Understanding Ovulation and Becoming Pregnant Easier

Introduction

Infertility is a common problem in the United States. At any one time, infertility strikes approximately 20% of couples. For a couple struggling with infertility, the endless attempts to conceive not only lead to a sense of failure and hopelessness, but it can also affect a marriage. Since approximately 25% of infertile women have problems with ovulation, understanding ovulation and it’s corresponding signs is critical.

Process of Ovulation

Ovulation usually occurs at the menstrual cycle’s midpoint. The average menstrual cycle is usually 28 days long. However, it is not uncommon for a cycle to range between 21 to 35 days. In teenagers, there can be even more variance.

The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and ends the day before the next menstruation. It is divided into three stages: the follicular stage, ovulation, and the luteal phase. The follicular stage begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation.

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus releases Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to produce the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the lutenizing hormone (LH).

During the follicular stage, FSH causes the follicle or immature egg to ripen. While the follicle is ripening, it releases another hormone called estrogen. Estrogen has a two-fold purpose. First, it changes the consistency of cervical mucous. Secondly, it causes the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for a fertilized egg.

After the follicle matures, it secretes estradiol. Estradiol is responsible for the release in LH. The surge in LH breaks down the surface of the follicle and forms a hole or stigma. At this time, ovulation occurs as the most mature follicle is released through the stigma and travels down through the fallopian tube to the uterus where it awaits fertilization. In a 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs on the fourteenth day. After the egg is released, it only lives for a 24-hour period.

The luteal stage begins after ovulation and ends before menstruation unless fertilization occurs. Lasting about 14 days, during this stage, the follicle which released the egg turns into a “yellow body.” The yellow body secretes progesterone. The progesterone prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg by causing the endometrium to thicken and fill with nutrient-rich fluids. If the egg is fertilized, it is implanted on the uterus approximately eight days after fertilization. Upon implantation, the beta human chorionic gonadotropin (b -hCG) hormone is secreted. It maintains the yellow body and the production of estrogen and progesterone. Without estrogen and progesterone, the pregnancy cannot be maintained.

If the egg is not fertilized, the yellow body stops producing hormones and degenerates into a “white body.” Consequently, when the thickened endometrium and nutrient rich fluids are not needed, they are shed through menstruation.

Signs of Ovulation

In addition to understanding the process of ovulation, knowing the signs of ovulation can help you pinpoint the best days for conception. The signs of ovulation are:

• Cervical mucous - During ovulation the cervical mucous is wet, watery, and resembles egg whites. It is also stretchy. With the mucous in between your thumb and forefinger, when you move your fingers apart, it should stretch an inch or more before it breaks.
• Cervix changes - Prior to ovulation, the cervix will be higher, softer, and more open.
• Breast tenderness
• Mittleschmerz - A cramp or pain that occurs on one side of the lower abdomen when the egg is released. This occurs in approximately 20% of the population and usually lasts between six to eight hours. However, in some women, it may last longer.
• Increased sexual desire
• Changes in basal body temperature - After ovulation, the BBT will rise at least 4/10 of a degree. Although the rise in BBT does not tell when ovulation will occur, it does tell you after ovulation has occurred.
• Saliva ferning - One to two days prior to ovulation, estrogen increases the amount of potassium chloride and sialic acid in the saliva. When the saliva is dried upon glass, a unique fern pattern will appear.
• Ovulation kits - measures the surge in LH prior to ovulation

Charting Basal Body Temperature

Charting the basal body temperature (BBT) can help pinpoint ovulation too. The basal body temperature is the body’s temperature at rest. To track BBT, a special BBT thermometer is used. The temperature can either be taken orally or vaginally. However, it is important that it is taken at the same time each morning.

Usually the temperature is taken when a woman first arises in the morning. Since it is a resting temperature, you will want to take your temperature before you even get out of bed. Therefore, by placing the thermometer by the bedside, it will be easier. After taking the temperature, record it. If you arose earlier or later, mark down the time.

At this time, you can also chart the consistency of the cervical mucous. After menstruation, cervical mucous follows this pattern:

• Sticky
• A creamy white like hand lotion
• Clear and stretchy like egg whites

Conclusion

Ovulation is a complex process. Many things can go wrong during the process. However, there are things you can do. By charting your menstrual cycle, basal body temperature, and monitoring the signs of ovulation, you can increase your chances of conceiving and help your doctor diagnose whether there are any ovulatory problems.