If conception occurs during ovulation. Signs of ovulation and pregnancy

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In healthy women, ovulation occurs regularly. How to find out if conception occurred after ovulation? Neither a pregnancy test nor an ultrasound will give any result immediately after ovulation because hCG is not produced during the pre-implantation period. Once the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall and hormone secretion begins, a test can be done. Until this moment, a woman can record the initial signs of pregnancy, which are not always objective.

Favorable period for conception

Is it possible to get pregnant before or after ovulation? The maximum chance of conception exists on the day of ovulation. The favorable time after it is calculated in hours and averages less than a day. This is explained by the fact that the oocyte lives only 12-24 hours. The potentially dangerous period is about 8 days (7 days before the oocyte is released and 1 day after it), since sperm live from 2 to 7 days. That is, they can penetrate the tubes even before ovulation and wait for the egg there. In this case, conception occurs on the day the oocyte is released.

Ovulation

To calculate ovulation, you need to divide the average cycle length by two; the error is three days in both directions. This method is not very accurate because ovulation may occur earlier or later than the middle of the cycle. A test for LH (luteinizing hormone) in the urine can accurately determine the yield of the oocyte. An increase in LH levels indicates approaching ovulation. The test allows you to find out about ovulation a day before its onset with an accuracy of 99%.

Signs of pregnancy

Specific signs signaling a change in hormonal levels will help you understand that conception has occurred. Preimplantation symptoms of conception and fertilization are not reliable, but sometimes accurately indicate the presence of pregnancy.

Bloody issues

Minor spotting that appears after ovulation may indicate conception; this is implantation bleeding that accompanies the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. This discharge is often mistaken for the beginning of menstruation. But we cannot ignore the bleeding that appears repeatedly throughout the day or more. This could mean an impending miscarriage, a condition that requires medical attention.

Bloating

Long before toxicosis occurs, a woman may complain of increased gas formation and bloating. These symptoms can be considered a sign of pregnancy if they occur towards the end of the cycle.

Some note intolerance to certain foods and smells, unusual food preferences. These phenomena disappear over time, but having become pregnant for the second time, the woman already clearly knows what the occurrence of these symptoms indicates.

Abdominal cramps

Also, many women indicate such signs of pregnancy as heaviness in the lower abdomen and cramps, sometimes tingling and nagging pain. These symptoms may also indicate increased uterine tone, so if they continue for a week, you should consult a specialist.

Changes in the mammary glands

Soreness, enlargement and engorgement of the breast, enlargement and darkening of the areolas are the main signs that conception has occurred. These phenomena occur before menstruation, but at the beginning of pregnancy they are more pronounced and can last longer. A woman may also notice light discharge from the nipples; this is when the mammary glands begin to produce colostrum.

High basal temperature

If fertilization has occurred, then the elevated basal temperature should remain throughout the second half of the cycle. Sometimes the sensations when an egg is released are mistaken for the onset of fertilization, since the symptoms that occur during ovulation are similar to signs of conception. It is safer not to rely on subjective feelings, but to wait until the 10th day of the expected pregnancy and conduct a test.

After fertilization, basal temperature rises. If the thermometer shows 37 degrees, this allows us to conclude that pregnancy is possible even before the delay. After ovulation and fertilization occur, increased production of progesterone begins. It is he who gives the increase to 37 degrees.

Normal temperature after fertilization is an unfavorable prognostic sign and indicates a lack of progesterone. This condition poses a risk of miscarriage and requires treatment.

Fatigue

The initial signs of pregnancy include increased fatigue, sleepiness and a constant feeling of malaise, which is caused by hormonal changes. After ovulation and conception, the body adapts to its new state and provides protection to the embryo. If pregnancy occurs after ovulation, immunity is automatically reduced so that the mother’s body does not reject the embryo, which it perceives as a foreign body.

Irritability
An informative sign of pregnancy is severe irritability and emotional lability, which is also a reaction to hormonal changes occurring in the body. If a woman is nervous and irritated for any reason, then this may indicate that conception has occurred.

Increased PMS symptoms

Unpleasant sensations after ovulation and conception may resemble discomfort before the onset of menstruation. They are evidence of the onset of pregnancy. Severe and prolonged pain may indicate abnormal attachment of the egg, so if it continues for more than 14 days, then you should visit a doctor.

Stomach ache

In the first days after conception, mild pain in the sacrum and discomfort in the lower abdomen sometimes occur. More severe pain occurs with a threatened miscarriage or ectopic implantation, in addition to bleeding.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction

Sometimes the first signs of conception after ovulation are associated with dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. If more than a week has passed since the estimated moment of conception, the woman may experience the following symptoms:

• nausea, urge to vomit;
• heartburn;
• increased gas formation;
• heaviness in the stomach;
• perversion of taste.

These symptoms occur when conception occurs after ovulation and the egg is implanted into the uterus. Before this happens, the hormonal levels remain at the same level and any changes in the functions of the gastrointestinal tract are not informative.

Cystitis

The early stages of fetal development in many women are accompanied by inflammation of the bladder. The reason for this phenomenon is not so much that the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder (it is still no larger than a chicken egg), but rather hormonal changes in the body. The immune defense is weakened, as a result, the infection penetrates into the urinary organs and cystitis develops. Problems of this nature can haunt a woman throughout her pregnancy. Treatment is carried out with antibacterial drugs that do not have a negative effect on the fetus.

Signs of conception by day

For the fusion of gametes, a full-fledged egg must be released from the follicle. A mature cell is capable of fertilization and subsequent division. On what day after ovulation does conception and fertilization occur? Most often, on the same day, the life of the egg is short - about 12-24 hours.

First day

Sperm must travel a certain distance to enter the fallopian tube, where the egg awaits them. This process takes about 2-6 hours. After the struggle, the sperm penetrates inside and fertilization occurs. In most cases, there are no signs of conception after ovulation before implantation. A woman does not feel anything on the 1st day of pregnancy.
Second day
The immune system perceives the fertilized egg as a foreign body, therefore, on the 2nd day of pregnancy, the production of antibodies begins, the so-called immune attack. This makes the expectant mother feel tired and overwhelmed. In addition, on the second day, changes in taste preferences, bloating and nausea may occur, as well as signs of egg fertilization such as engorgement and tenderness of the mammary glands.

The third day

The first few days, including the 3rd day of embryo development, occur in the fallopian tube. A woman may lose her appetite, experience nausea and dizziness. Starting from the third day, the woman’s body begins to rebuild and prepare for implantation.

Fourth day

On the 4th day after the fusion of gametes, thanks to the peristalsis of the tubes, the embryo enters the uterus. Signs of pregnancy on this day: increased gas formation, bloating. Sensation of a foreign body in the abdomen.

Fifth day

Implantation means the process of attachment of the embryo to the uterine mucosa, which occurs from 5 to 9 days from the moment of fertilization and lasts about 40 hours. If the embryo does not move into the uterine cavity, but continues to develop in the tube, then an ectopic pregnancy is formed. On the 5th day after the fusion of gametes, the temperature may rise, dizziness and chills may occur. A woman feels like she has a cold.

Sixth day

On day 6, there is an increase in basal temperature, which must be measured without getting out of bed in the morning. A nagging pain is felt in the lower abdomen, as before the onset of menstruation.

Seventh day

A sign of pregnancy on day 7 is: slight light brown or pink discharge. They can occur between the fifth and seventh day after gamete fusion, corresponding to embryo implantation.

Eighth day

The beginning of the second week of embryonic development corresponds to the first critical period of formation. During this period of time, teratogenic factors lead to the death of the embryo. But if he survives, then he does not have any developmental defects. On the 8th day there is a feeling of constant fatigue, headaches and dizziness. The expectant mother looks pale.

Ninth day

The embryo, which is at the stage of crushing, reaches the uterus and begins to sink into the mucous membrane. This sometimes causes minor implantation bleeding. Until day 9, signs of pregnancy are very scant and similar. Due to the fact that hormonal levels begin to change, the expectant mother feels very tired, so on the 9th day after the fusion of the gametes, the woman feels drowsy.

Tenth day

On the 10th day, the embryo is finally implanted into the uterine mucosa. Now you can determine the presence of gonadotropic hormone in the blood. A biochemical blood test, which can be done from this day on, objectively confirms the onset of pregnancy. After day 10, you can use a highly sensitive test.

Eleventh day

For most women, the approach of menstruation is accompanied by some characteristic sensations: mood lability, nagging pain in the back or lower back, migraine, engorgement and breast enlargement. And if on the 11th day these signs are absent, then it is possible that you should no longer wait for your period.

Twelfth day

On the 12th day of embryonic development, dyspeptic symptoms may appear: changes in taste, nausea, vomiting, and aversion to certain odors. These symptoms of fertilization occur in the vast majority of expectant mothers. At this time, the body itself can tell you what it needs for the proper formation of the fetus, so women note a change in taste preferences. They may be attracted to those foods that seemed tasteless to them before pregnancy, and their previously favorite dishes may cause disgust.

Thirteenth day

Changes in the mammary glands begin to occur immediately after conception, parallel to the processes occurring in the uterus. On the 13th day of pregnancy, a common sign of fertilization is discomfort in the mammary glands, and in some cases even slight discharge from them. The body is preparing for breastfeeding; the result of changes may be darkening and swelling of the areola around the nipples.

Sixteenth day

From the 16th day of pregnancy, a neural plate is formed in the embryo, the ends of which connect and form a tube. This is how the nervous system begins. After this, the skeletal system of the embryo is formed.

Carrying out the test

How to find out whether conception has occurred and whether pregnancy has occurred after ovulation? The accuracy of the test results depends on the timing of the test. In order for it to detect pregnancy before the onset of menstruation, you need to purchase a test with high sensitivity. Some products are able to show hCG concentrations starting from 10 mU/ml and record fertilization already on the 10th day. The second type of test is less sensitive and notes the presence of hCG only from 15-25 mU/ml, that is, after the first day of a missed period.

It often happens that conception occurs, but the test is negative. One of the reasons for this phenomenon may be non-compliance with the correct sequence of the test specified in the instructions. The objectivity of the study can also be affected by drinking too much liquid and conducting the test in the evening, which affects the concentration of the hormone in the urine.

If the second strip is poorly visualized, it is recommended to conduct secondary testing after a few days. Sometimes hCG increases slowly, and the test will record a false negative result up to 3 weeks after the fusion of gametes. In this case, a woman can focus on subjective signs of pregnancy. Learn more about the early symptoms of fertilization in the video:

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You can find a lot of information on the Internet about which day is best to plan for a child. Women describe in detail how best to prepare for conceiving a child. However, in most cases, the likelihood of becoming pregnant depends on natural factors, such as the menstrual cycle and the time of ovulation. Is it possible to get pregnant on the day of ovulation? The answer to this question will be discussed in the article.

Possibility of conception on the day of ovulation

Ovulation occurs when the female reproductive cell matures and leaves the follicle. This period appears approximately 14-15 days after the start of menstruation. On the day of maturation, the egg ruptures and leaves the ovary.

A mature egg has no more than a day to become fertilized. In rare cases, double ovulation is diagnosed, i.e. when 2 mature cells leave the ovary with a time interval of 2 days.

You can get pregnant during ovulation. Therefore, every woman planning a child must learn to determine the beginning of this period.

In women in this position, egg maturation does not occur. This is due to the fact that the reproductive organ is already occupied and does not need mature cells for fertilization.

Cell maturation occurs irregularly in some women. The incorrect structure of the egg itself or its absence causes anovulation. In this case, the woman has no chance of becoming pregnant. The disorder occurs even with a regular menstrual cycle.

Anovulation is divided into:

Physiological when egg maturation does not occur for natural reasons. The condition does not require drug treatment and goes away on its own after a certain period of time. Physiological anovulation manifests itself:

• when carrying a child;
• after childbirth;
• during breastfeeding;
• during menopause;
• during the period of menstrual rest (a woman can go through several cycles without egg maturation);
• while taking COCs, which are aimed at suppressing ovulation.

Pathological. The condition develops due to various disorders in the woman’s body:

• diabetes mellitus;
• abnormalities in the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system and their damage;
• excess body weight;
• neurological abnormalities;
• inflammatory diseases of the fallopian tubes and appendages;
• liver failure.

With timely treatment of these pathologies, reproductive function can be restored.

A woman can independently determine the onset of ovulation by measuring basal temperature or by symptoms. During the period of egg maturation, some women feel slight discomfort in the lower abdomen. This condition is associated with the rupture of the follicle and the release of a mature cell from it. At this time, sexual desire also increases. It should be immediately noted that based on the listed signs it is impossible to identify with 100% probability the optimal time for conceiving a child.

A reliable way to determine the onset of ovulation is to measure your basal temperature daily. Normally, this figure is 36.9-37.1 degrees. During the period of egg maturation, the indicator rises to 37.5-37.7 degrees. If cell fertilization does not occur, the indicator returns to its original values. When pregnancy occurs, the rectal temperature remains elevated.

A woman who keeps a diary of measuring her basal temperature can accurately determine the best time to conceive a child. But the rule only works if the woman has a regular menstrual cycle.

There is another way to determine the optimal time for pregnancy - measuring LH in urine using test strips. Before the egg matures, a pink stripe appears on the test; the closer the ovulation phase is, the brighter the color of the stripe becomes.

Probability of conception

Is it always possible to get pregnant while the egg is maturing? According to statistics, the probability of conception on the day of ovulation is 33%. A mature egg lives no more than 24 hours and during this time spermatozoa that remain active must have time to fertilize it.

Before and after ovulation, the likelihood of successfully conceiving a child will decrease.

The egg is fertilized not only during ovulation. The table shows the probability of conception depending on the time of egg maturation

After this phase, conception is also technically possible. The main condition for this is that the egg retains its viability.

Factors that reduce the chance of conception

Why couldn't I get pregnant on the day of ovulation? The likelihood of pregnancy largely depends on the health status of both partners. Among the negative factors affecting a woman’s ability to get pregnant, the following should be noted:

1. Incorrect calculation of the optimal period. Not all women have an egg mature exactly 2 weeks after the start of menstruation. This period often deviates up or down. There may be no ovulation at all, even with menstruation.
2. Hormonal disorders in the body. The pathology can be caused by long-term use of certain medications (oral contraceptives) or stressful situations.
3. Abnormal structures of the uterus or other organs of the reproductive system. The defect most often occurs due to hereditary predisposition.
4. Dysfunction of the ovaries, as a result of which the germ cells do not have time to mature. The condition most often manifests itself in adolescence, when a girl experiences an unstable menstrual cycle.
5. Low sperm motility in men. The partner can have the sperm checked for quality characteristics by a specialist and undergo the necessary tests.
6. Abortions performed on a woman in the past. During the intervention, the endometrium of the uterus is damaged, which reduces the likelihood of successful attachment of the fertilized egg to the walls of the reproductive organ.
7. A woman's use of alcohol and drugs.
8. Immunological incompatibility between men and women.

The likelihood of successful conception is affected by the age of the partners. The older a woman is, the less likely she is to get pregnant quickly. As men age, sperm lose their motor ability.

Factors that increase the chance of pregnancy

Certain factors can increase your chance of getting pregnant during ovulation. It is believed that you can get pregnant faster if you abstain from sexual intercourse for a while. Indeed, in this case, the concentration of sperm in the biological fluid will increase.

During ovulation, a woman is advised to avoid consuming caffeine-containing drinks and nicotine, since these products negatively affect the contractility of the fallopian tubes and contribute to changes in the ratio of sex hormones in the body. Preference is given to fruits, vegetables and products containing folic acid - peanuts, cheese, milk powder.

During sexual intercourse, it is advisable to avoid using lubricant. The components included in the gel prevent sperm from freely penetrating the fallopian tubes.

Certain positions during sexual intercourse can increase the likelihood of conceiving a child. For example, when a woman lies on her back with her legs thrown up. For ladies with a curved uterus, poses in which the man is behind are more suitable.

Often, the process of conceiving a child is hampered by a woman’s stress due to the inability to get pregnant. In this case, the lady is recommended to “free” her head from negative thoughts and spend some time in a calm environment.

The chance of getting pregnant during ovulation the first time is 33%. A woman can determine the optimal moment of conception by measuring rectal temperature or special test strips sold in pharmacies.

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What is ovulation? How not to miss a good moment for conception? Everything is very simple - we focus on the signs and symptoms of ovulation, use basal temperature, an ovulation test and folk remedies - and pregnancy is in our pocket!

Ovulation: what is it?

Ovulation(from the Latin ovum - egg) is one of the stages of the menstrual cycle, which is the process of rupture of a mature follicle with the release of a mature egg capable of fertilization from the ovary into the abdominal cavity.

The process of ovulation is controlled by the hypothalamus by regulating (via gonadotropin-releasing hormone) the release of hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland: LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). In the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle before ovulation, the ovarian follicle grows under the influence of FSH. When the follicle reaches a certain size and functional activity, under the influence of estrogens secreted by the follicle, an ovulatory LH peak is formed, which triggers the “maturation” of the egg. After maturation, a gap is formed in the follicle through which the egg leaves the follicle - this is ovulation. There is approximately 36 to 48 hours between the ovulatory LH peak and ovulation. During the corpus luteum phase after ovulation, the egg usually moves down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If fertilization of the egg occurs during ovulation, then on days 6-12 the zygote enters the uterine cavity and the implantation process occurs. If conception does not occur, the egg dies in the fallopian tube within 12-24 hours.

Ovulation and conception

When does ovulation occur?

Average Ovulation occurs on the fourteenth day of the menstrual cycle(with a 28-day cycle). However, deviation from the average is often observed and to a certain extent is the norm. The length of the menstrual cycle itself is not a reliable source of information about the day of ovulation. Although usually with a shorter cycle ovulation occurs earlier, and with a longer cycle - later.

The ovulation rhythm, which is constant for every woman, undergoes changes within 3 months after an abortion, within a year after childbirth, and also after 40 years, when the body prepares for the premenopausal period. Physiologically, ovulation stops with the onset of pregnancy and after the cessation of menstrual function.

How does ovulation and conception occur?

The female body is endowed with two ovaries, located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce hormones, the most famous of which are estrogen and progesterone.

The ovaries contain eggs even at the stage of intrauterine development of a girl. There are hundreds of thousands of eggs in a newborn's two ovaries. True, all of them are inactive until the onset of puberty and the first ovulation, that is, until about 12 years of age. During this time, a certain number of cells die, but 300,000 - 400,000 full-fledged eggs remain. From the moment of the first ovulation until the onset of menopause, a woman will experience from 300 to 400 menstrual cycles, as a result of which the same number of oocytes will mature and can become fertilized. During the menstrual cycle, one of many eggs matures in the ovaries.

Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of the pituitary gland, an endocrine gland on the lower surface of the brain, the follicle (sac) with the egg selected for ovulation in a given cycle begins to grow. The diameter of the follicle at the beginning of the cycle does not exceed 1 mm, and after 2 weeks it reaches 20 mm. As the follicle grows, a bulge forms on the surface of the ovary, which by the middle of the cycle increases to the size of a grape. Inside the follicle there is fluid and a small nucleolus with a diameter of 0.1 mm.

The period of maturation of the egg until its release from the ovary can last from 8 days to a month, although on average it lasts about 2 weeks. The main factor influencing the duration of this process is the time it takes the body to reach its estrogen threshold. High levels of estrogen stimulate a sharp increase in the content of luteal stimulating hormone (LH), which causes the egg to break through the ovarian wall within one to two days after a sharp rise in its level. Midway through the cycle, approximately 12 days after the start of menstruation, the pituitary gland releases large amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH), and ovulation occurs approximately 36 hours later.

Chromosomes located in the nucleus of cells are carriers of the genetic code. The purpose of fertilization is the fusion of two sex cells (gametes) originating from individuals of different sexes. All cells of the human body contain 46 chromosomes. Therefore, two gametes must form a new cell, which also contains 46 chromosomes. A simple addition would result in 92 chromosomes, but this would lead to a biological error, the consequence of which would be the termination of the race. Consequently, each partner must halve its number of chromosomes (to 23). In the egg, a reduction in the number of chromosomes occurs after the pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone several hours before ovulation. For such a transformation, 20 - 36 hours are enough for her. Preparing itself to receive a sperm, the egg pushes half of its chromosomes to the periphery, into a small sac called the first polar body. The meeting with the sperm must occur at a strictly defined time. If this happens earlier, the egg will not be ready to receive the sperm, since it will not have time to divide its chromosomes; if - later, then she risks missing the period of maximum readiness for fertilization.

Next 14 days after ovulation, the second part of the cycle, take place in preparation for conception of the uterine mucosa. All preparation is in vain if conception does not occur, and its biological consequences will pass along with menstrual bleeding. But in one of the ovaries a new egg is already preparing for ovulation.

What happens after ovulation during conception?

The egg released from the follicle, having reduced the chromosomes, enters the fallopian tubes, which are connected to the ovary with their soft fimbriae. The fringes resemble an open flower at the end of the stem. And its living petals capture the egg as it moves. The fusion of the egg and sperm usually occurs in the fallopian tube itself.

The fallopian tube is a cylindrical muscular organ; inside it is lined with a mucous membrane covered with villi and containing glands that produce secretions. This structure facilitates the movement of the egg and (if fertilization has occurred) the embryo into the uterus.

To fertilize an egg, sperm must enter the body at approximately the same time that the egg leaves the follicle. This may seem easy to achieve, but the egg only lives for 24 hours or less after ovulation, and the sperm remains capable of fertilizing it for only a few days. Thus, sexual intercourse must happen at your most opportune time if you want to get pregnant.

Thus, ovulation period– the most successful period for conceiving a child. In this regard, it is important to be able to determine when does ovulation occur. You can do this yourself at home, for example, by measuring your basal temperature. Special devices have also been developed (for example, ClearPlan Easy Fertility Monitor), which, based on the hormone content in urine analysis, can more accurately determine the moment of ovulation: ovulation tests. More accurate determinations can be made in a clinical setting, for example, by ultrasound monitoring the growth and development of the follicle and determining the moment of its rupture.

When planning conception naturally, the procedure of in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination, one of the most important points is the moment of ovulation itself.

Symptoms of ovulation:

How to determine ovulation?

Symptoms of ovulation that a woman can notice without a doctor:

• short-term pain in the lower abdomen,
• increased sexual desire.

During a gynecological examination during ovulation, an increase in the amount of mucus secreted from the cervical canal is observed. In addition, sometimes they use the stretchability and transparency of mucus, and also observe its crystallization, which can be done using a special microscope for home use.

The next most accurate method for determining ovulation is measuring basal temperature. An increase in mucous discharge from the vagina and a decrease in rectal (basal) temperature on the day of ovulation with an increase the next day most likely indicates ovulation. The basal temperature chart reflects the temperature effect of progesterone and indirectly (but quite accurately) allows you to determine the fact and day of ovulation.

All of these listed signs of ovulation and methods for determining it provide only approximate results.

Signs of ovulation, which are stated by the doctor:

How to accurately recognize ovulation?
There are methods that help to absolutely determine the moment of ovulation:

Ultrasound observation (ultrasound) of the growth and development of the follicle and determination of the moment of its rupture (ovulation), see photo. Ultrasound monitoring of follicle maturation is the most accurate method for determining ovulation. After the end of menstruation, approximately on the 7th day of the cycle, the gynecologist performs an ultrasound using a vaginal sensor. After this, the procedure should be carried out every 2-3 days to monitor the preparation of the endometrium. Thus, it is possible to predict the date of ovulation.

dynamic determination of luteinizing hormone (LH level) in urine. This method is simpler and can be applied at home using ovulation tests. Ovulation tests begin to be carried out 2 times a day, 5 - 6 days before expected ovulation, strictly following the instructions.

Ovulation test at home

Home ovulation tests work by detecting a rapid rise in the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine. A small amount of LH is always present in the urine, but 24-36 hours before ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), its concentration increases sharply.

Using Ovulation Tests

On what day should testing begin? This day depends on the length of your cycle. The first day of the cycle is the day when menstruation began. Cycle length is the number of days that have passed from the first day of the last menstruation to the first day of the next.

If you have a regular cycle, then you need to start taking tests ~17 days before the start of your next menstruation, since the corpus luteum phase after ovulation lasts 12-16 days (on average, usually 14). For example, if the usual length of your cycle is 28 days, then testing should begin on the 11th day, and if 35, then on the 18th.

If your cycle lengths vary, choose the shortest cycle in the last 6 months and use its length to calculate the day to start testing. If your cycles are very inconsistent and there are delays of a month or more, using tests without additional monitoring of ovulation and follicles is not reasonable due to their high cost (using tests every few days can miss ovulation, and using these tests every day is not worth it ).

When used daily or 2 times a day (morning and evening), these tests give good results, especially when combined with ultrasound. With simultaneous monitoring by ultrasound, you can not waste tests, but wait until the follicle reaches approximately 18-20 mm, when it is able to ovulate. Then you can start doing tests every day.

Performing an ovulation test

You can take an ovulation test at any time of the day, but you should stick to the same test time whenever possible. You should refrain from urinating for at least 4 hours before the test. Avoid excess fluid intake before testing, as this may reduce the amount of LH in the urine and reduce the reliability of the result.

Determining ovulation using test strips: place the test strip in a jar of urine up to the line indicated on the test for 5 seconds, place it on a clean, dry surface, and watch the result after 10-20 seconds.

Determining ovulation using a test device: Holding the tip of the absorbent pointing down, place it under a stream of urine for 5 seconds. You can also collect the urine in a clean, dry container and place the absorbent in the urine for 20 seconds. Keep the tip of the absorbent pointing downwards and remove the absorbent from the urine. Now you can put the cap back on. The result can be seen in 3 minutes.

Ovulation test results

Results of determining ovulation using a test strip: 1 strip means that an increase in LH levels has not yet occurred, repeat the test after 24 hours. 2 stripes - an increase in LH levels is recorded, the intensity of the strip next to the control one indicates the amount of the hormone. Ovulation is possible when the stripe intensity is the same as the control or brighter.

Results of determining ovulation using a test device: Look at the result window and compare the result line on the left near the arrow on the body of the stick with the control line on the right. The line closest to the arrow on the body is the result line, which shows the level of LH in the urine. Further to the right of the arrow on the body of the stick there is a control line. The control line is used for comparison with the result line. The control line always appears in the window if the test was carried out correctly.

If the result line is paler than the control line, the LH surge has not yet occurred and testing should be continued daily. If the result line is the same or darker than the control line, then the release of the hormone in the ear has occurred, and within 24-36 hours you will ovulate.

The most suitable 2 days for conception begin from the moment when you determine that the LH surge has already occurred. If sexual intercourse occurs within the next 48 hours, your chance of getting pregnant will be maximized. Once you have determined that an outlier has occurred, there is no need to continue testing.

Types of Ovulation Tests

The most common are disposable test strips for determining ovulation, similar to pregnancy tests, their price is not high.

There are also devices for determining ovulation, which are gradually replacing expensive one-time tests; they also quite accurately determine the moment of ovulation, but they are also multifunctional and more economical, they do not need to be changed every time after use and they are designed for many years of work.

The tests allow you to fairly accurately determine ovulation; experts attribute the existing errors in the results of ovulation tests only to their incorrect use.

Thus, by combining several methods to determine the moment of ovulation, you can track the long-awaited ovulation with an absolute guarantee. After all, it is on these days that the chance for successful conception is the highest: there is ovulation - conception is possible.

Ovulation calendar

Using ovulation data from a basal temperature chart or tests for at least 3 months, you can create an ovulation calendar. The calendar allows you to predict the day of the next ovulation, thus making it possible to plan conception and pregnancy.

Ovulation and pregnancy

For a woman, the few days before and after ovulation represent the fertile phase during which conception and pregnancy are most likely.

There is a noticeable difference in the timing of ovulation among different women. And even for the same woman, the exact timing of ovulation varies from month to month. Menstrual cycles may be longer or shorter than average and may be irregular. In rare cases, it happens that women with very short cycles ovulate around the end of the menstrual bleeding period, but in most cases, ovulation occurs regularly at the same time.

Not only the actual conception of the child, but also its gender depends on the time of conception in relation to the time of ovulation. Directly at the moment of ovulation, there is a high probability of conceiving a boy, while before and after ovulation, a girl is more likely to be conceived. This is explained by the fact that sperm with the Y chromosome (boys) are faster, but live shorter and are less stable in an acidic environment before ovulation than with the XX set (girls). If the egg is already moving toward fresh sperm, the “boys” will reach it faster. If sperm “wait” for an egg for a long time, most of the sperm remain in it to conceive a girl.

The likelihood of conception and pregnancy is generally highest on the day of ovulation and is estimated at approximately 33%. A high probability of pregnancy is also noted on the day before ovulation - 31%, two days before it - 27%. Five days before ovulation, the probability of conception and pregnancy is 10%; four days - 14% and three days - 16%. Six days before ovulation and the day after it, the likelihood of conception and pregnancy during sexual intercourse is very low.

Considering that the average “lifespan” of sperm is 2-3 days (in rare cases it reaches 5-7 days), and the female egg remains viable for about 12-24 hours, then the maximum duration of the fertile period is 6-9 days and the fertile period corresponds to a phase of slow increase (6-7 days) and rapid decline (1-2 days) before and after the day of ovulation, respectively. Ovulation divides the menstrual cycle into two phases: the follicle maturation phase, which with an average cycle duration is 10-16 days and the luteal phase (corpus luteum phase), which is stable, independent of the duration of the menstrual cycle and is 12-16 days. The corpus luteum phase refers to the period of absolute infertility; it begins 1-2 days after ovulation and ends with the onset of a new menstruation. If for one reason or another ovulation does not occur, the endometrial layer in the uterus is thrown out during menstruation.

Ovulation stimulation

Lack of ovulation is one of the common causes of infertility.

Ovulation disorders are caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system and can be caused by inflammation of the genitals, dysfunction of the adrenal cortex or thyroid gland, systemic diseases, tumors of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, intracranial pressure, and stressful situations. Ovulation disorders can be hereditary in nature (primarily, it is a tendency to certain diseases that interfere with ovulation). Anovulation - the absence of ovulation during childbearing age - is manifested by a disturbance in the rhythm of menstruation such as oligomenorrhea (menstruation lasting 1-2 days), amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Lack of ovulation is always the cause of a woman's infertility.

One of the common causes of infertility is the lack of ovulation, most often due to hormonal imbalance, which, in turn, can occur due to stress, brain injury, abortion, etc. To treat this condition, a complex of hormonal drugs is used that stimulate ovulation and cause superovulation, when several eggs mature in the ovaries at the same time, which increases the chances of fertilization, and is widely used in the IVF procedure.

Another cause of infertility may be, for example, luteal phase deficiency - LPF, when ovulation has occurred and the concentration of progesterone in the second phase of menstruation is insufficient for implantation of the embryo into the uterus. In this case, treatment is carried out aimed at stimulating the function of the corpus luteum of the ovary and increasing the level of progesterone in the blood. However, correction of NLF is not always successful, since this condition is often associated with other gynecological diseases and requires a thorough examination.

If a woman has a disruption in the process of follicle maturation and, accordingly, ovulation, ovulation is stimulated. For this purpose, special medications are prescribed - ovulation inducers. Prescribing medications leads to stimulation of the development of one or more eggs in patients, which will then be ready for fertilization. Before prescribing such serious therapy, a full range of tests is carried out to determine the woman’s hormone levels. In addition to the use of ovulation stimulation, regular diagnostics using ultrasound are also carried out. After ovulation, if it is still not possible to become pregnant naturally, the patient undergoes intrauterine insemination or IVF. There is a big difference in the method of stimulating ovulation for IVF and for natural conception: in the first case, several eggs are achieved, in the second - 1, maximum 2.

Drugs to stimulate ovulation

The most commonly used drugs to stimulate ovulation are Clostilbegit and gonadotropic hormone drugs.

Preparations of gonadotropic hormones contain hormones of the endocrine gland of the pituitary gland - gonadotropins. These are follicle-stimulating hormone - FSH and luteinizing hormone - LH. These hormones regulate the process of follicle maturation and ovulation in a woman’s body and are secreted by the pituitary gland on certain days of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, when medications containing these hormones are prescribed, follicle maturation and ovulation occur.

Such drugs include Menopur (contains the hormones FSH and LH) and Gonal-F (contains the hormone FSH).

The drugs are available in injection form, administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

How is ovulation stimulated?

Various ovulation stimulation schemes are used depending on the type of ovulation disorder and the duration of the disorder. When using a regimen with Clostilbegit, the latter is prescribed from days 5 to 9 of the menstrual cycle. A combination of this drug with gonadotropins is often used. In this case, Clostilbegit is prescribed from days 3 to 7 of the menstrual cycle with the addition of Menopur (Puregon) on certain days.

When carrying out ovulation stimulation, a very important point is to carry out ultrasound monitoring, that is, monitoring the maturation of the follicle using an ultrasound machine. This allows you to make adjustments to the treatment regimen and promptly avoid such side effects of stimulation as the growth of several follicles. The frequency of ultrasound examinations during the treatment program is on average 2-3 times. During each examination (monitoring), the number of growing follicles is counted, their diameter is measured and the thickness of the uterine mucosa is determined.

When the leading follicle reaches a diameter of 18 millimeters, the doctor may prescribe the drug Pregnil, which completes the final process of egg maturation and causes ovulation (direct release of the egg from the follicle). Ovulation after Pregnil administration occurs within 24-36 hours. Depending on the type of marital infertility, during the period of ovulation, either intrauterine insemination is carried out with the sperm of the husband or donor, or the time of sexual intercourse is calculated.

Depending on the duration and cause of infertility, the woman’s age, the pregnancy rate per attempt is 10–15%.

Conditions for ovulation stimulation:

1. Examination of a married couple.
List of tests:
HIV (both spouses)
Syphilis (both spouses)
Hepatitis B (both spouses)
Hepatitis C (both spouses)
Smear for degree of purity (woman)
Bacteriological cultures: chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, trichomonas, candida, gardnerella (both spouses)
Smear for oncocytology (woman)
Therapist's conclusion about the possibility of pregnancy
Ultrasound of the mammary glands
Blood test for antibodies to rubella, that is, the presence of immunity (protection) in a woman

2. Patent fallopian tubes.
Since fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube (“Physiology of Conception”), patent fallopian tubes are an important condition for pregnancy. Assessment of fallopian tube patency can be carried out using several methods:

• Laparoscopy
• Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy
• Metrosalpingography

Since each method has its own indications, the choice of method is determined jointly by you and your attending physician at the appointment.

3. Absence of intrauterine pathology
Any abnormalities in the uterine cavity prevent pregnancy (“Intrauterine pathology”). Therefore, if a woman has indications of trauma to the uterine mucosa (curettage of the uterine cavity during abortion and bleeding, inflammation of the uterine mucosa - endometritis, intrauterine device and other factors), hysteroscopy is recommended to assess the condition of the uterine cavity (“Hysteroscopy”).

4. Satisfactory sperm quality
Satisfactory sperm quality – absence of male factor infertility. If intrauterine insemination is not planned, a postcoital test (“Postcoital test”) is recommended before inducing ovulation.

5. Absence of acute inflammatory process
Absence of acute inflammatory process of any localization. Any inflammatory disease is a contraindication for many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in medicine, since it carries a risk of worsening the patient’s condition.

It is best to use folk remedies to stimulate ovulation only after consulting a doctor.

Ovulation photo taken during IVF surgery

The 3rd photo shows that several eggs have matured (after preliminary stimulation of ovulation).

Ovulation and conception are two interrelated processes. During ovulation, an egg is released from the ovarian tissue and migrates to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. Due to this, fertilization in the uterine cavity is possible, which will lead to the formation of an embryo and pregnancy.

The processes of fertilization and conception on the day of ovulation are the most favorable option for planning pregnancy. The likelihood of successful conception is determined by a number of factors that are worth considering. Thus, the presence of genital infections and other inflammatory processes in the vagina and uterus prevents successful fertilization. Conception is less likely in the presence of sperm pathologies - low sperm content or insufficient cell motility. Therefore, before planning to conceive a child, it is necessary to undergo examination not only for the woman, but also for the man.

On the days of ovulation, you can get pregnant if certain conditions are created:

• a few days before the due date, it is necessary to limit sexual contact;
• before ovulation begins, you need to switch to a special diet with a high content of fruits and vegetables;
• consume vitamins, especially vitamin E and folic acid (as part of food or multivitamin complexes);
• limit a woman’s psycho-emotional stress, reduce stress levels;
• It is not recommended to use a lubricant during sexual intercourse, since additional lubrication can disrupt the process of migration of germ cells.

A woman's chances of becoming pregnant during ovulation are highest, so when planning a pregnancy it is necessary to diagnose this condition. To determine the moment of release of an egg from the ovaries, several methods can be used:

• Calendar method. Ovulation is one of the phases of the menstrual cycle. Normally, it occurs after the first phase of development - this cycle lasts 14 days (assuming a 28-day full cycle). Thus, if a woman has a regular cycle, she can determine the time of ovulation by dividing its duration by two. The first day of the cycle is the initial day of menstruation.

It is necessary to understand that this technique has an approximate value, and it is not recommended to use it as the only way to determine ovulation. It is necessary to combine the calendar method of counting with other studies.

• Determination of basal temperature. Basal temperature is a woman's body temperature, which is usually measured in the anus. Its change is subject to certain patterns. On the day of the ovulatory process, the temperature rises by an average of 1-1.2 degrees, which makes it possible to determine the date of release of the egg from the ovary.

The technique has a fairly high information content, but it is very labor-intensive. A woman needs to independently measure her temperature every day, enter the data in a diary and carefully describe her own condition. Only complete data will allow us to determine the timing of the onset of the ovulatory process. It is worth considering that body temperature can rise not only on the day of ovulation, so it is necessary to assess the general condition of the woman when this symptom appears.

• Ovulation tests. To get pregnant during ovulation, you can determine its duration using special tests. They are test strips that determine the level of a specific hormone - LH (luteinizing hormone). Its level increases significantly the day before ovulation. The indicator must be measured several times on the days when the egg is expected to be released. This allows you to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant on the day of ovulation the first time, since by performing the test multiple times, you can more accurately determine the date of possible conception.
• Ultrasound diagnostics. To diagnose ovulation, you can use specific ultrasound diagnostic techniques, which allow you to carefully examine the tissue of the uterus and ovaries. During the development of follicles, characteristic changes occur in organs, by which the period of follicle development can be determined. If the study is carried out directly on the day of the ovulatory process, then a ruptured dominant follicle can be detected in the ovarian tissue. This is a sign that the egg has entered the uterine cavity and conception has become possible.

It is recommended to combine methods for diagnosing ovulation. Thus, experts often recommend that women measure their basal temperature and do pregnancy tests on their own, and then come for an ultrasound to determine the phase of ovarian development and confirm ovulation.

After ovulation, how do you know if conception has occurred?

Diagnosing conception after ovulation in the early stages of fetal development is quite difficult. Most manifestations are nonspecific, and they only indirectly indicate successful fertilization. There should be no signs of conception after ovulation before implantation, since the embryo must anchor in the uterine cavity and begin its development. Only after this the mother’s body will adapt to the presence of the fetus, which will be externally determined by objective and subjective symptoms.

Presumable signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy after ovulation may be:

1. Frequent urination.
2. Hypersensitivity to odors - intolerance to tobacco, alcohol, strong perfume aromas.
3. Nausea after ovulation.
4. General weakness of a woman, increased fatigue.
5. Irritability, drowsiness, constant mood swings.
6. Morning vomiting is possible.
7. Increased appetite, the emergence of food addictions - attraction to foods that you did not like before, or the desire to eat inedible objects (for example, chalk.
8. Headaches and dizziness.
9. Breast tension.
10. The appearance of pigmentation in characteristic places - around the halo on the chest, along the midline of the abdomen, in the hips.
11. Increased abdominal volume.

If these symptoms appear, a woman is recommended to purchase a pregnancy test and do it at home. This technique is a screening method for diagnosing fertilization. The test does not give a 100% guarantee of results, but it is very simple to do. If a woman has been trying to get pregnant for a long time after ovulation, then it is worth purchasing several tests at once and doing them several days in a row for a more accurate diagnosis.

If testing on the 10th day after ovulation shows a positive result, then you need to consult a doctor and be tested for pregnancy. Specific diagnostic data are much more informative than a pregnancy test.

More reliable signs of pregnancy include changes in the woman’s genital organs. This group includes amenorrhea - the absence of menstruation on time. Usually there is no discharge after ovulation if conception has occurred and the uterus has actively entered into the process of physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.

Important! It is worth noting that amenorrhea is not always a sign of pregnancy. It can occur with a variety of pathologies - tumors of the uterus, hormonal disorders of the ovaries or nerve centers. The onset of amenorrhea is a reason to consult a doctor and undergo a full examination, the results of which will show the reason for the woman’s lack of menstruation.

Another possible sign of pregnancy is colostrum, a specific fluid that can be released from the nipples in small quantities. Colostrum usually occurs in primiparous women; it is especially actively released when there is pressure on the mammary glands. This symptom is typical for later stages of pregnancy - colostrum usually appears in the second trimester (from 4 months of fetal development). However, in some cases it can occur at the end of the first trimester. It depends on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body.

Possible signs of pregnancy also include changes in the vagina and uterus. The vaginal walls of a pregnant woman acquire a bluish tint due to changes in blood circulation in this area. Over time, the uterus enlarges, becomes softer, and its configuration changes. It can become asymmetrical due to the fact that the fetus is attached to one or another corner of the organ, which is why it will protrude and deform the uterine cavity.

It is impossible to detect the listed signs on your own; you need to contact a gynecologist. To assess the condition of the uterus and vagina, two-handed examination techniques and examination of the reproductive system in mirrors are used.

To accurately determine pregnancy, methods are used that make it possible to determine the presence of a fetus in the uterine cavity. These include:

1. Ultrasonography. Thanks to the presence of ultrasound, the development of pregnancy can be confirmed already in the early stages. The study can detect the fetus in the uterine cavity as early as 3-4 weeks. At this stage, the fertilized egg and yolk sac are determined, providing the embryo with the necessary nutrients. Already from the 6th week, the baby’s heartbeat is determined, from the 7th week his motor activity is monitored.
2. It is not for nothing that ultrasound diagnostics is so widely used in obstetric practice. It is highly informative and diagnoses pregnancy at very early stages. At the same time, the study is completely safe for both the mother and the fetus, there are no side effects from it.
3. Determination of fetal heartbeat. Listening to the mother's abdomen with a special stethoscope can detect the fetal heartbeat. It is determined from approximately 17-18 weeks of pregnancy.
4. Identification of small parts of the fruit. In the later stages, when palpating the mother’s abdomen, the location of the baby’s head, legs and arms can be accurately determined. This is necessary to determine the type of fetal presentation, on which the delivery tactics will directly depend.

In order to determine conception after ovulation, laboratory methods can also be used. The most informative way is to measure the level of human chorionic hormone (hCG) in the blood. This substance is detected only in women during pregnancy. With the development of the fetus, the level of hCG in the mother’s blood increases significantly, which can be considered a diagnostic criterion for pregnancy.

Human chorionic hormone levels can additionally be used to detect ectopic pregnancy. So, if the fetus develops in the fallopian tubes, then the woman’s hCG level increases, but not as sharply as during physiological pregnancy. This indicator allows you to timely detect tubal position of the fetus, which is considered a very dangerous condition for the mother’s body.

How many days before and after ovulation can you get pregnant?

You should not believe sources that say that you can get pregnant before ovulation. This is physiologically impossible. For the fertilization process, an egg is needed, which is located in the ovarian tissue. She remains in this state 2 days before ovulation, so the egg cannot participate in conceiving a child. Only after the female reproductive cell leaves the ovarian tissue and enters the uterus can fertilization occur and the woman become pregnant. It is impossible to get pregnant the day before ovulation.

After leaving the ovary, the egg migrates through the fallopian tubes into the uterine cavity. This process may be slowed down if there is pathology of the uterine appendages (for example, with long, tortuous tubes). Outside the ovary, the egg is relatively unviable. You can get pregnant after ovulation only in the next day, then the egg dies. Pregnancy will not be possible until the next menstrual cycle. The only favorable moment for conception is the day of ovulation and the next 24 hours.

Is it possible to get pregnant if you ovulate late?

Late ovulation is a condition in which the egg enters the uterine cavity not at the scheduled time, which is approximately the middle of the cycle, but in the next 14-15 days. This condition can occur against the background of hormonal disorders, tumor pathologies, and infectious processes in the reproductive system. The late ovulatory process can also be provoked by constant stress, which adversely affects the woman’s body.

You can get pregnant during late ovulation, the main thing is to correctly determine the timing of its onset. To do this, it is necessary to use all possible diagnostic methods to eliminate inaccuracies in determining the result. When the egg is fertilized, the development of the fetus in the uterine cavity will begin, after which the woman will experience the first signs of pregnancy after ovulation.

Is it possible to get pregnant without ovulation?

The process of ovulation is a prerequisite for fertilization, since without it the female reproductive cell is not delivered to the uterine cavity. Therefore, it is impossible to get pregnant without the ovulatory process.
Is it possible to get pregnant during menstruation?
You can get pregnant after ovulation only on the first day, since this is the lifespan of an egg outside the ovaries. The onset of menstruation indicates that the process of renewal of the uterine cavity has begun, which is impossible if there is a fetus in its wall. Therefore, you should not think that you can get pregnant on a day other than ovulation.

What to do if pregnancy does not occur?

A common problem in modern gynecology is infertility. It may be that a woman is ovulating, but pregnancy does not occur. In this case, she needs to undergo a thorough examination. A common cause of impaired fertilization is insufficiency of the epithelium in the uterine wall. The embryo simply cannot attach to tissues that are altered by any pathological processes - tumors, scars or inflammation. Another cause of impaired fertilization may be obstruction of the fallopian tubes.

Infertility can occur not only in women, but also in men. Quite often, if a woman has an ovulatory process, conceiving a child is impossible due to the failure of her partner’s sperm. It may contain too few sperm, or the cells may have low motility. Therefore, if there is no violation on the part of the woman, it is necessary to conduct an examination of her partner.

Thus, the connection between ovulation and conception is explained by the physiological essence of these processes. Without ovulation, fertilization of the egg, which underlies the formation of the embryo, is impossible. When planning a pregnancy, it is necessary to take into account the date of ovulation, as this will allow you to plan your pregnancy more carefully.

The term “ovulation” itself comes from the Latin ovum - egg; This is the name given to the process of release of a mature egg capable of fertilization from the ovary into the abdominal cavity.

Physiologically, ovulation is one of the stages of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation in women of childbearing age occurs periodically, every 21-35 days - in the middle of the menstrual cycle (the cycle is usually counted from the first day of menstruation). The frequency of ovulation is regulated by hormones from the pituitary gland, an endocrine gland located in the brain, and ovarian hormones (estrogens and progesterone). Ovulation stops with the onset of pregnancy and after the cessation of menstrual function.

The most favorable time for sexual intercourse for the purpose of conception is when ovulation is about to occur and sperm have enough time to enter the fallopian tubes, where they “wait” for the release of the female germ cell, or immediately immediately after ovulation, when the egg is already in fallopian tube.

Day of Conception

If you correctly calculate what day ovulation will occur and have sexual activity during this period of time, then there is a high probability that the woman will become pregnant.

So, how can you determine ovulation? First of all, using subjective signs. This may include short-term pain in the lower abdomen, a feeling of a “bursting bubble” in the middle of the cycle, some women note an increase in sexual desire - this is due to the release of estrogens during ovulation - female sex hormones that are produced in the ovaries. Some signs can be detected during a routine gynecological examination, although it is difficult to imagine that a woman who believes that she has no reproductive problems will consult a gynecologist just to determine ovulation. However, a woman can notice a number of signs herself.

The day of ovulation can be determined by observing the secretion of mucus from the cervical canal. The maximum secretion of mucus is associated with a sharp increase in estrogen levels and coincides with the moment of ovulation. In addition, sometimes the stretchability of mucus is used, and its crystallization is also observed. During ovulation, the mucus becomes very viscous, it can be stretched between the fingers up to 8-10 cm. The more pronounced the crystallization, the greater the likelihood of ovulation. This phenomenon is most clearly manifested 3-4 days before ovulation and reaches a maximum on the day of expected ovulation. Crystallization is the result of biophysical and biochemical changes in the cervical mucus. During this period, there is an increase in the amount of mucus and an increase in the concentration of salts, primarily sodium chloride, which, along with potassium ions, is responsible for the phenomenon of crystallization. With pronounced crystallization, mucus looks like a fern under a microscope. There are special microscopes for home use that you can apply mucus or saliva to. The main changes occur precisely in the vaginal mucus, but they also affect the entire body, so for convenience they began to work with saliva, in which it is also possible to determine the symptom of crystallization. The action of the Baby Plan ovulation detection device is based on this phenomenon.

The next most accurate and informative method for determining ovulation is measuring basal temperature - the temperature in the rectum. The method is quite simple and does not require virtually any special equipment other than a regular medical thermometer.

Basal temperature is measured with the same medical thermometer in the morning, immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. The measurement must be carried out at the same time, inserting a thermometer into the anus to a depth of 4 - 5 cm. Temperature measurement data is plotted on a graph, the vertical axis of which is the temperature, and the horizontal axis is the day of the menstrual cycle. The chart also shows days of sexual intercourse.

For many women, careful monitoring of the basal temperature chart can reveal that before the temperature rises, there is a short drop in temperature. According to this method, it is believed that the moment of ovulation occurs 12 hours before the increase in basal temperature or between the decline and the beginning of its rise.

Is it possible to choose the gender of the child?

When planning a pregnancy, few potential parents do not think about how to choose the gender of their unborn child in advance. Some need a boy, others need a girl. Such planning becomes especially relevant when the family already has one child. As a rule, parents dream of having a second child of the opposite sex.

There is only one way to more or less scientifically soundly try to plan the gender of the child. A sperm with a male set of chromosomes moves faster, but lives shorter than a sperm with a female set. Therefore, the coincidence of sexual intercourse with ovulation (about 14 days before the onset of menstruation in a 28-day menstrual cycle) increases the likelihood of having a boy, and the birth of a girl is more likely if intercourse occurs 2-3 days earlier. However, this rule does not always work, since it concerns the classic situation of parents who are “super healthy” in all respects. If one of the partners has health problems, this, as a rule, affects the “speed characteristics” of sperm. For example, this happens when the acid-base balance of the genital tract is disturbed or the qualitative composition of the secretion changes in women, or when physical fatigue occurs in men (it also affects the mobility of the “livelings”).

But all these listed methods give only approximate results. Their accuracy makes it possible to determine the moment of ovulation only by using all of them in a comprehensive manner and with fairly long-term observation. What allows you to accurately determine the moment of ovulation and guarantee it to be documented? Strictly speaking, there are only two such methods.

The first is ultrasound monitoring of the growth and development of the follicle - the vesicle in which the egg matures, and determining the moment of its rupture - ovulation itself. Often, with the use of modern devices, it is possible to see even the moment of release of the egg, if the study is carried out at the right time.

The second method is the dynamic determination of luteinizing hormone in urine (this is also an ovarian hormone, the amount of which increases during ovulation). This method is much simpler and can be used at home, for which special tests are used. Tests begin to be carried out 2 times a day (every 12 hours) 5 - 6 days before expected ovulation, strictly following the instructions attached to them. The determination is stopped after receiving the first positive result. Ovulation occurs approximately 16-28 hours after the first positive test result. To control, you can immediately conduct another test. The most convenient and informative use of tests for luteinizing hormone in conjunction with measuring basal temperature. Dynamic determination of luteinizing hormone was previously used only in specialized medical institutions, but now there are test strips, the same as for determining early pregnancy. Such tests are sold in pharmacies. Thus, the problem of determining the moment of ovulation should be considered practically solved.

It must be said that if there are no alleged problems with conception, then you can start with a simpler method - calculating your ovulation based on the duration of the menstrual cycle. To do this, as we have already said, the duration of the menstrual cycle must be divided in half. You can start “working” on conception, taking into account the fact that some sperm live up to 7 days, a week before the expected ovulation, the favorable period will end 3 days after ovulation.

Keep in mind that pregnancy may not occur immediately during the first “dangerous” period, because... Even healthy young women have 1-2 cycles a year in which ovulation (the release of an egg) does not occur.

In addition, ovulation is affected by stress, climate changes, etc.

Conception position

After you have calculated the most favorable days for conception, you must avoid douching, any soap and similar products after sexual intercourse. Firstly, the very fact of washing contributes to the mechanical removal of sperm, and secondly, hygiene products create an environment in the vagina that is unfavorable for sperm. And before sexual intercourse, you should take a shower in advance (30-60 minutes) so that a normal, natural environment can be restored in the vagina.

Couples who want to conceive often wonder: is there a special position they should use? It's safe to say that any position acceptable to both partners will do. After sex, it is better to lie on your side or with your pelvis elevated for 15-20 minutes to prevent sperm from leaking out.

We hope that our tips will help you move into the category of future parents as quickly as possible.