check your cervical position by gently inserting your finger and feeling for your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina. Record if it?s hard to reach (high position) or easier to reach (low position) and also if it feels firm or soft. It normally takes a few months to see all the changes in your cervix during your cycle and notice a pattern.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Cervical Mucus and Charting

    In conception, cervical mucus is an essential element because it nourishes and protects sperm, keeping them alive for up to five days inside your cervix, until ovulation occurs and fertilization can take place. Slippery cervical mucus also provides channels, which help sperm swim through your cervix. Without enough fertile mucus, your cervix is blocked and conception can’t happen.

    Whether your cycles are long, short, regular or irregular- charting your cervical mucus patterns (along with your BBT) is a great way to pinpoint your most fertile days and predict when you will ovulate, so you can be sure of which days lovemaking may result in pregnancy.

    In charting the changes in your cervical mucus, you will be looking for changes in consistency, quantity and color. The consistency of your cervical mucus changes throughout your menstrual cycle based on the hormonal shifts that are associated with ovulation, caused by estrogen and progesterone.

    Once your period has stopped, your cervical mucus is typically dry or it may feel dense, tacky, chalky or crumbly. The number of dry days after your menstrual bleeding ends, varies from cycle to cycle. Sperm are prevented from penetrating your cervix on days when there is no mucus. As you get closer to ovulation your cervical mucus will get thinner, because of increased levels of estrogen.

    Eventually, your cervical mucus turns to a consistency similar to raw egg whites (about 1-3 days prior to ovulation), which helps sperm to penetrate your cervix. This cervical mucus is very slippery and stretchy, sometimes changing in color, appearing fairly clear or yellowish. It may feel abundant, wet (similar to what you feel at the beginning of your period) and can be stretched into a thread between your fingers. This type of cervical mucus signals that eggs are developing and indicates that you are highly fertile. You and your partner should make love every day that you see or feel this type of fertile cervical mucus, for the best chance of conceiving.

    After ovulation you will notice that your cervical mucus typically gets thicker, sticky or dries up all together, becoming a protective barrier against sperm once again. This is caused by a decrease in your estrogen levels and an increase in your progesterone levels.

    You should start checking your cervical mucus on the first day after your period, and check it several times during the day. You can check it externally by wiping downward with toilet tissue, while sitting on the toilet. It can be more accurate to insert your index or middle finger (making sure your hands are clean), and observe your cervical mucus by feeling it and recording your observations on your chart.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Average Basal Body Temperature BBT

    Average Basal Body Temperature BBT

    chartCharting your BBT allows you to confirm the onset of ovulation, making it a very useful method in helping to plan the timing of intercourse that will lead to conception. By keeping track of your BBT, you can also gain an understanding of the general patterns of your menstrual cycle. After recording your temperature on a chart for a few months, you can begin to notice a distinct pattern of temperature fluctuations in your monthly cycle, which will help you to predict your most fertile days in the future.

    Your temperature in the morning, right after you wake up, is low between your period and ovulation. Around the time of ovulation, your temperature rises and remains high for about two weeks until your next period. This temperature rise will let you know that ovulation has occurred. But remember charting your BBT tells you when you have ovulated after it has happened, so you should also look for other fertility signs, such as observing your cervical mucus, which changes several days before ovulation.

    Your BBT is directly related to your levels of estrogen and progesterone. The presence of the hormone estrogen helps cause the low temperature before ovulation. On average, your BBT will range from 97.0-98.2 degrees Fahrenheit, prior to ovulation, although it can vary slightly one way or the other. Sometimes, your temperature may actually take a dip the day of ovulation, but this doesn’t always happen.

    Higher temperatures reflect the higher levels of the hormone progesterone in your system, which is secreted after ovulation. Typically, it will rise at least 0.4 to 0.6 degrees- jumping up to 98.0-98.6 degrees and beyond, although there is a wide range of “normal” temperatures. Your temperature will remain higher until the end of your cycle, when your progesterone levels begin to drop. Your period often begins within a day or two following the decline in progesterone.

    If your temperature stays high for 17 days in a row and you don’t have your period, it could be an early indication of pregnancy. Pregnancy causes your temperature to remain high beyond the typical 14 days after ovulation, so an elevated temperature past the expected date of your period can mean you’re pregnant (unless of course you have a fever).

    You can find a reliable basal thermometer at practically any drugstore and they are inexpensive. Basal thermometers are more accurate than regular fever thermometers and are ultra-sensitive, tracking your body’s slightest temperature shift. Digital thermometers are best, because they are quicker and you don’t have to shake them down.

    When charting your basal body temperature it’s important that you take your temperature first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed. For your temperature reading to be accurate, you must take it before you do anything: before standing, going to the bathroom or brushing your teeth. It’s easiest just to keep your thermometer next to your bed, within easy reach. Also, for best results, try to take your temperature as close as possible to the same time everyday and after at least 4 hours of continuous sleep, otherwise it will be slightly different.

    Taking your temperature at an unusual time, going to bed late, illness, fever, stress, drinking alcohol, exercise, using an electric blanket or heating pad can all affect your basal body temperature, causing it to be higher than normal. Also, some fertility medications, such as Clomid can cause elevated temperatures and make charting less accurate.