Become an Ovulation Detective

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:34:10 -0500

Primary Fertility Signs

The three primary signs of fertility are, in order:

1. Waking body temperature

2. Cervical fluid

3. Cervical position

The third sign, cervical position, is optional, but the first two should always be considered together to best pinpoint time of ovulation.

Determining fertility using these signs is simple using the following guidelines:

1. Waking Body Temperature (aka Basal Body Temperature or BBT):

Take your temperature in the morning, the moment you wake up, before getting out of bed.

Begin on Day 1 of your cycle, which is the first day of your period.

Your temperature will be lowest at that time.

Record your temperature on a chart or on software specifically designed for charting.

Although the temperature will often vary day to day, there usually is a marked increase in temperature just after ovulation.

If you're having trouble deciding when you're ovulating, it's best to keep at it for a couple of months and try to detect a pattern.

If it's still not clear, take the charts to your doctor or to a women's clinic and they can help you interpret the pattern.

Your body temperature can be affected by lack of sleep, illness and alcohol intake, as well as waking later than usual or using an electric blanket if you don't normally use one.

2. Cervical Fluid: This is an important sign of fertility and is the equivalent of a man's seminal fluid.

However, because�women�are only fertile for a few days around ovulation, they only produce the type of cervical fluid that encourages sperm mobility on those days.

At the beginning of the cycle, the vagina usually seems very dry.

As the length of the cycle progresses, the fluid becomes increasingly sticky and then creamy.

When it is at the consistency of egg white and can stretch between your fingers, that is when you're at the most fertile.

This stage is hard to miss since most women have a sensation of being very wet. It's often mistaken, by uninformed women, for a vaginal infection.

After ovulation, the fluid quickly becomes much drier.

3. Cervical Position:

As indicated by the changes in cervical fluid, the cervix goes through many changes in a cycle.

These can be difficult to detect, but with patience and practice, you can learn to use this sign.

Begin by washing hands with soap and water.

Find a comfortable place/position to check the cervix, either with the leg elevated, on the toilet, in the tub or in a squatting position.

Use the same position each time and always check at the same time of day.

Insert middle finger into the vagina and note the softness of the cervix, its height in the vagina, how far open or closed the opening is and its wetness. When it's at its highest, most open and softest, that's the most fertile time.

Subtle Signs

* Spotting

* Side pain

* Fuller vaginal lips or swollen vulva

* Abdominal bloating

* Water retention

* Increased energy level

* Heightened sense of vision, smell and taste

* Increased sensitivity in breasts and skin

* Breast tenderness

Of course these secondary signs are not scientific, but many women experience them.

While the secondary signs may be helpful as part of an overall understanding of your cycle and when you're most fertile, Weschler points out that the only way to accurately chart ovulation is by keeping track of the primary fertility signs.

Even if you're not trying to get pregnant, understanding your fertile times gives you a level of control over your body that every woman should have. Understanding your body's signals will keep you from misunderstanding them.

tina1_wants-a-BFP!!!

Trying to conceive

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:38:18 -0500

Hi, I am from India and was married last september 2007. I have regular periods.....May and June i got my periods on 15th.......July 3rd and 5th husband and myself were together....though i knew chances are very less of becoming pregnant as my fertility period was over......i was anxious but today i got my periods...am depressed....actually we dont hve enough of time to be together because of our busy schedules but otherwise we are a very happy couple together...and deeply bonded.....and also i am having a lot of questions...

1. Does fertility period really work?

2. Assuming i have an intercourse with hubby and i conceive (i may not know that it has been formed..) and having sex at that time (the shaking and moving) will it affect the child...?

3. i am still not able to come to a conclusion if i am weak as we have sex 2-4 times a month...am becoming worried....

4. am 27 going on 28.....this september will complete 28 and step into 29....

5. and usually our intercourse is that i come on top of him....because of which there is sperm spills outside......only 30% goes in..? does it affect.? should the whole semen go inside or how does it work?

6. am working night shifts for the past 3 years....fyi...

please doctor...give me a detailed answer....am desperate to conceive...as i am afraid because of my age...hubby is 31......i am stressed and depressed because of this.....help me please.........

Janet J

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