As a woman, one of the most empowering things you can do is understand how your body functions. The more you know about ovulation, the more you’ll understand how your own body works to empower your fertility potential. Below are the most common questions I’m asked.
Q. Is it possible to ovulate twice in one month?
A. Although very rare, it is possible (this is how non-identical twins are conceived). This always occurs within 24 hours, so the time you are fertile will be within the same time frame of your cycle.
Q. How long can sperm survive?
A. Inside a woman’s body sperm can survive for between 3 – 5 days. In optimum conditions of ovulation time, it can survive up to 5 days.
Q. How many days am I fertile during each month?
A. Most conception occurs during the six-day period before and after ovulation, but in a shorter cycles, the fertile window will usually occur earlier, and in a longer cycle, it generally occurs later.
Q. If I have regular periods, does this mean my ovulation is normal?
A. Your period can be regular, but it doesn’t always reflect your ovulation is normal. In clinic we often see women with Luteal Phase Defect or Anovulation. Which means you have ovulated later in your cycle.
Q. How can I be sure I’ve ovulated?
A. There are three ways: falling pregnant; having an ultrasound that shows you’ve released an egg; or a blood test showing raised progesterone levels.
Q. What is a progesterone test and should I have one?
A. A progesterone tests shows if ovulation has occurred. This must be completed on the 21st day of your 28-day cycle, as this is when raised progesterone levels occur. If your test shows no raised progesterone levels, it means no ovulation has occurred.
Q. Can my temperature give me an indication of my ovulation?
A. Taking your temperature can give you an idea of ovulation. It is best to work with a Practitioner that understands the Natural Fertility Method (FAM).
Q. Do you recommend using a predictor kit?
A. While some women find these useful, you will also need an understanding of your cervical secretions first. The predictor kit tests for a rise in your luteinising hormones. Although ovulation generally occurs within 36 hours of your luteinising hormone surge, it’s not always the case. We recommend trying the predictor kits and if you are having difficulties to see your health Practitioner.
Q. Should I look for anything particular in my cervical secretions?
A. During times when you’re most fertile, your oestrogen changes your cervical secretions to allow sperm to live longer in your body and enter the womb more easily. Generally, fertile secretions are wetter, slippery, stretchy and lubricated. Regardless of exact timing relative to ovulation, it’s best to have sex on days when maximum fertile mucus quality is present.
Q. As I’ve become older, I have less secretions. Is this an issue?
Not necessarily. Less secretion is not always due to age. There are other factors such as hormone imbalance or poor follicular development (where egg growth is not stimulated properly). A good diet, such as quality fats and plenty of water, can also help increase secretions.
Q. Why is the time between ovulation and my period now shorter?
As you age, you ovulate less often, so the time between ovulation and your next period (luteal phase) can become shorter. This may be due to the ageing process or from other causes.
Note: If there are less than 10 days from ovulation to your next period, this is not enough time for an egg to be fertilised. i.e. Implanted into the endometrium (womb lining).
Q. Do lifestyle factors impact my ovulation?
A. Stress can definitely have an impact on lifestyle, and because of the disruption to the hormones associated with fertility, this can affect ovulation. Sudden weight gain or loss can also have an affect; being underweight is more detrimental to fertility than being slightly overweight.
Q. Can a thyroid issue affect fertility?
A. The thyroid gland plays a large part in your body. It’s responsible for releasing more hormones to increase your metabolism, or slow down the body to conserve energy. Stress or illness can play a big part in disrupting the thyroid function, and due to hormones playing a large part in your body, this can affect fertility.
Q. I’ve just stopped taking the pill. When will my cycles go back to normal?
A. It varies for each person. In clinic we see may women who’s periods don’t return post pill. In most cases ovulation becomes disrupted. We recommend seeing your Health Practitioner to get your hormones back on track.
Q. I’m breastfeeding. Will this affect my fertility?
A. Despite normal periods, breastfeeding does suppress ovulation, so it might take a while after you stop breastfeeding for your cycle to return to normal.
Q. Can the time of intercourse affect the sex of the baby?
A. There is a method called the billings method that refers to having sex at particular times of your cycle when trying for a boy or girl.
To learn more about Ovulation and the natural ways to boost your chances of falling pregnant, read our article on The Big O below!
https://angea.com.au/the-big-o/
Our founder, Dr Amanda Waaldyk, began her Angea practice in 2006. Amanda has a deep passion for Fertility and Women’s Health. Through Angea, Amanda has built a community of women who have band together, come out of isolation, shared and connected on their unique journeys. To book an appointment with Amanda or any of our wonderful practitioners please call 03 95103700.