How to Recognize the Signs of Fertility

If you are trying to conceive, the first thing you need to learn is how to recognize your fertile time of month. This will help you conceive quicker than leaving it entirely to chance. There are only a few days of optimal fertility each month and determining which your most fertile days are increases the likelihood of conception.

Determining the date of ovulation isn’t always easy. There is a common myth that says ovulation occurs 14 days after the beginning of the cycle. This is not accurate. Actually, ovulation occurs 14 days before the beginning of the next cycle. In theory, if you had an extremely regular 28 day cycle, day 14 should be ovulation day.

However, many women don’t have a cycle this regular. In some cases, the exact length can vary by a couple days from cycle to cycle. This would make determining the date of ovulation more difficult. Fortunately, there are some common changes that occur in the days leading up to ovulation. You can observe these signs in your body to help predict ovulation.

The changes in your body are caused by fluctuating hormone levels around the time of ovulation. These hormones are follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The hormones are responsible for stimulating the production of the egg and causing the egg to be released by the ovaries and begin traveling down the fallopian tubes for conception. For a more in depth discussion of the menstrual cycle and an ovulation calculator: http://www.ovulation-calculator.com/menstrual-cycle.htm
[widget id=”text-464846003″]text-464846003[/widget]

Fertility Signs to Look For

Changes in cervical mucous: The purpose of changes in the cervical mucous is to help transport the sperm to the egg in order for conception to occur. Changes in hormone levels result in changes in the cervical mucous that can be a reliable fertility sign. As ovulation approaches, the mucous becomes

An increase in basal body temperature: This is detected using a basal body temperature (BBT) thermometer. The temperature must be taken at the same time each morning, just after you wake up and before you get out of bed. The readings are then documented on a chart, which shows a pattern in ovulation over time. Some women find charting difficult, but many doctors want you to do it. Here is a good discussion about charting: http://www.fertilityfriend.com/HelpCenter/FFBook/ff_intro.html

Pain or cramping: Some women experience what can best be described as a pinching pain just prior to ovulation. This is caused by the ovary releasing the egg. The pain is generally not severe and many women miss it, particularly if they are trying to conceive for the first time. The pinching sensation is felt in the abdominal area and is restricted to one side of the body, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg that month.

If you want an additional detection method, just visit your local drug store. There are various ovulation prediction products on the market. Most detect hormone levels in either urine or saliva. You will get a color change when ovulation is about to occur. The amount of time you have from the test to ovulation varies according to the product. These kits in combination with recognizing your natural fertility signals will help increase your chance for a successful conception.