Symptoms of ovulation - the first signs, methods of determination by tests, ultrasound or measuring basal temperature. When ovulation occurs - how to understand? How to understand when ovulation will occur

The ability to conceive a child is a complete mystery! Surely you have heard that the maximum chance of getting pregnant occurs during ovulation. Therefore, just having a desire to have a baby is not enough; first of all, you need to find out signs of ovulation in women and be able to track them correctly.

When does ovulation occur?

Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before the start of the menstrual cycle. Since sperm live on average about 3-4 days, and an egg about a day, for conception it is necessary that sexual intercourse occurs in the period from 4 days before ovulation to the day after ovulation. It should be remembered that determining ovulation can only be useful for pregnancy planning, but not for contraception, because our body is unpredictable, and failures can occur.

Why do you need to determine ovulation:

• Of course, to conceive a baby. But in addition to this, health problems can also be identified, for example, if ovulation occurs, but you still cannot get pregnant, or there is no ovulation at all.
• If the partners have no health problems, and sexual intercourse occurs quite regularly, then it is not necessary to know the ovulation period exactly to the day. But often men experience various changes in the spermogram (small number of sperm or they are inactive), in such cases it is better to take at least a five-day break before the favorable time for conceiving a child, in which case the concentration of sperm will increase significantly, and the chance that at least one of them will still reaches the egg, naturally increases.
• There is an opinion that knowing your ovulation period, you can plan the sex of your child. It is believed that sperm with the y chromosome (female) are the most tenacious, and those with the x chromosome (male) are the most mobile. Therefore, if you try to conceive a child 4 days before the start of ovulation, there is a high probability that a girl will be born, since the “male” chromosomes will die by this time, and if sexual intercourse occurs during the ovulation period itself, then, most likely, a boy will be born, since its chromosomes will reach the egg faster. But no one gives guarantees for this method of calculation.

How does the menstrual cycle work?

In the body of a healthy woman of reproductive age, the conditions for the birth of a new life are realized monthly - preparing the egg for fertilization. With the onset of menstruation, several follicles mature, of which one eventually becomes dominant. The entire menstrual period is conventionally divided into three main phases, each of which corresponds to stages of changes that prepare the reproductive system for the possibility of becoming pregnant.

The duration of the menstrual cycle varies among women; the norm is that menstruation occurs once every 21-35 days. The countdown starts from the first day of bleeding. The process of ovulation occurs during the follicular and luteal stages of the cycle.

The cause of monthly bleeding in women is associated with endometrial detachment against the background of reduced production of the hormonal substance progesterone by the corpus luteum.

Any attentive woman can identify certain changes in her body during this period, and, comparing them with a number of other “symptoms,” can navigate by them:

Change in cervical mucus

When the egg is ready to unite with the sperm, the cervical fluid changes its pH from acidic to alkaline so that the male seed does not die and does not lose its activity. The physical properties of the cervical secretion also change: it becomes very slippery, viscous and easily permeable, and its quantity increases. The discharge looks like egg white. The changes are associated with a sharp increase in the hormone estradiol. Read also Discharge during ovulation: norm and pathology The permeability of mucus is due to an increase in the distance between the molecules of the liquid. In this state, the cervical secretion is like a sieve through which male reproductive cells penetrate absolutely unhindered. During this period, women notice wet spots on their underwear or sanitary pads - this sign indicates the onset of the fertile period.

Change in basal temperature

This is one of the oldest methods for determining the period of ovulation. The basal temperature in the rectum is measured. The advantage of this method is its low cost and ease of implementation even at home.

Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature at rest after prolonged sleep. In the first phase of the menstrual cycle, the indicator is just below 37 °C and, as it approaches ovulation, it gradually decreases to values ​​of 36.3-36.5 °C. The process of egg release and a surge of progesterone increase the temperature to 37.1-37.3 ° C, and the fertile period begins.

Charting your basal body temperature is one of the most popular methods for tracking ovulation. Measurements should begin to be taken every morning before getting out of bed several months before the expected conception by inserting a digital thermometer into the rectum. The data is entered into a special chart, information from which helps determine the onset of ovulation in subsequent cycles.

Changes in cervical position

Scientists have found that this time somehow affects the condition of the cervix. At this stage, the organ will be slightly raised and slightly open. In this case, the cervix during ovulation is soft, more friable in consistency, and there will be a separation of secretion, which in appearance is similar to glue.

In this case, the cervical canal expands, the pharynx becomes round or oval. Gynecologists call this phenomenon the “Pupil Symptom.” Studying the cervix during ovulation, it is noticeable that it is slightly moist and increased in size. The whole point is that the plug that blocked it is liquefied.

During ovulation, the cervix will feel similar to the tip of the nose. Inside you will feel a kind of mound. It is shortened and localized high. The uterine canal will be slightly open. Just before the critical days, the passage will narrow. If conception has occurred, the cervix will become soft and loose to the touch.

The time that will be most favorable for pregnancy lasts a maximum of two days. If fertilization does not occur, the egg will die, and its empty shell will be released with bloody discharge during menstruation.

Minor bleeding

In the vast majority of cases, discharge with blood during ovulation is not associated with any disease. This is a fairly common phenomenon, and many women don't even notice it until they start monitoring their menstrual cycle with attention to detail, such as when they want to get pregnant. Usually the reasons for the appearance of blood are associated with hormonal changes in the body.

Some fertility and women's health researchers claim that spotting during egg release is a positive indicator that the egg has left the follicle.

If blood appears for the first time after ovulation, do not be upset or panic. The changes that occur every month in the female body, as a rule, go unnoticed until the woman suddenly begins to pay attention to them.

Increased libido

What causes a peak in desire? There are many possible factors. At the most basic level, hormones play a role in our emotions.

For example, if you have a hormonal imbalance, you may experience depression. Pharmaceutical drugs can also cause mood swings.

Research has shown that women report a sense of well-being when they ovulate. All this can lead to increased libido.

Another possible reason for increased sexual desire is very physical. As mentioned above, just before ovulation, LH and estrogen peak. These hormones change the consistency and amount of cervical fluid (a healthy type of vaginal discharge). In fact, one of the best ways to have sex during pregnancy is to check for changes in the lining of the cervix.

This increase in cervical fluid leads to an increase in the sensation of vaginal wetness. This wet feeling intensifies the desire.

Another reason is that ovulatory hormones increase blood flow to the pelvic area. This also gives the mood.

SEXUAL DESIRE AS A SIGN OF OVULATION DURING SEX DURING PREGNANCY

While checking cervical mucus or charting basal body temperatures are more reliable methods of detecting ovulation, our bodies seem to be programmed to have sex at the right time anyway.

You can simply monitor your sexual desire signals when trying to have sex during pregnancy.

With all that said, sexual desire will not always be a sign of ovulation.

If you are stressed or depressed, you cannot get that impulse in desire. Plus, you may feel turned on for many reasons other than ovulation. While high libido isn't a surefire sign of ovulation, nature hopes you'll notice it.

Increase in breast volume

During ovulation, under the influence of hormones, painful sensations occur in the breast area, its volume and sensitivity of the nipples increase. The sign is not the main one, so it should only be considered together with others to determine ovulation. Some women continue to experience mild breast pain until the end of their menstrual cycle.

Pain in the lower abdomen

One of the main answers to the question of what sensations women experience during ovulation is ovulatory pain. These are painful, pinprick-like sensations in the abdomen, right or left. As a rule, they alternate: once on one side, in the subsequent cycle - on the other side of the abdomen (but they do not necessarily have to be variable). Sometimes the lower abdomen may ache. Sometimes women feel not pain, but a hard-to-describe heaviness in the pelvic area, which radiates to the back, legs, spine, and also to the anus.

There are several hypotheses as to why it hurts. Among them are rupture of the follicle, an increase in the volume of the ovaries, hyperemia of the fallopian tube, accumulation of mucus in it, a sharp pulsation of the fallopian tubes, a temporary increase in estrogen levels and others.

Heightened sense of smell

Science cannot yet explain the reasons why our sense of smell increases during ovulation, but most scientists agree that in this way nature makes us more susceptible to male pheromones. Be that as it may, increased sensitivity to odors is another indirect sign of ovulation.

Bloating

Abdominal bloating during ovulation can hardly be called a sign that, to one degree or another, indicates the presence of ovulation itself, and therefore it is definitely not worth determining the period favorable for conception by bloating, as some women advise on thematic forums on the Internet. If the stomach is swollen, this does not mean that the woman has ovulated at all or will happen in the coming days.

Ovulation is a cellular, microscopic process; the size of the germ cell that emerges from the follicle is very small, and therefore it is definitely not worth talking about increased gas formation for this reason.

But the entire process of ovulation is invariably and without fail regulated by hormones, which theoretically can also influence the process of accumulation of gases in the intestines.

Crystallization of saliva

The hormonal state of a woman is characterized by the correct ratio of sex hormones at different stages of the menstrual cycle. In the first half of the cycle, the amount of estrogen hormones slowly increases and reaches a maximum on the day before the release of a mature egg (ovulation). Then, within 1 to 2 days, the amount of estrogen decreases. The second half of the cycle is characterized by the presence of another hormone - progesterone.

The process of increasing the amount of estrogen is accompanied by an increase in the severity of saliva crystallization (“arborization effect”), which begins to appear in a healthy woman 6-7 days before the day of ovulation, reaching a maximum on the day of ovulation (this day corresponds to the maximum severity of crystallization - the appearance of “fern leaves”) . Thus, by observing the severity of saliva crystallization through a test microscope, we can judge the ratio of hormones (estrogens and progesterone) and determine on which day of the cycle the egg is released.

What do hormones say?

This method is used extremely rarely, because in addition to its inconvenience, it is quite expensive. In general, hormone studies are carried out in order to, in principle, identify the presence of ovulation and the possibility of having a child.

Ultrasound

This method can perhaps be called the most reliable. During this procedure, the doctor monitors the dynamics of changes in the follicle. A sign of ovulation is the presence of a dominant follicle. Unlike the others, it is larger in size, and its disappearance indicates the end of ovulation.

Determining ovulation at home

Before calculating the ovulation period yourself, you should make sure that it is present, otherwise the results will be false.

— Strip test. They look like regular pregnancy tests. And they are used in exactly the same way: immerse the strip in a container with urine, wait about a minute, place it on a vertical surface and evaluate the result. One strip is negative, two stripes are positive, that is, ovulation will begin in a couple of days.

— A device that measures the level of estrogen and LH in urine. This device costs about $200. It is worth noting that its information content will be higher than that of test strips.

- Changes in saliva and vaginal mucus. Their consistency becomes viscous, and when completely dry, the liquid leaves a “pattern” that is visible through a microscope. If you see the usual dots, then there is no ovulation, but if you see something like what frost draws on the windows, then there is ovulation.

If you have no problems conceiving a baby, then there is simply no need to use all of the above methods, but if something goes wrong, then you simply must know about the signs of ovulation in women.

What signs can be used to determine the absence of ovulation?

Please note that these signs do not necessarily indicate a lack of ovulation!

• • Premenstrual syndrome goes “somehow wrong”
  • Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) for several months.
  • Irregular menstrual cycle
  • Unusually long and heavy menstruation.
  • If you chart your basal temperature, in a cycle without ovulation there will most likely not be a “spike” in temperature in the middle of the cycle (ovulation is characterized by a decrease in temperature before it and an increase immediately after).
  • If hormonal imbalances occur, obesity, male pattern hair growth, and acne are possible.

How to make an ovulation calendar and make calculations

There are many websites and apps that can help you determine which days of your menstrual cycle are most fertile.

The ovulation calendar was invented to help a woman predict the time when she will have the highest chance of conceiving a child.

Several websites, as well as dedicated mobile apps, can indicate ovulation if a woman answers the following questions.

• When did your last menstrual period start?
• How long are your menstrual cycles typically?
• How long is your luteal phase, that is, the period of time between the day of ovulation and the end of the menstrual cycle.

It is helpful for women to remember or write down information about their menstrual cycles so that they can then enter it into a calendar. In addition, if you monitor the course of your menstrual cycles, you can quickly detect any irregularities.

Causes of irregular periods

A woman’s body is a rather fragile thing, and fluctuations in the menstrual cycle can be influenced by many factors.

Stress

The most common cause of cycle disruption in most cases is stress. Problems at work, at home, constant lack of sleep, and even severe overwork over a long period - and the body is under stress, and the cycle fails.

Diseases

Infectious and non-infectious diseases of internal organs, both in the sexual sphere and in others, can also cause an irregular cycle. Therefore, it is very important to do a complete examination of the body before planning a pregnancy - it can reveal hidden diseases and, possibly, normalize the cycle.

Sudden weight fluctuations

Too sharp fluctuations in weight lead to restructuring of the body, and the reproductive system also does not stand aside. Therefore, if a woman plans to lose weight, she should remember that this may affect the menstrual cycle.

Hormonal disbalance

The causes of hormonal imbalance can be both the above reasons and diseases of the thyroid gland. In case of hormonal imbalance, it is not recommended to plan a pregnancy until the hormonal levels return to normal.

Methods for determining ovulation during an irregular cycle

There are several methods by which you can determine when ovulation begins. With an irregular cycle, it is somewhat more difficult to determine, but nevertheless possible. For a more accurate determination, it is better to use several methods at once.

Calendar method

The most popular and accessible, but not the most accurate method in the case of irregular cycles. The menstrual cycle consists of two periods: before ovulation, when the egg matures, and after ovulation, when the body prepares for a new cycle, since fertilization has not occurred. If the cycle is irregular, then data for the last six months is needed for calculation. You need to subtract 14 units from the longest and shortest cycles. Between these days you can expect ovulation. It should be noted that in this case the difference between the longest and shortest cycle should be no more than a week.

Laboratory blood test method

This method involves taking a test to determine the level of progesterone in the blood. With this method, blood is donated several times per cycle. Progesterone gradually increases and remains high until the next cycle.

Ovulation test

This method is similar to the method of determining pregnancy using test strips, only the test strips in this case will be for ovulation. They respond to luteinizing hormone, which begins to be produced two days before ovulation and allows the mature egg to be released. As is the case with hCG, which is produced by the body during pregnancy, if a woman has diseases in which this hormone increases, then this method will not work.

Why there is no ovulation, reasons

The absence of a fertile period is not always a consequence of the course of diseases. Sometimes the reasons are physiological and do not pose a serious danger. The main provocateurs are described in the table.

Temporary lack of fertility is the result of interaction with certain negative factors.

Women usually experience the following disorders:

• after a trip to the sea;
• with regular and excessive physical activity;
• after a climate change or moving to a new place of residence;
• who eat poorly or have bad habits.

For physiological causes, specific treatment is usually not required. It is enough to just slightly adjust your lifestyle or wait until the influence of the decisive factor on fertility disappears, for example, stopping breastfeeding and introducing complementary foods.
What diseases can there be
The course of possible diseases cannot be excluded. An egg may stop maturing when:

• diseases of the reproductive system;
• hormonal imbalances;
• ovarian dysfunction;
• malfunction of the pituitary gland.

If left untreated, infertility may occur. The disorder requires complex and adequate therapy. Inflammatory, infectious or oncological processes change the functioning of the ovaries for the worse.

Sometimes the disorder is the result of reduced immunity. This usually occurs under the influence of previous diseases.

It is impossible to maintain normal egg maturation if there is a lack of progesterone and estrogen. This indicates ovarian dysfunction.

What signs are present?

Only thanks to characteristic symptoms can a woman suspect a lack of ovulation. The nature of the discharge changes. Girls who care about their health know that in the middle of the cycle there is an increase in the volume of secretions. It resembles egg white in appearance.

If the egg is not released, the mucus is creamy. The secretion may also become more sticky or disappear completely. Normally, the period of ovulation increases sexual desire. This is a natural reaction of the body, which indicates a physiological desire to procreate. If the egg is not released, then sexual desire will remain at the same level.

If violated, basal temperature does not increase. This symptom can only be noticed if BT is measured regularly. In the middle of the cycle, in the absence of ovulation, there is also no pain in the side. This is due to the fact that the follicle is not torn.

Ovulation and conception occur within 24 hours of the egg's life. Ovulation occurs approximately 14 days (acceptable 12-16 days) before the start of the next menstruation. If there was open contact during this period, pregnancy is possible. The first signs of successful conception cannot be seen immediately, but only after implantation of the embryo. It occurs 7-10 days after ovulation (less often earlier or later than this period). Its main symptoms:

• implantation bleeding;
• drop in BT for 1 day by 0.2-0.4 degrees;
• nagging pain in the lower abdomen or lower back.

Is it possible to conceive on the day of ovulation?

During sexual intercourse, up to 250 million sperm enter the female body, but fertilization can only occur if there is a mature egg(in rare cases - several). Its release from the follicle is ovulation (read more about symptoms and sensations). It divides the menstrual cycle into two phases.

Probability – 21.20%. Approximately one in five women became pregnant after PA on the day of ovulation.

This is one of the highest rates for the entire period of the menstrual cycle. The fact is that a mature egg does not retain the ability to fertilize for long. The life span of an egg is limited to 24 hours. Sperm live longer - up to three days (rarely up to five to seven).

It follows that a woman can become pregnant if intimacy occurs during the period 3 days before ovulation and the next day after it.

The egg is in the greatest readiness to merge with a sperm (formation of a zygote) precisely at the moment of ovulation - immediately after leaving the follicle. At this time, the concentration of estrogen in the blood, which promotes conception, reaches its maximum.

After ovulation ends, the level of sex hormones begins to decrease, the readiness of the egg for fertilization fades along with its natural depletion and destruction. If it does not have a chance to become a zygote during the fertile window, it naturally disintegrates in the fallopian tube and after some time leaves the body along with menstrual flow.

On what day after ovulation does fertilization occur?

Fertilization occurs while the egg is alive, within 24 hours after the follicle ruptures.

Healthy sperm (sperm) that enter a woman’s body, as a rule, can remain viable for 2-3 to 5-7 days. Therefore, conception after ovulation is possible even if sexual intercourse took place several days before the follicle ruptured and the egg was released. Moreover, Y-chromosome carriers (male sex) are faster and less durable. Their activities may be limited to two days. Sperms with X chromosomes are slower, but they are active for 7 days.

Sperm are able to cover the distance from the vagina to the ampullary part of the fallopian tube, where the mature egg is located, in one and a half to two hours. Therefore, conception may coincide with the day of ovulation. Approximately 10.3% of pregnancies occurred after PA on the first day after ovulation, 0.8% on the second day.

First signs of pregnancy after ovulation

After fertilization has occurred after ovulation, and the zygote has penetrated the wall of the uterus and was successfully implanted into it, serious changes are observed in the functioning of the body.

The expectant mother can feel pregnancy from the moment the embryo is implanted. This event is often accompanied by tingling and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, sometimes with a small amount of yellowish-brown mucous discharge from the vagina.

A woman can also judge pregnancy by other signs:

1. Implantation bleeding.
2. Implantation retraction of BT.
3. Nervous tension, reminiscent of PMS symptoms.
4. New taste preferences, increased appetite.
5. Aversion to certain smells.
6. Digestive problems for no apparent reason (bloating and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, indigestion, symptoms of poisoning in the morning).
7. Frequent urge to urinate (the result of changes in hormonal levels and, as a result, an imbalance of the vaginal microflora).The symptoms differ from those of cystitis - the urine is clear, there is no characteristic pain. The pain may be localized above the pubis.
8. Distracted attention, fatigue.
9. Increased breast sensitivity (tingling, pain, itching, swelling, burning). This is a consequence of a sharp increase in the level of hCG (“pregnancy hormone”) in the blood immediately after embryo implantation. Increased growth of cells in the glandular tissue of the breast begins, which causes irritation of the nerve endings.
10. Decreased blood pressure, increased basal temperature and low-grade body temperature. It can throw you either hot or cold. The risk of colds increases.
11. Nagging pain in the abdomen and lower back.

Traditionally, the main sign of pregnancy is the absence of regular menstruation. But other indirect manifestations of pregnancy also need to be taken into account. For example, a cycle may simply fail due to medication, stress, acclimatization and other factors.

How to find out if conception occurred after ovulation

To determine in the early stages (before the onset of menstruation) whether conception occurred after ovulation, various methods can be used:

• draw conclusions based on the characteristic subjective characteristics listed above;
• Ultrasound;
• determination of hCG level. A blood or urine test will give an accurate answer 10-11 after ovulation, special pregnancy tests (inkjet, cassette, electronic, strip strip) - after 8-13 days, depending on sensitivity;
• the presence of uncharacteristic fluctuations or indicators in the graph of changes in basal temperature relative to previous cycles.

Basal temperature after ovulation if fertilization has occurred

Keeping a graph of basal temperature for at least three menstrual cycles will allow you to find out about conception before this fact is confirmed by tests. When pregnancy occurs, the BT schedule will differ from the usual.

An egg that has matured in the follicle, ready for fertilization, destroys the surface of the ovary and passes through the abdominal cavity into the fallopian tube. This phenomenon is called ovulation. It occurs in the middle of a woman’s menstrual period, but can shift in one direction or another, occurring on the 11th – 21st days of the cycle.

Menstrual cycle

A female fetus at 20 weeks of intrauterine development already has 2 million immature eggs in the ovaries. 75% of them disappear soon after the girl is born. Most women retain 500,000 eggs by reproductive age. By the beginning of puberty, they are ready for cyclical maturation.

During the first two years after menarche, anovulatory cycles are common. Then the regularity of the maturation of the follicle, the release of the egg and the formation of the corpus luteum is established - the ovulation cycle. A disruption in the rhythm of this process occurs during menopause, when the release of an egg occurs less and less and then stops.

When an egg moves into the fallopian tube, it can merge with a sperm - fertilization. The resulting embryo enters the uterus. During ovulation, the uterine walls thicken and the endometrium grows, preparing for implantation of the embryo. If conception does not occur, the inner layer of the uterine wall is rejected - menstrual bleeding occurs.

On what day after menstruation does ovulation occur?

Normally, this is the middle of the cycle, taking into account the first day of menstruation. For example, if 26 days pass between the first days of each menstruation, then ovulation will occur on the 12th – 13th day, taking into account the day the period begins.

How many days does this process take?

The release of a mature germ cell occurs quickly, and hormonal changes are recorded within 1 day.

One of the misconceptions is to believe that if you have periods, then the cycle was necessarily ovulatory. Thickening of the endometrium is controlled by estrogen, and ovulation is caused by the action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Not every menstrual cycle is accompanied by the process of ovulation. Therefore, when planning pregnancy, it is recommended to monitor the precursors of egg release and use additional tests to determine it. If anovulation lasts for a long time, you should consult a gynecologist.

Hormonal regulation

Ovulation occurs under the influence of FSH, which is synthesized in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland under the influence of regulators formed in the hypothalamus. Under the influence of FSH, the follicular phase of egg maturation begins. At this time, one of the follicle vesicles becomes dominant. As it increases, it reaches the preovulatory stage. At the moment of ovulation, the wall of the follicle ruptures, the mature reproductive cell contained in it leaves the ovary and penetrates the uterine tube.

What happens after ovulation?

The second phase of the cycle begins - the luteal phase. Under the influence of the luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland, a unique endocrine organ, the corpus luteum, appears at the site of the ruptured follicle. This is a small round yellow formation. The corpus luteum secretes hormones that cause the endometrium to thicken and prepare it for implantation of the embryo during pregnancy.

Anovulatory cycle

Menstrual-like bleeding may recur regularly after 24-28 days, but the egg does not leave the ovary. This cycle is called . In the absence of ovulation, one or more follicles reach the preovulatory stage, that is, they grow, and a germ cell develops inside. However, the follicular wall does not rupture and the egg does not come out.

Soon after this, the mature follicle undergoes atresia, that is, reverse development. At this time, estrogen levels decrease, which leads to menstrual-like bleeding. In terms of external signs, it is practically indistinguishable from normal menstruation.

Why is there no ovulation?

This may be a physiological condition during puberty or premenopause. If a woman is of childbearing age, rare anovulatory cycles are normal.

Many hormonal disorders lead to an imbalance of the “hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary” system and change the timing of ovulation, in particular:

• hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones);
• hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormones);
• hormonally active benign tumor of the pituitary gland (adenoma);
• adrenal insufficiency.

Emotional stress can prolong the ovulatory period. It leads to a decrease in the level of gonadotropin-releasing factor, a substance secreted by the hypothalamus and stimulating the synthesis of FSH in the pituitary gland.

Other possible reasons for the absence or delay of ovulation associated with hormonal imbalance:

• intense sports and physical activity;
• rapid weight loss of at least 10%;
• chemotherapy and radiation for malignant neoplasms;
• taking tranquilizers, corticosteroid hormones and some contraceptives.

The main physiological reasons for the absence of ovulation are pregnancy and menopause. During premenopause, women may continue to have more or less regular periods, but the likelihood of anovulatory cycles increases significantly.

Symptoms of egg release

Not all women experience signs of ovulation. At this moment, hormonal changes occur in the body. By carefully observing your body, you can discover the period of best fertilization ability. It is not necessary to use complex and expensive methods for predicting egg release. It is enough to detect natural symptoms in time.

• Change in cervical mucus

The female body prepares for possible conception by producing cervical fluid, suitable for the transfer of sperm from the vagina to the uterine cavity. Until ovulation, this discharge is thick and viscous. They prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Before ovulation, the glands of the cervical canal begin to produce a special protein - its threads are thin, elastic and similar in properties to the protein of a chicken egg. Vaginal discharge becomes transparent and stretches well. This environment is ideal for sperm to penetrate into the uterus.

• Change in vaginal moisture

Discharge from the cervix becomes more abundant. During sexual intercourse, the amount of vaginal fluid increases. A woman feels increased humidity throughout the day, which shows her readiness for fertilization.

• Breast tenderness

After ovulation, progesterone levels increase. If a woman keeps a chart, she will see that her basal temperature has risen. It is caused precisely by the action of progesterone. This hormone also affects the mammary glands, so at this moment they become more sensitive. Sometimes this soreness resembles premenstrual sensations.

• Changing the position of the cervix

After the end of menstruation, the cervix is ​​closed and low. As ovulation approaches, it rises higher and softens. You can check this yourself. After thoroughly washing your hands, you need to place your foot on the edge of the toilet or bathtub and insert two fingers into the vagina. If you have to push them deep, it means your cervix has risen. It is easiest to check this symptom immediately after menstruation, so that you can then better determine the change in the position of the cervix.

• Increased sex drive

Women often notice a stronger sex drive mid-cycle. These sensations during ovulation are of natural origin and are associated with changes in hormonal levels.

• Bloody issues

Sometimes in the middle of the cycle, small bloody discharge from the vagina appears. It can be assumed that this is the “residue” of blood leaving the uterus after menstruation. However, if this sign appears during suspected ovulation, it indicates rupture of the follicle. In addition, some blood may also be released from the endometrial tissue under the influence of hormones immediately before or after ovulation. This symptom indicates high fertility.

• Cramp or pain on one side of the abdomen

20% of women experience pain during ovulation, which is called pain. It occurs when the follicle ruptures and the fallopian tube contracts as the egg moves into the uterus. A woman feels pain or spasm on one side of her lower abdomen. These sensations after ovulation do not last long, but serve as a fairly accurate sign of fertility.

• Flatulence

Hormonal shifts cause slight bloating. It can be detected by clothing or a belt that has become a little tight.

• Mild nausea

Hormonal changes may cause mild nausea, similar to pregnancy-like sensations.

• Headache

20% of women experience headaches or migraines before or during menstruation. The same symptom in these patients may accompany the onset of ovulation.

Diagnostics

Many women are planning their pregnancy. Conceiving after ovulation gives the greatest chance of fertilization of the egg. Therefore, they use additional methods to diagnose this condition.

Functional diagnostic tests for the ovulatory cycle:

• basal temperature;
• pupil symptom;
• study of cervical mucus extensibility;
• karyopyknotic index.

These studies are objective, that is, they show the phase of the ovulatory cycle quite accurately and regardless of the woman’s feelings. They are used when normal hormonal processes are disrupted. With their help, ovulation is diagnosed, for example, in an irregular cycle.

Basal temperature

Measurements are taken by placing a thermometer 3-4 cm into the anus, immediately after waking up. It is important to perform the procedure at the same time (a half hour difference is acceptable), after at least 4 hours of continuous sleep. You need to take your temperature every day, including on menstruation days.

The thermometer should be prepared in the evening so as not to shake in the morning. In general, it is not recommended to make unnecessary movements. If a woman uses a mercury thermometer, after inserting it into the rectum, she should lie still for 5 minutes. It is more convenient to use an electronic thermometer, which will beep when the measurement is completed. However, sometimes such devices give erroneous readings, which can lead to incorrect detection of ovulation.

After the measurement, the result must be plotted on a graph, divided along the vertical axis into tenths of a degree (36.1 - 36.2 - 36.3 and so on).

In the follicular phase, the temperature is 36.6-36.8 degrees. Starting from the second day after ovulation, it rises to 37.1-37.3 degrees. This rise is clearly visible on the chart. Just before the release of the egg, the mature follicle releases the maximum amount of estrogens, and on the graph this may appear as a sudden decrease (“recession”), followed by a rise in temperature. It is not always possible to register this sign.

If a woman has irregular ovulation, constantly measuring her rectal temperature will help her determine the most favorable day for conception. The accuracy of the method is 95%, subject to the rules for performing measurements and interpreting the results by a doctor.

Pupil symptom

This sign is detected by a gynecologist when examining the cervix using vaginal speculum. During the follicular phase of the cycle, the external uterine os gradually increases in diameter, and the cervical discharge becomes more and more transparent (+). Outwardly, it resembles the pupil of an eye. By the time of ovulation, the uterine os is maximally dilated, its diameter reaches 3-4 cm, the pupil symptom is most pronounced (+++). On days 6-8 after this, the external opening of the cervical canal closes, the pupil symptom becomes negative (-). The accuracy of this method is 60%.

Extensibility of cervical mucus

This sign, which can be noticed independently, is quantified using a forceps (a type of tweezers with teeth on the edges). The doctor grabs mucus from the cervical canal, stretches it and determines the maximum length of the resulting thread.

In the first phase of the cycle, the length of such a thread is 2-4 cm. 2 days before ovulation it increases to 8-12 cm, starting from the 2nd day after it decreases to 4 cm. From the 6th day the mucus practically does not stretch. The accuracy of this method is 60%.

Karyopyknotic index

This is the ratio of cells with a pyknotic nucleus to the total number of superficial epithelial cells in a vaginal smear. Pyknotic nuclei are wrinkled and less than 6 µm in size. In the first phase, their number is 20-70%, 2 days before ovulation and at the time of its onset - 80-88%, 2 days after the release of the egg - 60-40%, then their number decreases to 20-30%. The accuracy of the method does not exceed 50%.

A more accurate method of determining ovulation is hormonal studies. The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of using it with an irregular cycle. The level of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and progesterone is determined. Typically, such tests are prescribed without taking into account individual characteristics, on days 5–7 and 18–22 of the cycle. Ovulation does not always occur during this period; with a longer cycle, it occurs later. This leads to unfounded diagnosis of anovulation, unnecessary tests and treatment.

The same difficulties arise when using drugs that are based on changes in the level of LH in the urine. A woman must either accurately guess the time of ovulation, or constantly use rather expensive test strips. There are reusable test systems that analyze changes in saliva. They are quite accurate and convenient, but the disadvantage of such devices is their high cost.

LH levels may be persistently elevated in the following cases:

• severe stress due to the desire to become pregnant;

Ultrasound detection of ovulation

The most accurate and cost-effective method is diagnosing ovulation using ultrasound (). With ultrasound monitoring, the doctor evaluates the thickness of the endometrium, the size of the dominant follicle and the corpus luteum formed in its place. The date of the first study depends on the regularity of the cycle. If it has the same duration, the study is carried out 16-18 days before the start date of menstruation. If the cycle is irregular, an ultrasound scan is prescribed on the 10th day from the beginning of menstruation.

At the first ultrasound, the dominant follicle is clearly visible, from which a mature egg will subsequently be released. By measuring its diameter, you can determine the date of ovulation. The size of the follicle before ovulation is 20-24 mm, and its growth rate in the first phase of the cycle is 2 mm per day.

A second ultrasound is prescribed after the expected date of ovulation, when a corpus luteum is detected at the site of the follicle. At the same time, a blood test is performed to determine progesterone levels. The combination of increased progesterone concentration and the presence of a corpus luteum on ultrasound confirms ovulation. Thus, a woman undergoes only one test for hormone levels per cycle, which reduces her financial and time costs for the examination.

When examining in the second phase, changes in the corpus luteum and endometrium can be detected, which can prevent pregnancy.

Ultrasound monitoring confirms or denies ovulation even in cases where data from other methods turned out to be uninformative:

• an increase in basal temperature in the second phase due to a decrease in the production of hormones by the atretic follicle;
• increased basal temperature and progesterone levels with low endometrial thickness, which prevents pregnancy;
• no changes in basal temperature;
• false positive ovulation test.

An ultrasound examination helps answer many of a woman’s questions:

• does she ever ovulate?
• whether it will happen in the current cycle or not;
• On what day will the egg be released?

Changes in the timing of ovulation

The release time of the egg may vary by 1-2 days even with a regular cycle. A persistently shortened follicular phase and early ovulation can lead to problems with conception.

Early ovulation

If the release of the egg occurs 12-14 days after the start of menstruation, there is no reason to worry. However, if the basal temperature chart or test strips show that this process occurred on the 11th day or earlier, then the released egg is not developed enough for fertilization. At the same time, the mucus plug in the cervix is ​​quite dense, and sperm cannot penetrate through it. Insufficient increase in endometrial thickness, caused by a reduction in the hormonal influence of estrogens in the developing follicle, prevents implantation of the embryo, even if fertilization has occurred.

Still being studied. Sometimes it happens accidentally, in one of the menstrual cycles. In other cases, pathology may be caused by the following factors:

• severe stress and disruption of the relationship between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the nervous system, which leads to a sudden premature increase in LH levels;
• the natural aging process, when in order to maintain the maturation of the egg, the body produces more FSH, which causes excessively rapid growth of the follicle;
• smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine;
• gynecological and endocrine diseases.

Can ovulation occur immediately after menstruation?

This is possible in two cases:

• if menstruation lasts 5-7 days, and against this background a hormonal imbalance occurs, early ovulation can occur almost immediately after its completion;
• if two follicles mature at different times in different ovaries, then their cycles do not coincide; in this case, ovulation of the second follicle is timely, but occurs in the first phase in the other ovary; This is associated with cases of pregnancy during sexual intercourse during menstruation.

Late ovulation

For some women, from time to time the ovulatory phase occurs on the 20th day of the cycle or later. Most often this is caused by hormonal disorders in the complex balanced system “hypothalamus - pituitary gland - ovary”. Usually these changes are preceded by stress or taking certain medications (corticosteroids, antidepressants, anticancer drugs). increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the egg, fetal malformations and early pregnancy loss.

If two follicles in each ovary do not mature at the same time, ovulation is possible before menstruation.

The cause of such a failure may be breastfeeding. Even if a woman regains her period after childbirth, she experiences a long follicular phase or anovulatory cycles for six months. This is a normal process established by nature and protects a woman from re-pregnancy.

During breastfeeding, both menstruation and ovulation are often absent for some time. But at a certain moment, the maturation of the egg begins, it is released, and it enters the uterus. And only 2 weeks after this, menstruation begins. This is how ovulation is possible without menstruation.

Often, late ovulation occurs in women who are too thin or in patients who have lost weight quickly. The amount of fat in the body is directly related to the level of sex hormones (estrogens), and a small amount of it leads to delayed egg maturation.

Treatment for ovulatory cycle disorders

Anovulation for several cycles throughout the year is normal. But what to do if there is no ovulation all the time, and a woman wants to get pregnant? You should be patient, find a qualified gynecologist and contact him for diagnosis and treatment.

Taking oral contraceptives

Usually, a course of oral contraceptives is first recommended to cause the so-called rebound effect - ovulation after discontinuation of OCs is likely to occur in the first cycle. This effect persists for 3 consecutive cycles.

If a woman has taken these medications before, they are discontinued and ovulation is expected to resume. On average, this period takes from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the duration of taking birth control pills. Conventionally, it is believed that for every year of using oral contraceptives, 3 months are required to restore ovulation.

Stimulation

In more severe cases, after excluding diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary tumors and other possible “external” causes of anovulation, the gynecologist will prescribe medications for. At the same time, he will monitor the patient’s condition, conduct ultrasound monitoring of the follicle and endometrium, and prescribe hormonal tests.

If there has been no period for 40 days or more, pregnancy is first ruled out, and then progesterone is administered to induce menstrual-like bleeding. After an ultrasound and other diagnostics, medications for ovulation are prescribed:

• clomiphene citrate (Clomid) is an anti-estrogenic ovulation stimulator that increases the production of FSH in the pituitary gland, its effectiveness is 85%;
• gonadotropic hormones (Repronex, Follistim and others) are analogues of one’s own FSH, causing the egg to mature, their effectiveness reaches 100%, but they are dangerous for the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome;
• hCG, often used before the IVF procedure; HCG is prescribed after the release of the egg to maintain the corpus luteum, and subsequently the placenta, and maintain pregnancy;
• leuprorelin (Lupron) is an analogue of gonadotropin-releasing factor, which is produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates the synthesis of FSH in the pituitary gland; this drug does not cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome;

Self-medication with these drugs is prohibited. When strictly following the doctor's recommendations and treatment in accordance with internationally recognized rules, most women manage to become pregnant in the first 2 years after starting therapy.

Assisted reproductive technologies

In the event that ovulation disorders cannot be corrected, assisted reproductive technologies come to the woman’s aid. However, they are associated with a strong hormonal influence on the body to produce a normal mature egg. Complex drug regimens are used. Such procedures should only be performed in specialized medical centers.

In its absence, conception becomes impossible. There are several methods to confirm the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Their use makes it possible to determine a woman's ability to conceive.

• Determination methods

  Confirmation the fact of existence necessary when a woman cannot become pregnant for a long time. An examination is prescribed, within which various diagnostic procedures are carried out. If pathologies are detected, a course of treatment is prescribed. Most often it represents hormone therapy.

  Each woman independently decides which method of determination suits her best. Each of them has both pros and cons. Among the main methods are:

  • Carrying out folliculometry.
  • on certain days of the cycle.
  • Using tests.
  • Focus on personal feelings.
  • Observation of

  The most reliable way to confirm is folliculometry. This is an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs with a narrow focus.

  As a result of the procedure, the number and size of follicles in each ovary are determined. And also measured. Based on the results obtained, it is determined at what stage the reproductive system is.

  Research is carried out in dynamics. The woman should make 3-5 visits on the appointed days. The first visit is carried out during the menstrual cycle. Are being assessed development prospects.

  REFERENCE! On average, the dominant follicle increases by 2 mm every day. In some cases, minor deviations may occur. To attack, it must reach an optimal size of 18–25 mm.

  The next visit is scheduled at the end. During this period, the condition is checked. If necessary, medications that affect its growth are prescribed. The third visit occurs on days of increased fertility. The doctor determines the best time for sexual intercourse.

  Recent visits are needed for discovery corpus luteum at the site of the ruptured follicle. Its presence confirms the fact of what happened. In addition, a small accumulation of fluid will appear behind the uterus. If, as a result of the ultrasound, the main symptoms of fertility are not detected, then a repeat visit is scheduled.

  Tests for allow you to determine fertile days at home. The principle of use is simple. When the hormone LH increases in the body, bright test strip.

  IMPORTANT! Tests to determine fertile days show two stripes in almost all cases - this does not indicate the presence of fertile days. During the release period, the strip will be much brighter than the control one.

  Another, no less reliable way to determine is. It is carried out by inserting a thermometer into the rectal opening.

  Measurements are taken when the body is completely relaxed. The optimal time of day for this is early morning. The disadvantage of the method is the need long-term study.

  You cannot draw conclusions based on measurements of one menstrual cycle. At least three months must pass.

  It was possible to understand whether it was possible to donate blood for progesterone. This the hormone increases noticeably a few days after the follicle ruptures. When it is below normal.

  Cervical fluid analysis, observing and focusing on one’s own sensations are not direct signs, but they are often used to determine it. Using all methods together will allow you to get correct result.

  Symptoms

  To determine fertile days, a woman can rely on her own feelings. To the main physiological symptoms include:

  • Increased sexual desire.
  • in the pelvic area.
  • Change . It rises and opens.

  On days favorable for conception, a woman begins to notice a change in her psychological state. This process is purely individual. Some representatives of the fair sex irritability increases. Interesting facts include the fact that during

A woman can learn about the completed conception even before the date of her expected menstruation. Already at this stage, the embryo, which has implanted into the uterus, gives signals about its existence. Significant changes occur in the female body that affect her well-being.

How to understand that conception has occurred after ovulation?

The readiness of the female body to conceive is determined by the level of sex hormones. This process occurs differently for each woman. The day of ovulation depends on the length of the menstrual cycle. The longer it is, the later ovulation occurs. The egg is fertilized by sperm approximately 48 hours after the follicle ruptures. Formally, conception occurs during this period. But the pregnancy cannot be called successful, since implantation has not yet occurred.

The resulting embryo is directed towards the uterus. It takes him 7-10 days to travel. Once in the uterus, the embryo selects the most suitable place for implantation. The implementation process takes a few more days. Only after this the hCG hormone begins to be released into the blood, to which pregnancy tests respond.

Signs of conception in the first days after ovulation

How to understand that conception has occurred after ovulation? There are signs of conception after ovulation, which can be used to diagnose pregnancy even before the delay. They are considered subjective, since they are also characteristic of the premenstrual period. Experts recommend analyzing all symptoms together. But the most telling sign of successful fertilization will be a positive pregnancy test or blood test. Indirect signs of an interesting situation include:

• Heaviness in the abdomen;
• Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Exacerbation of genitourinary diseases;
• Changes in basal temperature;
• Changing taste habits.
• Transparent discharge from the genitals. They are odorless and colorless.

Is it possible to feel the fertilization of an egg after ovulation?

Every pregnancy is unique. There are women who are able to feel pregnancy in the first week. By listening to her body, a woman understands that fertilization of the egg has occurred. It is unlikely that there is such a sensitive woman who can feel that very specific moment of fertilization.

However, there are signs and symptoms that may indicate that fertilization has occurred. Some women report experiencing early symptoms soon after their expected date of conception. If you feel something unusual and want to know if you are pregnant, the fastest way is to take a home pregnancy test, which in most cases gives reliable results.

Symptoms of conception after ovulation in the first days.

In each individual case, symptoms will manifest themselves individually. The psychological factor is of great importance. If a woman does not plan a pregnancy, then she will not notice the changes occurring in the body. The main symptoms of pregnancy are:

• Emotional lability;
• Drowsiness;
• Increase in size and appearance of soreness of the mammary glands;
• Bloating;
• Fatigue;
• Change in libido;
• Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

Painful sensations in the abdomen

Signs of conception after ovulation, as a rule, make themselves felt after 10-12 days. Among them are pain in the lower abdomen. They are triggered by the implantation process. As the embryo implants in the uterus, blood vessels may become damaged. In addition, muscle spasms occur. The uterus gradually increases in volume. The combination of these processes stimulates pain. The woman feels light sipping sensations that do not affect performance.

Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract system

Disruption of the digestive system occurs under the influence of hormonal changes. The onset of pregnancy is accompanied by an increase in progesterone levels. It provokes increased gas formation and diarrhea. Some women experience a change in taste preferences or loss of appetite after conception.

Discomfort in the mammary glands

Changes in the mammary glands are one of the common symptoms of conception. Immediately after the implantation of the fertilized egg, a tingling sensation appears in the chest. Nipples become more sensitive. The volume of the mammary glands also changes. These symptoms are caused by an increase in the hormones hCG and progesterone.

Sudden cystitis

Some signs of conception after ovulation cause confusion in a woman, since they are only indirectly related to pregnancy. At the initial stages of an interesting situation, the microflora of the vagina changes. The number of pathogenic microorganisms may exceed the norm. If bacteria enter the urethra, symptoms of cystitis will occur. These include pain in the lower abdomen and frequent urination. Chronic cystitis can worsen during pregnancy due to weakening of the body.

Change in basal temperature

The very first signs of conception after ovulation can often be recognized by women who keep a basal temperature chart. It is measured every day, rectally. The temperature is recorded on a graph. Based on the information received, a curved line is drawn. In the follicular phase of the cycle, the temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 36.8°C. Before ovulation it decreases by several degrees. If fertilization has occurred, the temperature will only rise in the luteal phase. If conception does not occur, before the onset of menstruation the indicator will drop to 36.5°C.

The study of basal temperature is indicative only if the woman has a regular cycle and the study is carried out on an ongoing basis. The following factors may influence the indicator:

• Stressful situations;
• Sexual intercourse performed the day before;
• Taking hormonal medications;
• Excessive physical activity.

Change in hCG level

Signs of conception after ovulation are not as reliable as the level of hCG in the body. The pregnancy hormone begins to be released into the blood faster than into the urine. Therefore, a blood test will show the presence of pregnancy faster than a pregnancy test. The fact of completed conception is indicated by a result of more than 5 units.

In rare cases, pregnancy is indicated by the appearance of spotting. They arise as a result of damage to blood vessels during the implantation of the embryo into the uterine cavity. During implantation, only a small amount of blood appears. If there is a lot of it, there may be a threat of termination of pregnancy. Against the background of bloody discharge, other symptoms may occur. A woman should be wary of the following:

• Significant increase in body temperature;
• Cramping pain in the perineum;
• Dizziness;
• Purulent discharge.

Signs of conception after ovulation by day (fertilization by day after ovulation).

After ovulation, how can you tell if conception has occurred? Knowing which days after conception what happens, you can detect pregnancy in advance. To do this, you should listen to the body, paying attention to even the smallest details. Signs of egg fertilization after ovulation appear 1-2 days after implantation of the fertilized egg. This process occurs 7-12 days after the sperm meets the female oocyte. For some women, signs of pregnancy do not make themselves felt until menstruation is missed. The test will indicate pregnancy 2-3 days after implantation.

4 days after ovulation - signs of pregnancy

On day 4, there will be no signs of successful conception after ovulation. This is due to the fact that the female body does not understand what happened since there was no implantation. In especially rare cases, it is possible to determine the level of hCG.

5 days after ovulation - signs of pregnancy

If you conceive on the fifth day after ovulation, the signs of pregnancy will be as follows:

• An increase in basal temperature by 0.1 - 0.2 degrees from normal temperature in the second phase of the cycle;
• Nausea and trembling in the hands;
• Pain and tingling in the lower abdomen;
• Increased breast volume;
• Decreased immunity;
• Cystitis after ovulation as a sign of pregnancy (Due to decreased immunity)

6 days after ovulation - signs of pregnancy

On the sixth day, the following symptoms are possible:

• Nausea;
• Increase in basal temperature;
• Tugging or tingling in the ovary;
• Decreased immunity;
• Breast swelling.

7 days after ovulation - signs of pregnancy

• Toxicosis;
• Slight light brown or pink discharge;
• May pull in the lower abdomen as before menstruation;
• Possible burning sensation;
• Changes to the BT schedule.

8 days after ovulation - signs of pregnancy

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. 8 days after ovulation, pregnancy symptoms may be as follows:

• Edema;
• Itching in the chest;
• Bloating and gas;
• Diarrhea after ovulation is a possible sign of pregnancy;
• You may feel constantly tired;
• Headache;
• Dizziness.

9 days after ovulation - signs of pregnancy

It is easy to assume that on the 9th day after ovulation, a woman enters the luteal phase. During this period, the so-called corpus luteum is formed.

If conception has occurred, then androgen, progesterone, and estradiol will be produced until childbirth. If fertilization does not occur, the concentration will gradually decrease and lead to rejection of the endometrium of the uterus and the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.

What should you do after sex to increase your chances of getting pregnant?

For conception to occur, unprotected sex is not enough. The egg must not only be fertilized, but also successfully attach to the uterine cavity. For this to happen, a woman should refrain from lifting heavy objects during the luteal phase of her cycle. You should also not take strong medications. Proper nutrition will have a positive effect on implantation. It is recommended to ensure a supply of vitamins A, E and C.

To increase the chances of conception, a woman needs to lie down for some time after intimacy. This will allow sperm to freely enter the fallopian tubes. It is better to practice sexual intercourse the day before ovulation and within 24 hours after it occurs. During these periods, a woman's fertility reaches its peak.