On the journey to motherhood, fertility is a central topic, but we often overlook the importance of being in tune with our bodies. Understanding the signals it sends can improve the chances of conceiving and detecting potential issues early. In this blog, we will explore how body awareness, menstrual cycle tracking, and ovulation can help you in this process.
Why is it important to know your menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is much more than just a date on the calendar. It reflects reproductive health, and attention to it can give you clues about your fertility. A regular cycle, typically lasting between 21 and 35 days, is a sign that your body is functioning well, while irregular cycles could suggest hormonal imbalances or ovulation problems.
Key points to observe:
Cycle length: If your cycles are shorter or longer than usual, it may be useful to consult a fertility specialist.
Bleeding: Changes in flow or the duration of menstrual bleeding can signal issues like endometriosis or fibroids.
Intense menstrual pain: If every cycle is painful, it could be related to conditions affecting fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) .
Understanding your ovulation: How does it influence your fertility?
Ovulation, the moment when an egg is released from the ovaries, is one of the most important events in the menstrual cycle if you’re trying to conceive. Knowing when it occurs significantly increases the chances of conception, as the egg can only be fertilized within a period of 12 to 24 hours.
There are several ways to identify ovulation:
Basal body temperature: Taking your body temperature upon waking every day can help you identify the temperature rise that occurs after ovulation.
Cervical mucus: During fertile days, cervical mucus changes, becoming clearer, stretchier, and more abundant, which helps sperm mobility.
Ovulation prediction kits: These kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs just before ovulation.
Knowing your fertile window is essential if you’re trying to conceive, as the days leading up to ovulation are the most effective for getting pregnant.
Listening to other body signals
In addition to the menstrual cycle and ovulation, your body may send other signals that are worth paying attention to. Symptoms such as extreme fatigue, unexpected weight gain, or hair loss could indicate hormonal imbalances that affect fertility. Often, these symptoms are ignored or attributed to stress, but if they persist, it’s advisable to consult a specialist for a deeper evaluation.
Detecting fertility problems
early
Being in tune with your body not only helps to increase your chances of pregnancy but can also help detect fertility problems before they become major obstacles. If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year without success (or six months if you’re over 35), it’s important to consult a fertility specialist. Conditions like low ovarian reserve, undiagnosed infections, or problems with the fallopian tubes can affect fertility, and addressing them early is crucial.
Optimize your chances of pregnancy with body awareness
Increasing awareness of your own body and its signals is a powerful tool for those seeking to become mothers. It not only helps improve the chances of conception but also strengthens your connection to your reproductive health. Keeping a journal of your cycle, paying attention to ovulation signals, and listening to your body can make a big difference in your journey to motherhood.
At Ventris, we are here to accompany you every step of the way
At Ventris Fertility Clinic, we understand the importance of body awareness on the path to pregnancy. Our team of experts is ready to help you interpret your body’s signals and offer the best treatment options if needed. We want you to feel empowered on your journey to motherhood! If you have questions about your fertility or would like to start getting to know your cycle better, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Referencias
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Menstrual cycle: What's normal, what's not. Recuperado de https://www.mayoclinic.org.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020). Your menstrual cycle. Recuperado de https://www.acog.org.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Recuperado de https://www.nih.gov.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women's Health. (2022). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recuperado de https://www.womenshealth.gov.
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Basal body temperature and ovulation tracking. Recuperado de https://www.clevelandclinic.org.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). (2021). Understanding fertility awareness. Recuperado de https://www.asrm.org.
WebMD. (2023). Ovulation prediction kits: How they work. Recuperado de https://www.webmd.com.
NHS. (2023). When you ovulate. Recuperado de https://www.nhs.uk.
Hormone Health Network. (2022). Understanding your hormones and fertility. Recuperado de https://www.hormone.org.
European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). (2023). When to see a fertility specialist. Recuperado de https://www.eshre.eu.
Fertility and Sterility. (2021). Reproductive aging and fertility. Recuperado de https://www.fertstert.org.
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