Brown discharge after intercourse. Bloody discharge in gynecology. Why do I have brown discharge after sex?

The first thing a woman who cannot conceive a child needs to find out is whether she is ovulating. Normally, this process repeats every menstrual cycle and directly affects the ability to conceive. How to determine ovulation and can you do it yourself?

There are many ways to find out the favorable period for conception. Let's look at the most common of them, and also figure out what ovulation is.

The word ovulation comes from the Latin ovulla, which means “egg.” In essence, the process is the release of a mature and ready-to-fertilize egg into the woman’s abdominal cavity.

This usually happens in the middle. One ovulation occurs per month, but occasionally two eggs (one from each ovary) mature and are released at the same time (sometimes several days apart). In this case, if they meet sperm within 24 hours, it is possible.

The fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube leading to the uterus. Having reached the goal, it attaches and the embryo begins to develop. If this does not happen, menstruation begins in due time and the egg is released from the body.

Without ovulation, pregnancy is impossible. Therefore, those who are planning to have a child need to know how to determine ovulation and be able to choose days favorable for conception.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

There is a relationship between a woman’s menstrual cycle and ovulation. On average, it lasts from 23 to 35 days, starting from the first day of menstruation. Shorter or longer intervals are a sign of hormonal imbalance or other disorders of the reproductive system.

Each cycle consists of four phases. The first is menstrual, it lasts 3-6 days, during this period the endometrium of the uterus is rejected and comes out with monthly bleeding.

Next comes the second phase - follicular. It takes about 2 weeks (deviations of 2 days in any direction are possible). During this period, the ovaries produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which promotes the maturation of the egg.

Then, the ovulation phase begins, lasting up to 3 days, during which luteinizing hormone is released. Under its influence, the egg is released from the follicle.

The next, fourth phase is the luteal phase. It lasts from 6 to 12, less often up to 16 days. At this time, the body prepares for possible pregnancy– progesterone is produced, which prepares the endometrium of the uterus for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg.

If conception does not occur, the amount of progesterone decreases in due time. As a result upper layer The uterus (endometrium) is destroyed and comes out with menstrual bleeding. This moment marks the beginning of a new cycle.

Failure in any of the phases can lead to the fact that ovulation, and, consequently, pregnancy becomes impossible. Such cycles are called anovulatory.

The constant lack of maturation and release of the egg is the cause of 30-40% of all cases of female infertility.

Signs of ovulation

Women planning a pregnancy often wonder how to determine ovulation on their own and can you feel it? Indeed, there are a number of signs indicating that the release of an egg has already occurred:

1. Tingling and aching pain in the lower abdomen. These sensations are not associated with rupture of the follicle, since it occurs absolutely painlessly. The cause of discomfort is the movement of the egg through the fallopian tubes. The symptom is considered questionable, since it is often a consequence of the inflammatory process or the influence of other factors.
2. Increased sexual attraction. At the moment of ovulation, a hormonal surge occurs, making a woman feel more attractive and sensual.
3. Characteristic vaginal discharge. Girls who are attentive to the signals of their body may notice a change in vaginal secretion during this period. The discharge becomes profuse and viscous, reminiscent of egg white. After a few days everything returns to its previous state.

These are only indirect symptoms of ovulation. To ensure that it is present and to accurately determine the moment favorable for conception, you must use one of the methods below.

Determining ovulation by basal temperature

This method has been popular for a long time. It does not require any costs and can be easily implemented at home.

Basal temperature is the temperature measured in the rectum. For the indicators to be reliable, every morning immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed, the girl needs to insert the thermometer rectally and wait 8-10 minutes.

The obtained indicators are recorded in the form of a graph. Typically, the basal temperature after menstruation is in the range of 36.6–36.9°; on the eve of ovulation it decreases by several notches, and then sharply rises to 37.0–37.3°. The indicators remain at this level until the arrival of the next menstruation.

Thus, regular daily measurement of basal temperature allows you to determine the moment of ovulation. But you need to keep in mind that this method is not always accurate. Read more: how to measure basal temperature→

The results may be distorted for various reasons, such as:

• cold;
• inflammatory diseases;
• sleep less than 6 hours;
• alcohol consumption;
• sexual contact a few hours before taking the temperature;
• taking hormonal drugs.

Calendar method

How to determine ovulation using the calendar method? All you need is a calendar and knowledge of your menstrual cycle. It should be noted right away that the method is only suitable for women with regular menstruation.

Calculations are made as follows:

1. The dates of the onset of menstrual bleeding over the past few months are identified.
2. Calculate the length of the cycle (the interval from the beginning of one period to the next).
3. Subtract 14 from the total duration of the cycle. For example, if it is 26 days, then 26-14=12. This means that ovulation is expected on day 12.
4. The calendar marks the date when the follicle should mature. To conceive on this day, as well as during the day before and after it, you need to have an active sex life.

You don't have to write down your observations on a cardboard calendar. There are many smartphone apps that make it easier to monitor your cycle. When entering the initial data, the program itself calculates the date of expected ovulation and the start date of the next menstruation.

As you can see, the method is simple, but it has a drawback - insufficient accuracy. The duration of the cycle is influenced by many factors - stress, illness, climate change, so the calculation may not be informative.

In addition, if for some reason a woman has many anovulatory cycles, she will not know about it.

Determining ovulation using ultrasound

Folliculometry or determination of ovulation by ultrasound is the only study that cannot be carried out at home. It is most reliable and consists of monitoring the growth of the dominant follicle in the ovary using ultrasound diagnostics.

The study is carried out in the middle of the cycle, a little earlier than the expected date of ovulation. Then the procedure is repeated after 1-3 days. At this point, a dominant follicle measuring about 20 mm is formed, and the ovary contains a corpus luteum. Such echographic signs indicate the approach of ovulation.

A few days later, an ultrasound is performed again. If the follicle is no longer present, and not visualized in the pelvis a large number of fluid, it can be said that ovulation has occurred.

To confirm the information, a test is sometimes prescribed to measure the level of progesterone in the blood; if ovulation occurs, its amount will increase.

Ovulation tests

If it is not possible to visit an ultrasound room often, but you need a reliable result, there is another way of research. It's about about rapid tests, the principle of which is based on determining the level of luteinizing hormone in the urine.

Ovulation tests are performed at home on days when the egg is expected to mature. They are used in accordance with the instructions; 1-2 checks per day are enough.

At positive result the test will show 2 bright stripes. The next 24 hours from now on are most favorable for conception.

With a stable cycle, it is not necessary to undergo folliculometry, do tests or measure basal temperature every month. Since a woman’s ovulation always occurs at approximately the same time, it is enough to observe for 2-3 months and then rely on their results.

Having learned to recognize the signals of your body and identified the pattern in the onset of ovulation, you will be able to determine it accurately. An active sex life during this period will speed up the onset of the desired pregnancy.

Useful video: how to determine ovulation?

It is important for most women of the reproductive period to know how to determine ovulation at home. Currently, there are a large number of techniques that are used by patients. These determination methods must be used in combination to obtain the most accurate result. Using them separately may not always be highly accurate.

Why determine ovulation?

Determining ovulation means clarifying the time of release of the egg from the ovary, which is important in two cases. Among them, a woman’s planning of a child is highlighted. Exactly this period is the most favorable for getting pregnant. This is especially important in cases where a woman cannot give birth to a child for a long time. How to determine the day of ovulation for conception? In addition, obtaining information about the onset of ovulation day is important for protecting against unplanned pregnancy, introducing additional methods of protection and completely stopping sexual intercourse.

How to find out ovulation at home?

There are several ways to determine ovulation at home. The woman independently chooses the most suitable methods.

How to determine ovulation by discharge?

This method is based on assessing the nature of the discharge. Only women who do not have inflammatory and infectious diseases in the genitals, as well as dysbacteriosis.

In a healthy woman, before the release of the egg, their contents increase; in some cases, their volume is so significant that the underwear can become wet. Their character is predominantly liquid or watery, and the consistency may be jelly-like. They do not have a specific odor or the presence of additional impurities.

Calendar method for determining ovulation

The technique is based on determining the maximum effective period for conception depending on the indicators of menstrual function. Determining ovulation using this method is difficult. In this case, the woman needs to identify the pattern of the duration of the cycle and the duration of menstruation. Calendar observation is applicable only for women who do not have cycle disorders or endocrinological diseases. Among the disadvantages of the calendar method of calculation are:

• The impossibility of accurate calculation for women whose cycle fluctuates more than 5 days;
• The need to obtain presumptive results only after at least 3 months;
• Inability to determine a specific day.

To obtain results, it is necessary to count the duration of the cycle. With a long cycle, 10 is subtracted from the last day, and with the shortest, 18. As a result, the resulting date, as well as two days before and two days after, can be considered the presumable maturation and release of the egg.

How to determine ovulation by basal temperature?

This technique is based on the fact that the patient independently measures her basal temperature every day. During the menstrual cycle, the basal temperature in the rectum changes regularly, which helps to assess the nature of the reproductive function. Normally, during the period of follicle growth, the temperature remains stable and ranges from 36.4 to 36.8 degrees. The upcoming release of the egg is accompanied by a decrease in basal temperature, which is expressed when plotting the fall.

When determining ovulation, you can notice a sharp increase in temperature, sometimes even up to 37.6 degrees!

These values ​​can be stored for two to three days in the future. To obtain the most accurate results, you must follow the basic rules. Among them are:

• Regularly taking measurements over several cycles for 5 minutes in the rectum;
• Using the same thermometer, preference should be given to mercury and alcohol products, since electronic thermometers have a high error;
• Only one thermometer is used during the measurement of one cycle;
• The execution is carried out in the morning, without getting out of bed.

Unreliable results may occur due to existing stress, heavy physical activity, recent sexual intercourse, or medications. But still, this method of determining ovulation is one of the best.

How to determine ovulation by sensations?

Most women without concomitant diseases of inflammatory or hormonal origin can independently feel the arrival of ovulation. This is explained by changes in their well-being and the appearance of specific symptoms. Among the most characteristic features, accompanying the determination of ovulation are distinguished:

• The presence of pain in the lower abdomen, as well as the groin area, which is dull in nature. In some cases, there is a burning sensation and shooting pain in inner surface hip pain that goes away on its own within a short period of time.
• Increased libido a few days before and during ovulation
• Increased performance and physical activity.
• The appearance of swelling or pastiness.

One’s own feelings are the most subjective way, since a woman in some cases is able to exaggerate the perception of changing well-being.

How to correctly determine ovulation using tests?

This technique is one of the easiest to perform and diagnostically valuable. Its principle is based on determining the sensitivity of the component with which the strip is impregnated to the appearance of luteinizing hormone, which suddenly appears in the urine during the period of egg release. This method can be determined quite easily and accurately.

In women, during the period of follicle emergence, a short-term release of luteinizing hormone occurs.

Each package comes with detailed instructions, after reading which the woman will understand the algorithm of actions. To perform the procedure, a woman needs to urinate into a separate container and then lower the strip into the urine for a few seconds to a certain limit. After the required time has passed, the result is assessed. When determining ovulation, two stripes appear on the surface, the second of which may have varying degrees of coloring. This depends on the concentration of the hormone in the urine; the higher its content, the brighter the strip will be. To obtain the most accurate result, you need to know that you need to start performing tests several days before the expected date, and also use a new strip in each case. The container in which urine is collected must be clean.

What is an ovulation calculator?

An ovulation calculator is an electronic program that allows you to automatically calculate the days when an egg is expected to be released. The technique is most similar to keeping a calendar. In this case, the accuracy does not exceed the calendar method. Only when compared various symptoms, characteristic of the ovulation period, increases the likelihood of obtaining the most accurate result.

External signs of ovulation

Among the signs of ovulation are not only changes in general well-being, but also external manifestations. Among them are:

• The presence of increased sexual desire, which is manifested by excessive communication with the opposite sex.
• An increase in breast size with swelling and mild soreness, in some cases, an increase in the vascular pattern is observed.
• The appearance of skin rashes and increased sebum production.
• Increased sweating and increased discharge from the genital tract.

Before choosing the most optimal method, it is recommended to first consult with a specialist, as he will help to accurately determine the optimal method.

There are many ways to determine the phase of the menstrual cycle in medicine. A woman can donate blood for hormones, but if she does this over time, the doctor will be able to tell with great accuracy when she can expect ovulation. You can do an ultrasound of the ovaries, which will show the rate of follicle maturation. But these methods require repeated visits. medical institution and are used mainly in preparation for IVF, when stimulating ovulation with hormonal drugs.

Other women can easily determine ovulation on their own at home. This article explains how to do this.

General information

The ability to determine the day of ovulation and the fertile window (days when conception is likely) allows a woman to independently, consciously make decisions about contraception, as well as plan a pregnancy. The fact is that a woman does not have the natural opportunity to become pregnant on any day of the cycle. This is possible only if there is a mature and full-fledged germ cell with which the male cell - the sperm - will merge.

A man produces up to 40 million sperm in one ejaculation, and the egg matures in singular and only once a month. She does not live long - from 24 to 36 hours, and then, if conception does not occur, she dies, and after two weeks the cycle begins again. That is why it is important to be able to determine the required day with maximum accuracy.

In the ovaries of a newborn girl there is already a supply of follicles, it will not be replenished, new follicles with immature eggs inside are not formed during the woman’s life, it is precisely the supply given from birth, which is called ovarian, that is consumed. When a girl reaches puberty, her body begins to work cyclically: every month one follicle ruptures (rarely two).

Follicles grow on the surface of the ovaries after the end of the next menstruation. This occurs under the influence of the hormone FSH. Among several growing vesicles, a leader is gradually determined - the dominant follicle, the rest stop developing until the next cycles. In the dominant follicle, the egg matures in a liquid medium. By the middle of the cycle, under the influence of estrogen and luteinizing hormone, the follicle membrane ruptures and releases the female sex cell, which becomes accessible to male germ cells in the next 24 hours.

Sperm can arrive on the day of ovulation during these days, or they can wait for the oocyte to be released in the genital tract; this happens if sexual intercourse was carried out several days before ovulation. The beginning of the fertile period is the lifespan of sperm. On average, days favorable for conception begin 3-4 days before ovulation and end 2-3 days after it. But fertilization always occurs only during the period of ovulation and while the egg lives, that is, no later than 1-1.5 days after the egg leaves the follicle.

In healthy women of reproductive age, ovulation occurs almost every month. Several anovulatory cycles per year are acceptable (at the age of 20-30 years, usually 1-2 cycles without ovulation are the norm). With age, the number of such cycles without ovulation increases, because the production of sex hormones decreases, and already at 35 and older, a woman can live up to 5-6 cycles a year without actual ovulation. Therefore, as you age, it becomes increasingly difficult to get pregnant.

It is impossible to predict the anovulatory cycle, but you can determine on your own whether ovulation occurred in the current month or not.

Learning to determine on your own

Determining ovulation at home is not difficult, but this will require a certain responsibility and commitment from the woman. There are different methods and it will be better if they are used in combination, so that the data of one method are confirmed by the data of another. Then the results can be more accurate. Let's look at the main methods and their effectiveness.

Calendar

This is the most common method, called the calendar method. It is based on average medical data about the time of ovulation. The entire cycle is divided into two halves - phases. The first is called follicular, during this period the follicle grows and the egg matures.

The second is the luteal phase, when the body, under the influence of progesterone, begins to prepare for bearing a baby. If there was no conception, in last days cycle, the corpus luteum formed at the site of the follicle rupture dies, progesterone levels decrease, and menstruation begins.

The first phase can have different durations. But the second one is usually more or less stable, and it lasts about 14 days (with an error of 1 day up or down). This information makes it possible to calculate the probable day of ovulation. To do this, 14 days are subtracted from the duration of the menstrual cycle (the duration of the second phase, which is known most accurately).

Cycle length refers to the number of days between the first days of the last two menstruation periods. Most often, a woman’s normal cycle is between 24-34 days. If your cycle lasts less than 24 or more than 35 days, you need an individual approach to calculating ovulation, for this you need to consult a doctor.

Example: a woman’s cycle lasts 28 days. According to the method, she should ovulate on the 14th day of the cycle. With a cycle of 30 days - on the 15th day, with a cycle of 32 days - on the 18th day of the cycle.

The period favorable for conception is also easy to determine. You need to add 4 days before and 3 days after the day of ovulation. This will create the boundaries of the fertile window - the time when unprotected sexual intercourse can lead to pregnancy.

Pros: the method does not require financial investments, deep mathematical and medical knowledge.

Flaws:

• this method does not take into account the possibility of disruption of the menstrual cycle, individual characteristics of the woman’s age and health status;
• under the influence of the most various factors(from stress to influenza or ARVI), the hormonal background can change, it is generally very unstable, and then both the day of ovulation and the boundaries of the fertile window will shift.

The calendar calculation method is not suitable for women with irregular cycles. Even if she calculates the average duration of her cycle by adding up the data for several months, the error in the calculations will be too large - with a “range” of error of up to several days.

This method can be combined with any of the ones below. This will help improve the accuracy of calculations.

Online calculator

Special applications and services will do everything described above for you: they will help you calculate the day of ovulation and the days of the fertile period before and after it. Just enter numeric value cycle duration, duration of menstruation (from the first day to the end of menstrual flow), and also indicate how many cycles you need a calculation for.

The calculation algorithms are exactly the same as for self-calculation, only everything happens much faster.

Ovulation calculator

Cycle duration

Duration of menstruation

• Menstruation
• Ovulation
• High probability of conception

Enter the first day of your last menstrual period

Ovulation occurs 14 days before the start of the menstrual cycle (with a 28-day cycle - on the 14th day). Deviation from the average value occurs frequently, so the calculation is approximate.

Also, together with the calendar method, you can measure basal temperature, examine cervical mucus, use special tests or mini-microscopes, take tests for FSH, LH, estrogens and progesterone.

You can definitely determine the day of ovulation using folliculometry (ultrasound).

Sources:

1. Losos, Jonathan B.; Raven, Peter H.; Johnson, George B.; Singer, Susan R. Biology. New York: McGraw-Hill. pp. 1207-1209.
2. Campbell N. A., Reece J. B., Urry L. A. e. a. Biology. 9th ed. - Benjamin Cummings, 2011. - p. 1263
3. Tkachenko B. I., Brin V. B., Zakharov Yu. M., Nedospasov V. O., Pyatin V. F. Human physiology. Compendium / Ed. B. I. Tkachenko. - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2009. - 496 p.
4. https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovulation

Some calculators additionally calculate the probability of conceiving a child of a certain gender - a boy or a girl, which is fun and nothing more, because gender planning using the calendar method has no scientific validity.

Pros:

• the calculation is free, the possibility of an annoying mathematical error that a woman can make mechanically when doing the calculation on her own is eliminated;
• counts quickly;
• It is possible to print the calendar and carry it with you.

Flaws: the same low accuracy as with independent calculations; there is no consideration of the individual characteristics of the female cycle and age.

Predicting gender is unscientific nonsense, which cannot be relied upon at all. Proponents of the hypothesis point out that the sperm of two different types have different characteristics: male cells with a set of genetic information in the pair of sex chromosomes XX are tenacious and slow, and XY cells are fast and mobile, but live less. That is why a woman is encouraged to have sexual intercourse before ovulation in order to conceive a boy, and on the day of ovulation and a day later if she needs an heiress.

Reproductionists have laboratory examined millions of male germ cells of both types. No difference has been established between them in terms of speed of movement or viability. The only difference is the chromosomal information. It means that A woman’s probability of conceiving a son or daughter is exactly the same on any day of her fertile period.

Basal temperature

Doctors have long noticed that a woman’s basal temperature rises during ovulation. Basal is the basic, internal temperature, in fact, the temperature of the internal organs. In the first half of the cycle, when the follicle matures and estrogens predominate in the body, the temperature does not rise to high values. On the day of ovulation, when the corpus luteum forms at the site of the burst follicle, the production of progesterone begins, which increases the level of basal temperature. That is why the graph turns out to be clear, two-phase, it shows a decrease in the middle of the cycle - this is ovulation.

To determine ovulation by temperature, it is important to observe strict rules measurements and take measurements of at least three cycles in a row, this will allow you to draw up graphs that will show the individual characteristics of the cycle, the presence of anovulation, if any. Also, the method of measuring BT can indicate pregnancy in such early stages, on which no test has yet shown this.

Measurements are taken every morning, immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed, trying not to move after waking up.

It is important that the previous sleep lasts at least 6 hours.

Every morning, measurements are taken for 5 minutes in the same place: either in the vagina or in the rectum, immersing the mercury thermometer 2-3 centimeters. The data is immediately entered into the chart.

Pros:

• the method is quite accurate and does not require financial costs;
• allows us to suspect not only problems with ovulation, but also many gynecological problems and inflammation.

Minuses:

• decoding may seem difficult, especially with an abnormal graph, and may require the assistance of a doctor;
• basal temperature is not the most stable indicator, data changes due to errors in measurement, fatigue, stress, illness, after drinking alcohol, after sex;
• the method requires accuracy and commitment - measurements must be taken at the same time every day.

The method of measuring basal temperature goes well with the calendar option, and is also part of the symptothermal method for recognizing fertility (it is based on confirming two or more parameters - temperature, discharge and cervix).

Discharge and cervix

A change in the nature of vaginal discharge is an important symptomatic sign of approaching ovulation. The cervix reacts to hormonal changes and with an increase in the amount of estrogen, which occurs 2-3 days before ovulation, the secretion of the cervical canal changes. Harbingers of imminent ovulation are abundant transparent discharge, the consistency of which resembles raw chicken egg white. If you stretch them between your fingers, a continuous “thread” several centimeters long is formed.

Such secretions are necessary for procreation - cervical secretion, which is an alkaline environment, partially reduces the acidity of the vagina, and this gives male reproductive cells a chance of survival. Spermatozoa, mixing with cervical mucus, quickly pass through the genital tract to meet the oocyte. Some researchers indicate that cervical mucus even acts as a kind of filter: due to its porosity, it weeds out defective sperm and allows quality ones to pass on. But this is just a hypothesis for now.

The amount of discharge increases. And it is precisely this fact that will make it possible to easily recognize the onset of the fertile period and understand that ovulation has occurred.

During this period, the cervix feels elevated relative to the vaginal outlet and is slightly softened. This can be understood by entering forefinger or two fingers into the vagina up to the outer part of the cervix (don't forget to keep your hands clean!).

When ovulation is over, the very next day, under the influence of progesterone, the discharge changes its color - from transparent and mucous, it becomes white or lemon-yellowish, opaque, its quantity decreases sharply, and a relatively “dry” period begins, when the discharge does not normally bother the woman up to menstruation.

Pros:

• the method of studying cervical mucus is very informative, it will help to notice late ovulation, draw attention to the fact that the egg is released prematurely, which will increase the accuracy and efficiency of both planning and contraception;
• does not require special medical knowledge.

Flaws: does not take into account possible hormonal disorders when ovulation occurs without discharge or discharge is present without ovulation.

This method can be combined with temperature and calendar (the most best option) or with symptomatic and testing method.

Symptoms

In medicine, there is no official description of the symptomatic picture of ovulation. This means that all the signs and sensations that women describe are quite subjective: they are not obligatory, they are not found in everyone, not always, and whether to focus on them or not depends on the individual sensitivity of a particular woman.

Most often, the fact that the fertile phase has begun is indicated by increased sexual desire. This is intended by nature as one of the components of the procreation mechanism. A woman can feel increased libido both the day before ovulation and on the day of ovulation.

Many people claim that before ovulation they feel heat in the perineum., which is probably due to increased discharge. General health remains good, but mood swings, emotional instability and irritability are possible. Not only the cervix, but also the mammary tissue reacts to hormonal changes, and therefore breast enlargement and moderate swelling are possible; many note that the nipples become especially sensitive.

Among other subjective signs that a woman can feel physically, You may notice minor discomfort in the lower abdomen on the right or left(depending on the location of the ovulating follicle). Some people experience light, spotting bloody (brownish or pink) discharge the day after ovulation. They may be due to the fact that when a follicle ruptures, not only the shell of the vesicle itself is damaged, but also the blood vessels that fed it.

Women with a special perception of pain (even minor intolerance) may feel pain in the abdomen, in the retroperitoneal space, nagging pain reminiscent of menstrual pain. This is a sign of irritation of the peritoneum and the surface of the reproductive gland by the erupted fluid that filled the follicle, as well as a small amount of blood from damaged vessels of the follicular membrane.

Some describe a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen after ovulation, it is associated with the action of the hormone progesterone, which retains fluid in the tissues. The second phase of the cycle after ovulation may also include episodic manifestations of a runny nose in the morning without rhinitis as such or edema. All these are consequences of the effects of progesterone; they do not require treatment.

Truly poor health during the period of ovulation may be due to the presence of ovulatory syndrome, ovarian apoplexy, breakthrough bleeding of the intermenstrual type, or the threat of rupture of the follicular cyst.

An increase in temperature, sharp pain, fairly heavy bleeding is not a sign of ovulation, but a sign of pathology; a woman should definitely consult a doctor without delaying the visit.

Tests

Tests for determining ovulation “work” almost the same way as pregnancy tests, with the only difference being that the reagents applied to the strip do not react to the hormone pregnancy hCG, and on the luteinizing hormone LH. Accordingly, 1-2 days before ovulation, when there is a peak of LH in the body, tests give a bright second line.

Testing should begin at the beginning of the fertile window, that is, approximately 4 days before ovulation expected according to the calendar. Packages with ovulation test systems usually contain 5 strips. Testing must be done at the same time every day; it is advisable not to drink liquid for 4 hours before the test. Morning urine is considered not the most suitable for determining ovulation; it is better to choose a convenient time for this purpose between 10 am and 8 pm.

It is important not to make mistakes with ovulation tests. Follow the instructions carefully, do not violate the test exposure time in urine, or the waiting time for the result.

There are mini microscopes that allow you to determine ovulation from saliva or vaginal secretions. Their action is based on the ability of estrogen (the ovulation hormone, as we remember) to retain physiological fluids potassium and sodium. Because of this, saliva dried on a test piece of glass has a characteristic pattern when examined in an eyepiece, reminiscent of fern branches or a pattern on a frosty winter window. On the rest of the days of the female menstrual cycle, this pattern does not happen.

Pros: The accuracy of ovulation tests is significantly higher than that of the calendar method without a test.

Flaws:

• accuracy is not 100%, although manufacturers claim high efficiency;
• reusable electronic test systems are more accurate, but are more expensive, and one-time tests are not the cheapest.

This method can be combined with any others. It is especially effective with the method of measuring basal temperature and the method of assessing cervical mucus.

To learn how to determine ovulation at home without a test, watch the following video.

To get pregnant as quickly as possible, it is important to know and be able to determine the days when ovulation occurs, since the conception of a child occurs on such days. This article will describe ways to determine the onset of ovulation.

To get pregnant as quickly as possible, it is important to know and be able to determine the days when ovulation occurs, since the conception of a child occurs on such days. This article will describe ways to determine the onset of ovulation.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. The egg matures during the menstrual cycle, which is necessary to prepare the uterus and mature the egg, which results in ovulation. To determine ovulation using the calendar method, you need to know your menstrual cycle over the past few months. Knowing the cycle, you can calculate its length, i.e. the period from the beginning of one period to the beginning of the next. 14 days are subtracted from the total duration of the cycle. So, if the cycle is 28 days, then subtracting 14 days, we get the 14th day of the cycle, on which the egg can be released from the ovary. To conceive during the week before and after ovulation, the couple is recommended to have an active sex life, preferably with breaks of 1-2 days, so that sperm have time to mature. As already calculated above, the release of a mature egg occurs somewhere in the middle of the menstrual cycle.

However, every woman may experience shifts in ovulation several days later; this may be due to infectious pathologies of the reproductive system; excessive physical activity; stress and hormonal imbalances

Among the reasons for early ovulation are the following: imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormones; disturbances in the functioning of the adrenal cortex; colds and flu diseases, etc. Such factors may well provoke the onset of early ovulation. In addition, each reason can affect other systems of the female body. Therefore, to avoid this, it is recommended to avoid factors that can affect ovulation and, as a result, bearing a child in the future. Premature ovulation is dangerous if it occurs repeatedly in the female body, in this case the reasons lie in hormonal imbalances and other various abnormalities; the woman may need gynecological intervention. In addition, pregnancy may not occur for a long time, if only the couple focuses on the middle of the cycle. Or, on the contrary, the onset of an unwanted pregnancy if a woman does not protect herself at the beginning of the cycle, again using the calendar method. Throughout a woman’s life, she periodically experiences ovulatory shifts in different directions, which can lead to late release of the egg.

The reasons for late ovulation lie in the following: hormonal disorders in the body; lack of weight, because lack of adipose tissue negatively affects the production of estrogen, causing a delay in the maturation and release of the female cell; reception emergency contraceptives in past; gynecological pathologies, infections and absence of menstruation are also characteristic companions to the delayed release of the egg. To restore the cycle, a woman needs to undergo a full examination, after which appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Determining ovulation by basal body temperature

Basal temperature measurements are carried out in the morning, and it is not advisable to get out of bed before measurement, so prepare a thermometer in the evening. To measure temperature, you can use a simple mercury thermometer, and electronic. Carefully insert the thermometer into the rectum and hold it there for five to seven minutes. Record the measured temperature in the table every day, except on days when a woman has her period. After taking measurements throughout the cycle, you need to create a graph. To build a table, you can indicate the days of temperature measurement on the top, and on the left you can indicate the possible BTT on these days. At the junction of the lines we place points that we connect with a straight line.

On days when there is a sharp increase in body temperature, after its rapid decrease, ovulation occurs. This jump is explained by the fact that during ovulation, the active production of the hormone progesterone occurs, which affects the thermoregulation center in the brain. It is its increase that leads to fluctuations in BTT, which increases sharply after the release of a mature egg. If you notice strong, atypical changes in temperature, or it does not change at all, you need to see a doctor to find the cause, which may be estrogen deficiency or other factors. It is easy to create a basal temperature chart using special applications that are posted on some women's websites or applications.

This method is accessible, but not 100% reliable, since there is not always time to measure the temperature, you can also simply forget about the measurement; missed days can significantly change the picture and schedule for constructing the BTT

In addition, factors such as reception medicines, sexual intercourse, climate change, stress, etc. may affect the usual and normal schedule for building BTT.
Therefore, for greater confidence in determining day X, an ovulation test, which is sold at any pharmacy, can help.

Ovulation tests

Designed to measure luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in urine. For ovulation to occur, an increasing amount of LH gives a signal to the ovaries to release an egg, after which the follicle ruptures within about one to two days, or simply ovulation. This happens around day 11-12 of the cycle. If the cycle is always regular, of the same duration, then you should start doing ovulation tests seventeen days before the start of the next menstruation, because after ovulation, the corpus luteum phase lasts 12-16 days. For example, if the length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, then testing should begin approximately on the 11th day, and if 32, then on the 15th. If the test strip detects increased level LH, this means that ovulation will occur within 48 hours.

It is worth noting that the test does not indicate the release of the egg from the ovary, but only shows an increased level of LH, i.e. with a positive ovulation test, a hormonal surge is noted, which indicates the release of a mature egg in the coming hours. Most high level PH lasts less than a day, so it is recommended to carry out diagnostics 2 times a day (morning and evening) in order to more likely determine this moment. In addition, 3-4 hours before testing, you should not drink a lot of liquid, so as not to dilute the urine. For precise definition LH level, it is necessary to compare the result obtained with the control picture, as well as with the previous test. A negative test will mean low level LH and an egg that has not yet matured, the test will also be negative after ovulation, since after the egg is released from the ovary, the LH level drops. A positive test tells us that in the next few hours the egg will be released from the ovary, mature and ready for fertilization. Therefore, within 24 hours after the release of the egg, it is necessary to begin planning, since this is how long the egg lives in the female body.

You should not start conceiving immediately after seeing a positive test, since you need to pause for several hours, allowing the egg to leave the ovary

Determining ovulation using ultrasound

Another way to calculate auspicious days To conceive a child is ultrasound diagnostics of internal organs. Folliculometry or determination of ovulation by ultrasound is a study that cannot be carried out at home, however, it is the most reliable, since it consists of monitoring the growth of the dominant follicle in the ovary; the growth of follicles and the onset of ovulation are clearly visible on ultrasound. This method of diagnosing the onset of ovulation is most often used for those couples who have difficulty conceiving and who do not become pregnant for a long time. The study is carried out in the middle of the cycle, before the expected date of ovulation. Then the procedure is repeated after 1-2 days. By this period, a dominant follicle measuring about 20 mm is formed, and the ovary contains a corpus luteum. Such echographic signs indicate the approach of ovulation. A few more days later another ultrasound is performed. If the follicle is no longer there, and a small amount of fluid is visualized in the pelvis, it can be argued that ovulation has occurred.

Determining ovulation by vaginal discharge

The cervix of every woman produces cervical mucus, which is necessary for the movement of sperm and maintaining their life in the genital tract, the amount and condition of which depends on the amount of estrogen in the blood. Women experiencing pregnancy can independently determine the onset of ovulation by changes in vaginal secretions. The discharge becomes abundant and viscous, this is due to an increase in the level of estrogen, which affects the cervical mucus, which gradually begins to liquefy, becoming sticky and sticky. At the same time, normally, a woman should not be bothered by: itching; irritation; through too much discharge, there should be no smell, temperature or pain. As the egg matures, the discharge becomes more abundant and thinner. On the eve of the release of the reproductive cell, immediately at the moment of rupture of the follicle and 1-2 days after this process, the discharge resembles white in consistency and color chicken egg. They are light, transparent, viscous and can be plentiful. Brownish or slight bloody discharge can sometimes be seen in the mucus, which is explained by minor trauma to the ovary when the egg is released. If you monitor the type and abundance of discharge from the genital tract throughout the cycle, the woman herself can set the desired date for conception.

Drawing or aching pain in the ovarian area or lower abdomen

At times, a woman may experience unpleasant sensations in the form of a nagging pain in the right or left side, on the side where the egg was released. Most often the pain is minor and causes minor pain. Some women describe pain during ovulation as stabbing, cutting, or cramping. The pain lasts, as a rule, not for long, from an hour to a day or two. The intensity of painful sensations depends on the presence of gynecological diseases, as well as on the threshold of pain sensitivity - the higher it is, the less pain a woman experiences during ovulation. There are several main causes of pain during ovulation. Before it begins to emerge from the follicle, it must mature and significantly increase in size. The large “dimensions” of the follicle stretch the ovarian capsule, which explains the occurrence of pain before ovulation.

After the dominant follicle has reached the “desired condition,” it bursts and a ready-made egg is released into the abdominal cavity. At the moment of rupture of the follicle, in addition to the egg, a certain amount of fluid is poured into the abdominal cavity, which irritates the parietal peritoneum. In addition, the ovarian capsule is damaged, in which small blood vessels burst, resulting in even a small amount of blood entering the abdominal cavity, which also irritates the peritoneum. Such nagging pain after ovulation can bother a woman for 12 to 48 hours. But then the blood and follicular fluid in the abdomen are absorbed and pain syndrome disappears. And since at the moment the egg appears in the abdominal cavity, the fallopian tubes begin to contract more strongly in order to have time to capture a viable egg and ensure that it meets the sperm, pain can be maintained by this process. An indirect sign of a possible future pregnancy is pain in the middle of the cycle.

It is worth remembering that the appearance of very intense pain in the left or right ovary, or pain in the lower abdomen, may be a sign of an emergency condition; to determine the cause of the pain, it may be necessary health care

Increased sexual desire

In the coming days of ovulation, a hormonal surge occurs, which is responsible for increasing libido, so a woman may feel increased sexual desire. It is designed by nature that sexual desire increases during the fertile window, the time in which you can become pregnant, i.e. about 7 days a month. One study found that the "sexual desire phase" lasts only six days.

According to the study, this stage began about three days before luteinizing hormone peaked. This means that if you followed your desires and had sex during these six days, you are likely to become pregnant. Another study found that sexual desire peaked when estradiol levels were higher. Estrogen peaks before ovulation.

Chest pain

Many women experience breast pain during ovulation. Its sensitivity increases due to hormonal changes that occur in the body during ovulation. This breast sensitivity is explained by a high hormonal surge that prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. The mammary glands swell and become very sensitive; touching them may cause pain. The breast begins to react painfully to everything approximately on the 15th - 16th day of the cycle, consisting of 28 days. Gynecologists consider chest discomfort not only one of the signs of ovulation, but also the so-called premenstrual syndrome.

Another sign of ovulation is the woman’s mental state. During this upcoming ovulation, she is very emotional and irritable, often wanting to cry. On the eve of ovulation, taste and olfactory sensations may become more intense. This happens due to hormonal changes in the body during the period of preparation for possible motherhood.

Lack of ovulation in the menstrual cycle

Every woman fails to ovulate 2–3 times a year during her menstrual cycle. However, if ovulation does not occur much more often, the woman should undergo a full medical examination to exclude or confirm the presence of internal pathologies of a gynecological or endocrine nature. Most common reasons leading to lack of ovulation are:

1. Premenopause;
2. Pregnancy and lactation;
3. Abrupt withdrawal of hormonal drugs;
4. Abrupt climate change;
5. Stress;
6. Sudden weight fluctuations;
7. Heavy physical activity.

The absence of ovulation may be indicated by the absence of the above listed ovulation symptoms, however, the most noticeable symptom of a cycle without ovulation is a delay in menstruation, either by 3-4 days or by several months. Menstruation, which occurs after this period, is characterized by duration, pain and profuse discharge. The physiological reason for a cycle without ovulation is the insufficient activity of the hypothalamic hormones responsible for stimulating the ovaries, and a large amount of pituitary hormones. Most often, an anovulatory menstrual cycle occurs in mature women who have been diagnosed with infertility due to hormonal imbalance.

Sometimes anovulation is the result of prolonged stress. Surprisingly, there are cases when it is the incredible desire to get pregnant and obsessive fears about this that become the reason that ovulation does not occur.

It may be enough to just undergo a course of psychotherapy or have a good rest to make happiness possible!

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 ordered, during which various diagnostic procedures. If pathologies are detected, a course of treatment is prescribed. Most often it represents hormone therapy.

  Each woman decides independently 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. Optimal time days for this – 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 purely individual. Some representatives of the fair sex irritability increases. TO interesting facts it can be attributed that during