Fertility is an important topic when you want to get pregnant or when you want to increase your fertility awareness. Understanding your fertile window is crucial when "planning" a pregnancy.
In this article, we will explain how you can determine your fertile window and what measures you can take to increase your chances of conception.
---
"The fertile window in the cycle includes a few days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. "
Contents
The menstrual cycle and ovulation
The menstrual cycle, which usually lasts about 28 days, plays a crucial role in fertility. The cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and ends on the day before the next menstruation.
Ovulation is the moment when the mature follicle bursts and the egg is released. The egg is fertile for 24 hours after ovulation. In women with a regular 28-day cycle, the most fertile period is between day 11 and day 16 of the cycle.
The time of ovulation is approximately 14 days before the start of your next menstruation, regardless of the length of your menstrual cycle. This is how you can calculate your fertile window.
If you have irregular periods, it is difficult to estimate when the next ovulation will occur. If you do not menstruate very often, it is also uncertain whether ovulation preceded your "menstruation".
When are you fertile?
The fertile window in the cycle includes a few days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
The closer you get to ovulation, the greater your chances of getting pregnant. You are most fertile on the two days before ovulation and on the day itself. This is because an egg can survive for 24 hours and sperm cells can survive for up to 5 days in the uterus and fallopian tubes.
The days after ovulation until your next menstruation, you have only a very small chance of getting pregnant.
How can I recognize my ovulation?
To increase the chances of pregnancy, it is important to recognize (the lead-up to) your ovulation.
There are several ways you can recognize your ovulation.
Basal body temperature (BBT) method:
Just before ovulation, your basal body temperature rises slightly, usually by about 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius. By measuring and tracking your body temperature daily in the morning before getting out of bed (so you are still in bed), you can discover a pattern of temperature changes that indicate your ovulation. There are special devices available for this, such as the Ladycomp, which track your cycle based on your temperature.
However, it does require a lot of discipline and it is important to note that with certain metabolic disorders, such as thyroid problems, the basal body temperature can be higher or lower than normal. This makes the temperature method quite unreliable on its own, but it can be well combined with other methods.
Cervical mucus observation
During your cycle, the texture and appearance of cervical mucus change. By studying your cervical mucus, or discharge, you can recognize when ovulation takes place and thus when you are fertile.
Just before ovulation, the mucus becomes clear, stretchy/stringy and looks like raw egg white. This indicates an increase in estrogen and shows that you are fertile.
It is wise to then study your discharge daily to really recognize your ovulation.
Looking at your mucus is called the Billings method or the fern test.
With this, you take some mucus from the cervix with your fingers daily and study it, preferably right after showering. The result can be influenced when you look at your mucus right after sexual intercourse or when you are aroused, making it less reliable.
But regularly and consistently observing the changes in your cervical mucus can help you better understand your fertile window.
Ovulation tests
These ovulation tests measure the luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. LH peaks approximately 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. By using an ovulation test strip daily around the expected time of your ovulation, you can detect the LH peak and accurately determine your fertile window. This can be a good way when you have a fairly regular cycle. When you menstruate very irregularly, it is difficult to determine when to start testing.
Ovulation pain
Some women experience a slight pain or a pulling sensation on one side of their lower abdomen during ovulation. This is often referred to as ovulation pain. It can serve as a natural signal that your body is going through ovulation.
Our advice is, keep track of your cycle for a period. You can do this with an app such as the 'Apple Health app, 'my cycle' or 'Flo' for example. Keep track of the duration of your cycles and make notes of any changes in discharge or other fertility symptoms.
Keep in mind that not all methods are equally accurate and that they may not work for everyone. Combining multiple methods can help you get a better picture of your fertile window and when your ovulation takes place.
Factors that affect fertility
In addition to understanding the menstrual cycle and determining the fertile window, there are several factors that can affect fertility. Age plays an important role, since women's fertility decreases as they get older, especially after the age of 35.
Other factors include hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the use of certain medications.
A healthy lifestyle can also contribute to better fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption and quitting smoking can all have a positive influence on fertility.
Understanding your fertile window and optimizing your fertility can play an important role in planning a pregnancy. By tracking your menstrual cycle, observing body signals or making use of ovulation tests and paying attention to factors that can affect your fertility, you can increase your chances of conception.
Remember that every person is unique and that fertility is a complex process, so be patient and stay optimistic during your journey to parenthood.
Start with folic acid
When you are actively trying to conceive, it is wise to at least start taking folic acid. The advice is to take folic acid (the natural form, folate) for at least 4 weeks before you get pregnant.
This is because your body needs time to absorb it properly. The advice therefore is to start taking folic acid when you stop using contraception.
You can read more about folic acid in the article ‘Folic acid pregnancy - why and when to start taking folic acid?’
The best absorbable form of folic acid can be found in the Ultimate Multi Mama multivitamin. Combined with B12 and B6 and another 26 vitamins and minerals. A high-quality multivitamin for women who want to conceive.
View all supplements that support fertility.
The information provided does not replace the information provided by a general practitioner and cannot be seen as personal medical advice.
