How to understand the fertile period. Fertile days: what does it mean. Observation of the nature of the discharge

For women, the ability to bear children is very important. Fertility is a state of the male and female body when the hormonal and reproductive systems of a person work in harmony, ensuring the possibility of fertilization.

Ovulation is an important event in the female body, which becomes the basis of good fertility: the release of the egg from the ovary on ovulatory days and the meeting with the sperm is the beginning of the birth of a new life.

reproductive ability

One of the most important functions in women is the ability to bear children. From the moment the first menstruation arrives, the follicles begin to mature in the girl every month and the eggs ready for fertilization come out. However, not only ovulation forms the reproductive capacity of women. Of great importance for the ability to conceive is the health of the following reproductive organs:

• brain and pituitary gland;
• ovaries;
• the fallopian tubes;
• uterus;
• Cervix;
• vagina.

Fertility is a combination of all body functions, in which pregnancy is possible. If at least one of the parts of the reproductive system does not work properly, then there is a risk of infertility or miscarriage. The following factors are important for good fertility:

• hormonal balance, ensuring the readiness of the female body for conception;
• patency of the fallopian tubes;
• regularly coming critical days and the health of the uterus, as a future fruiting place;
• absence of inflammation or tumor in any of the reproductive organs;
• general condition of the female body.

Many factors can affect fertility in women. This means that any disease or functional deficiency will prevent you from conceiving the desired child. The main reasons for the deterioration of fertility will be the following problems:

• anovulation, when an egg does not come out of the ovary on the set days;
• insufficiency of the corpus luteum with low levels of progesterone in the blood;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland with a change in the level of TSH;
• abnormal concentrations of FSH, LH and prolactin;
• an increase in estradiol in the blood with the occurrence of a pronounced hormonal imbalance;
• an inflammatory process in the fallopian tubes, which will disrupt the patency and cause the impossibility of meeting the egg and sperm;
• benign tumors and diseases of the uterus (endometriosis, fibroids, polyps);
• cystic tumors of the ovaries;
• pathological changes in the uterine cavity (hyperplasia or hypoplasia of the endometrium);
• inflammation in the cervix (cervicitis), which can prevent sperm from reaching the upper womb
• vaginal inflammation.

Fertilization is a state of the female body in which there are no obstacles for the meeting of germ cells. Healthy and active sperm should be in the fallopian tubes on ovulatory days.

The egg must appear on time: ovulation is the most important moment reproductive events in women. If all these events coincide, then the probability of pregnancy increases dramatically.

The appearance of the egg

Ovulation is a condition in the ovary when a dominant follicle is gradually formed within 2 weeks. On ovulatory days, the leading follicle ruptures and the egg ready for fertilization comes out. The following factors are of great importance for ovulation:

• balance of all hormones that regulate reproductive functions among women;
• obligatory release of luteinizing hormone in the middle of the menstrual cycle;
• absence of inflammation and cystic tumors in the ovaries.

If there is ovulation, then conception is possible, but this does not guarantee the onset of pregnancy. This is the main difference between fertility and ovulation: good fertility means that at all stages from the maturation of the egg to the onset of pregnancy, women have no problems, but if there is ovulation, there is no guarantee that dreams will come true.

childbearing function

If conception has occurred, then other problems are possible at the next stage. In the first days of the life of the embryo, the state of the uterus is of great importance, the diseases of which can cause miscarriage. Or hormonal disorders caused by luteal insufficiency. The first days of pregnancy is a time when any functional and anatomical disorders can lead to dangerous problems, both for future mother as well as for the embryo.

The female body is quite complex. But if you want to understand his work, you can. Knowing, for example, that these are fertile days, the fair sex will be able to calculate when she is more likely to become pregnant. Moreover, carrying out calculations is a rather simple process, and in most cases its results turn out to be one hundred percent correct.

What does such a thing as "fertile days" mean in women?

Changes that regularly occur in the female body are associated with the menstrual cycle. It begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts an average of 28 days.

What does it mean - "fertile days"? They arrive a few days before the start. During this period, the probability of conceiving a baby increases several times - the eggs are just ready for fertilization. Its beginning usually falls on the fifth - sixth day before ovulation, and the last one - on the day before the release of the egg.

The fact that you can get pregnant on fertile days is more likely to be explained simply: the life expectancy of spermatozoa is several days, while eggs can only be fertilized for 12-18 hours. The closer to ovulation sexual intercourse occurs, the greater the chance that it will end with the creation of a new life.

Accordingly, knowing not only what fertile days mean, but also knowing how to calculate them, a woman can determine when she and her partner should actively engage in unprotected sex or, on the contrary, make every effort to be “safe”.

What does the definition of fertile days mean in the women's calendar?

The calendar method is considered one of the simplest, but not the most accurate. In order to speak with confidence about the onset of fertile days, it is necessary to conduct observations no less than throughout the year. This is required to determine the average duration of your cycle. And if it is irregular, then there is no point in making calculations - it is very likely that they will be inaccurate.

Ideally, the first fertile day is determined by subtracting 18 from the shortest cycle of the entire time, and the last by subtracting 11 from the duration of the longest cycle.

What is the definition of fertile days of the cycle by secretions?

This method also takes time. Start observing from the last day of your period. Assess the color of cervical mucus and its consistency. Immediately after menstruation, the vagina is drained. During this period, it is very difficult to get pregnant. Over time, thick secretions appear, resembling glue in consistency. The closer ovulation, the more liquid and transparent the mucus becomes. As soon as you notice this, keep in mind - the days favorable for conception are approaching.

What is it - the definition of fertile days by basal body temperature?

Basal is called the body temperature in the anus. Throughout the entire menstrual cycle, it changes slightly. The hormone progesterone is responsible for this phenomenon.

For studies to be reliable, they need to be carried out for several months. It is recommended to measure the temperature lying down, in the morning, with the same thermometer. As a rule, in the period before ovulation, the indicators increase by about 0.2-0.6 degrees. If these values ​​do not change for two to three days, then ovulation has begun. With a regular cycle the received data can calculate the exact dates.

Many people have heard about the existence of such a thing as "fertile days", but they know that this is not all. And women need to know about the onset of fertility, not only if they want to get pregnant, but also in order to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

What days are called fertile

For the female body, the onset of fertile days is characteristic, during which the likelihood of conception increases significantly. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of bleeding, which is the result of the destruction of the mucous membrane and its removal from the uterus.

If it is accessible to explain what fertile days mean, then we can say that this is the period of maximum readiness of the female body for fertilization.

The probability of getting pregnant increases 5-6 days before the onset of ovulation, while the most favorable day for conception is the last of them, that is, the day before the release of the egg.

This is explained quite simply: spermatozoa retain their vital activity for up to 3 days, in some cases even up to 5. The egg cell lives only a few hours, so the closer to ovulation sexual intercourse was carried out, the higher the probability of conception.

How to determine ovulation

It is very good if a woman knows how to determine fertile days, because in this way she can speed up the process of conception and the birth of a baby. Many women keep a menstrual cycle calendar to calculate safe days for unprotected intercourse. This is one of the most common methods used in calculating ovulation because it does not require any money.

Keeping a calendar of fertile days is only suitable for those girls and women who have a regular menstrual cycle. To calculate the days favorable for conception, it is necessary to use the duration of the cycle and the duration of bleeding. As a rule, ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle, for example, if it consists of 28 days, then the most fertile woman becomes approximately on day 14.

But, given the fact that spermatozoa live on average for about 72 hours, the onset of fertility falls on day 11. In addition, under the influence of some external and internal factors on the female body, ovulation can be delayed, sometimes it occurs only on the 20th day.

Thus, it turns out that with a 28-day menstrual cycle a woman can become pregnant from 11 to 20 days. The possibility of changing the length of the cycle and the period of onset of ovulation give reason to consider the maintenance of the calendar of the menstrual cycle as an unreliable way to determine female fertility.

Some women claim that their symptoms help them determine ovulation.

Gynecologists call such main signs of fertility:

• pain in one of the ovaries;
• change in cervical fluid;
• change basal body temperature;
• changes in hormone levels that affect mood and well-being.

It is the presence of these symptoms of fertile days that helps women determine the period when the likelihood of fertilization of the egg is maximized.

Application of the Billings Method

To more accurately calculate fertile days, you should monitor your body for 6–9 months and record the results in a table. This method is called the Billings method, it is based on the study of mucus secreted from the cervix.

Fertility is determined by examining the appearance, consistency and amount of mucus. It is also necessary to take into account the sensations of the woman herself, such as dryness or moisture in the vagina.

If at the end of your period you feel that the vagina is dry, then at this moment you do not have auspicious time for pregnancy. In the case when your selections become transparent and appearance they resemble raw chicken protein, your body has entered a phase of fertile days.

Measurement of basal temperature

Women who want to have a baby calculate their fertile days using the thermal method. This technique consists in the regular measurement of basal body temperature. It is measured in the vagina or rectum immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed and without changing positions (i.e., without turning over).

It is advisable to always use the same thermometer to avoid false readings. One of the conditions for obtaining reliable data is also the observance of the same temperature measurement time. Factors such as alcohol intake, sexual contact, stress, or illness can affect its performance.

The temperature measurement results must be recorded in a table. As soon as you see that the thermometer readings have slightly increased and remain the same for the next three days, then you have started ovulation.

Ovulation Tests

Since all methods for determining female fertility are not always reliable, and the results may have some errors, special tests for ovulation have been developed. These devices are various kinds, with different accuracy and measurement methods. Instructions are included with each test, so you can use it yourself at home.

Translated from Latin, fertilis means "fertile, prolific." A woman's fertility is determined by her ability and readiness to conceive, bear and give birth to a child. In demographic terms, a woman's reproductive age ranges from 15 to 49 years, although social norms and medical guidelines narrow these figures somewhat. This period is set by nature itself. At the same time, how to manage fertility depends primarily on people.

What do fertile days mean

The few days of the monthly cycle that precede and complete ovulation are called fertile days. The most favorable period for fertilization includes the five days preceding and the day of its onset. A woman's ability to on such days is maximum. The period of time consisting of these several days is called the fertile period, or "fertility window".

Ovulation is the state of the female body when the egg, ready for fertilization, leaves the ovarian follicle into the fallopian tube. It is believed that the greatest chance of getting pregnant exists one day before ovulation. At the same time, the viability of spermatozoa in the vagina is several hours, in the cervix - about 5 days. The egg after ovulation retains the ability to fertilize during the day.

The average duration of the female monthly cycle is 28 days, by the middle of the monthly cycle, ovulation occurs.

These data are averaged, quite often there are some deviations in one direction or another. There are several methods for determining fertile days.

calendar method

Suitable for use in case of a regular monthly cycle. You will need to regularly mark the start and end dates of menstruation on the calendar in order to determine the probable ovulation and fertile days by simple calculations. It should be noted that preliminary observation of the menstrual cycle is required for at least six months. According to statistics, the effectiveness of the calendar method is 50-60%.

Here is an algorithm for calculating fertile days (Ogino-Knaus method):

• it is necessary to analyze previous menstrual cycles for several months, determine the duration of the shortest and longest periods;
• subtracting 11 days from the number of days of the longest menstruation, you will get the last fertile day;
• The first day of fertility is determined by subtracting 18 days from the number of days of the shortest period.

In the case of irregular monthly cycles, it is impossible to predict the date of ovulation using such calculations. The calendar method gives very approximate results - therefore, calculation methods must be combined with observations of one's well-being. There are some signs that are characteristic of the onset of ovulation. These may include:

• slight aching pain in the ovaries, tension in the lower abdomen (these sensations accompany the release of the egg from the ovary);
• some women note stomach cramps and;
• the breast becomes more sensitive due to a hormonal surge that prepares the body for a possible pregnancy;
• increased sexual desire - according to statistics, during the ovulatory period, a woman unconsciously changes her behavior and communication style, as well as clothes for more sexy ones. This is due to the subconscious desire of a woman to conceive.

temperature method

It consists in monitoring body temperature during the monthly cycle. The fact is that before ovulation in most women, it rises slightly. Fluctuations range from 0.2 to 0.6°C. It is necessary to measure the basal temperature (in anus) every day at the same time. It is recommended to take measurements in the morning - before you get out of bed. Measurements taken should be recorded daily. With regular monitoring of basal temperature, as well as plotting fluctuations over several cycles, this method is quite informative.

Special ovulation test

These tests are sold in pharmacies, the kit usually contains five strips. It is recommended to start testing 5-6 days before the expected ovulation. The principle of operation is the same as that of pregnancy tests, only it is not chorionic gonadotropin that is subject to detection, but luteinizing hormone. First of all, you need to carefully study the instructions. It is recommended to test every day at about the same time, with a frequency of once or twice a day. You will need to collect urine in a clean container, immerse the test strip in it for a while - and then wait a few minutes before receiving the result. Before ovulation, there is a sharp release of luteinizing hormone, which is successfully tracked using this test. Positive result confirms the extremely high fertility immediately at the time of the test, that is, the complete readiness of the woman to conceive in the next day. The effectiveness of this test in planning pregnancy is quite high.

Determination of the fertile period by the nature of the discharge

Some women have successfully used the vaginal observation method. The cervix produces a special secret, the so-called cervical mucus, to maintain the viability of spermatozoa in the genital tract. With the onset of ovulation, the characteristics of the secretion produced (consistency and amount of secretions) change significantly.

During the monthly cycle of a woman, the following changes in the state of the cervical (cervical) mucus are observed:

• "Dry" days - this period begins after the end of menstrual bleeding, lasting several days. At this time, the discharge is visually absent, the vaginal mucosa is dry to the touch;
• further, with the approach of ovulation, sticky, sticky transparent discharge is observed - fertile days begin;
• discharge appears in the form of viscous viscous mucus, resembling raw egg white, which indicates the achievement the highest level fertility - the proximity of the arrival of ovulation, as well as its onset.

This method is easy to use and does not side effects. The disadvantages include: rather high error, low contraceptive effect. In some diseases, accompanied by a change in the nature of vaginal discharge, this method is ineffective.

There are a fairly large number of signs of the onset of fertile days, as well as methods for tracking them. Knowing your physiology - in particular, the signs of the onset of fertile days, will help you control the time favorable for conception - or avoid unwanted pregnancy if it is not included in your plans.

Any woman who wants to get pregnant, or, conversely, seeks to avoid it, should know the capabilities of her body. Many of the fair sex have an idea about the calendar method of pregnancy planning, but far fewer women are familiar with the term fertile days.

What is fertility, fertile period, fertile days

Fertility is the ability to get pregnant and have a healthy baby.

Fertile days (period) are a few days in the menstrual cycle that occur before ovulation and immediately on this day. The maximum chances of conception fall 5 days before ovulation, as well as on the day of its onset. It is this period of time that is fertility.

Ovulation is the moment when a mature egg is released from the ovarian follicle into the fallopian tube and its further advancement to the uterus. According to doctors, the greatest chances of pregnancy are the day before ovulation. At the same time, spermatozoa can live in the vagina for several hours, and in the uterus for about 5 days. After the onset of ovulation, the egg has a day for fertilization.

The menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days, and ovulation occurs in the middle of it.

Such a calculation is averaged, as a rule, a woman has individual deviations in the cycle.

Fertility age

Nature is conceived in such a way that a person is ready for offspring only in a certain life period. In men, the reproductive function is preserved until old age, while in women this period is not so long. The fair sex can become pregnant and bear the baby only until the onset of menopause.

Fertility in women persists on average between the ages of 15 and 49 years. Therefore, you should not postpone pregnancy for a long time, as in young age more favorable prognosis for conception.

How to calculate fertile days for a woman

The menstrual cycle varies in duration for different women. An individual calculation of the fertile period allows you to more accurately know the day of ovulation, which significantly increases the chances of conception. Fertility in women can be calculated in several ways.

The calendar method consists in maintaining a calendar of the fertile period. In this case, it is necessary to mark the date of the first and last days of menstruation, as well as the middle of the cycle. It is at this time, as a rule, that ovulation occurs. A significant drawback of this calculation method is that it is only suitable for those who have a stable menstrual cycle. If the duration of the cycle is variable, then it is almost impossible to calculate the fertile period by this method.

The calendar method for determining fertile days is effective by no more than 60%.

The fair sex, who carefully listens to her body, notices that some changes occur in it with a certain frequency. Thanks to such observation, fertile days can be recognized. During this period, the nature and volume of vaginal mucus changes. During the fertile period, it becomes more abundant, and outwardly similar to egg white.

This is due to the fact that the woman's body is rebuilt for the most favorable time for conception. At the same time, fertility can also manifest itself with other symptoms: pulling pain in the lower abdomen and increased sensitivity of the mammary glands.

If such symptoms are not typical for a woman in each cycle, then this may indicate the presence of an infection.

The fertile period can also be calculated by measuring the basal temperature. The method consists in regularly measuring the basal temperature in the rectum or vagina. This should be done in the morning immediately after sleep, without turning over. Also, for the reliability of the results obtained, it is better to use the same thermometer all the time.

It is important when using this method and measuring basal temperature at the same time. Its value can be influenced by sex, drinking, any disease or nervous shock. Data of daily measurements must be entered in the table. The fertile period begins with a slight rise in basal body temperature, which remains at this level for several days. At this time, ovulation occurs.

Fertile days can also be determined using a special test that is sold in pharmacies. They should be started approximately 5 days before the expected moment of ovulation. Such a test works similarly to a pregnancy test, and luteinizing hormone is detected.

Before using the ovulation test, read the instructions that come with it. Testing is carried out daily at the same time once or twice a day. It is necessary to collect urine in a clean container and place a test strip in it for a certain time. Just before ovulation, the amount of luteinizing hormone rises sharply, which is what the test tracks.

A positive test result indicates that fertility is now high, that is, the female body is ready for fertilization.

What can cause fertility

Factors that affect fertility, doctors include: a woman's age over 30 years, overweight, abnormal development of the egg, genital tract infections, inflammatory processes and other causes. It is desirable that in case of infertility a woman is examined not only by a gynecologist, but also by an endocrinologist and a nutritionist.

Normal fertility is greatly influenced by the lifestyle that a woman leads. She needs to fully eat, get enough sleep, observe all the rules of personal hygiene, and not enter into casual intimate relationships. Being healthy is necessary not only for the sake of conception, but also in order to endure a healthy baby. To plan a pregnancy, you need to understand what fertile days are and learn how to calculate them.

Fertile days and ovulation may be absent. The following factors influence this: a failure in the hormonal background or a deterioration in the functioning of the thyroid gland. Natural violations include the lactation period - breastfeeding the baby. Since the list of root causes is not small, you need to consult a doctor to find out.

How to increase fertility in women?

It would seem that you need to conceive? If there is a sexual partner, then pregnancy will not be long in coming. But, unfortunately, not everything is as simple as we would like. The hormonal background of the female body is constantly undergoing various changes. This is what causes frequent mood swings. Even slight increased nervous excitement can affect a woman's ability to become pregnant.

Here are some tips that we hope will come in handy if you want to increase your fertility:

1. Watch your kilos. Both an excess amount of fat, and its lack, negatively affect ovulation. With an increased number of fat cells, the body turns on the production of hormones that prevent the normal functioning of the ovaries. And the lack of fat, on the contrary, inhibits the process of producing the necessary hormones that are directly related to this process. As a result of such changes, the periodicity of the menstrual cycle is disturbed, and with it the regularity of the onset of ovulation. Control excess weight physical activity will help. But you have to be careful not to overdo it here. Very often, professional athletes experience irregularities in the monthly cycle. This happens from an overstrain of the body, due to which there is a failure in the hormonal background.
2. Eat right. For women's health, an important role belongs to a balanced and proper nutrition. female body foods rich in protein, iron, zinc and vitamin C are needed. Their deficiency delays the onset of menstruation, therefore, ovulation occurs less frequently. By the way, athletes often suffer from a lack of zinc. A sufficient amount of animal protein is found in meat, eggs, fish and dairy products. Vegetarians can be advised to eat legumes with rice, as well as the inclusion of soy products in the diet.
3. Give up cigarettes. It has long been proven that smoking ages the body of a woman. Chemical substances contained in a cigarette, damage some functions of the reproductive system. If we consider the ovaries of a 30-year-old woman who smokes, their functional capacity is comparable to that of a 40-year-old woman's ovaries. This indicates an early extinction of the body. But if a woman quits smoking, then she will have every chance to restore some of the functions of the reproductive system.
4. Watch your cycle time. The norm is considered to be an interval of 25-35 days. If the gap between periods is longer, for example, 42 days, then ovulation will occur according to the cycle. To calculate your fertile days and plan for conception, you need to calculate the day of ovulation. It is considered the most fertile day of the cycle. The days preceding the beginning of the process are also favorable for conception. Fertile are 4-5 days before the release of the egg from the ovary. After the end of the process, the probability of conception is reduced to zero. Usually, for an approximate calculation of the day of ovulation, the duration of the cycle is divided in half. Suppose if the cycle is 28 calendar days, then the probable day of ovulation will be on the 14th day from the onset of bleeding. But since you need an accurate calculation, you should use a special test that shows the days of approaching ovulation. Such a test is sold in all pharmacies. Another way is to measure your basal body temperature daily.
5. Keep calm. Danish scientists conducted research and came to the conclusion that during psychological stress, hormonal background becomes similar to the one that the body experiences with increased physical exertion. You need to teach yourself to get out of this state using the methods of meditation, relaxation or yoga. Swimming is a great way to relieve stress. It’s good to remember your hobbies, which can replace going to a psychotherapist.
6. Eliminate alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages change the level of the hormone estrogen in the blood. It is he who is responsible for the fertility of a woman and the ability to maintain pregnancy for early dates. Insufficient levels of estrogen prevent implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity. However, according to scientists, one glass of wine at dinner will not harm a woman's health and her reproductive ability. You should also pay attention to drinks that contain caffeine. American OB-GYNs believe that more than 2 cups of black coffee a day contributes to miscarriage. Therefore, in order to endure and give birth to a healthy child, alcohol and coffee should be abandoned.
7. Take the initiative in intimate life. It has long been proven that menstrual irregularities most often occur in women who do not live a regular sexual life.
8. Avoid douching. In the vagina there is a special microflora that performs a protective function. During douching, this layer is washed off and there is a risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.