Is it easy to get pregnant if you ovulate early. Early ovulation: to be or not to be pregnant? What is early ovulation and why does it occur

The body of a healthy woman of childbearing age is "programmed" for the birth of a child. The starting point in the process of conception is ovulation, due to which mature eggs appear, ready to meet with the sperm. It is important to calculate exactly when the follicle will burst so that this favorable time is not wasted.

It is generally accepted that the period of fertility occurs in the middle of the monthly cycle. However, the timing of this process is very individual. Both late and early ovulation in most cases, it is a natural feature of the woman's body. In addition, this phenomenon may be temporary.

What is early ovulation and why does it occur

The menstrual cycle consists of three phases:

  • . This time is necessary for the maturation and growth of the dominant follicle;
  • Ovulation time;

The phases of the menstrual cycle always successively replace each other. However, each woman has her own duration.

The average "correct" timing of the onset of the fertile period falls approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle. So, it falls on the 16th day (fluctuations of 1-2 days are possible). If the maturation and release of the egg occurs earlier than the 14th cyclic day, such fertility is called early.

Women mistakenly believe that pregnancy immediately after menstruation is impossible. However, it is not. Early ovulation can occur as early as day 9 of the cycle. If we take into account that the average duration of menstruation is 5 days (and sometimes 7-8), then in this case the woman becomes fertile after it ends.

The causes of early ovulation are still not fully understood. Often their occurrence cannot be explained by any of the known reasons: this is the individual feature of a particular female organism. However, in most cases, the occurrence of early fertility is due to one of two factors.

Reason 1: short cycle

A significant decrease in the interval between menstruation is associated with reasons of both physiological and psychological order. So, for many women, a cycle of 21-25 days is the norm, and its duration does not change throughout life. They ovulate on the 10th day is normal.

Changes in the time frame can also be observed with a long cycle. Many factors can reduce it:

  • Excessive addiction to smoking and drinking alcohol;
  • Prolonged stress and depression;
  • Chronic fatigue associated with overwork and poor sleep quality;
  • Malnutrition, strict diets, lack of vitamins and minerals;
  • Disorders in the hormonal system;
  • Constant use of potent drugs;
  • Inflammatory process;
  • Change of climatic conditions;
  • Strengthened physical activity;
  • Abortion or other surgical intervention;
  • postpartum period;
  • The onset of menopause;
  • Disorders in the work of the ovaries.

Almost always observed early ovulation after the abolition of OK (oral contraceptives). This phenomenon is easily explained. OK - hormonal drugs, therefore, taking and canceling a contraceptive leads to changes in the concentration of hormones in the blood, which is reflected in the work of the ovaries. As a rule, after eliminating the negative factors that caused the shortening of the cycle, its duration is restored.

Reason 2: "double" ovulation

Do not confuse with premature maturation of the follicle. Such an opportunity appears in the female body when the eggs mature in two ovaries at once. In this case, a woman can become pregnant even on the most “safe” days.

Symptoms and diagnosis of early ovulation

The signs of early ovulation are no different from the usual manifestations: some women clearly “feel” its onset, others do not notice at all.

Normally, ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle.

We list the symptoms by which you can navigate that "Day X" has come:

  • Viscous and thick vaginal discharge, resembling the white of an egg;
  • Pain of a aching nature in the lower abdomen;
  • Sudden mood swings;
  • Fatigue, headaches and dizziness;
  • Special sensitivity of the mammary glands;
  • Increased sex drive.

It is not possible to determine the onset of ovulation, which began ahead of time, using the calendar method. For example, the average ovulation with a cycle of 28 days occurs by day 14 (errors of 1-2 days are possible). The timing of the onset of early fertility can vary from 7 to 12 cyclic days.

The process of release of a mature egg can be diagnosed using several methods:

  • With the help of special tests;
  • Using .

Each technique has a number of pros and cons.

In order to calculate the onset of fertile days using basal body temperature does not require any financial investment. It is enough to have a thermometer, a pen and paper on which you need to mark the rectal temperature daily. The method is simple, does not require costs and, subject to the rules of conduct, gives accurate results.

However, its use also has a number of disadvantages:

  • Diagnostics is carried out daily for at least six months;
  • Measure temperature indicators at the same time early in the morning;
  • Any changes in the usual lifestyle or daily routine will affect the reliability of the results.

Ovulation tests show a true result always. According to the principle of action and appearance, they do not differ from conventional devices for determining pregnancy. The only difference is that they fix the onset of ovulation, and not conception.

The disadvantage of this method is significant financial investments. After all, you need to use the test daily, starting from the end of menstruation and ending with the day when the strip shows a positive result. To make sure that this period is the norm for a particular woman, it is recommended to carry out diagnostics for 2-3 months.

Ultrasound diagnostics will allow not only to track the moment of ovulation, but also its quality. However, this technique will also require significant financial investments. In public institutions, the procedure is much cheaper than in private clinics, but it is done only on the testimony of a doctor.

Can you ovulate immediately after your period?

Ovulation immediately after menstruation is not a myth, but a very real situation. However, it should be noted that this phenomenon is not very common, since it is most often caused by the maturation of eggs in two ovaries at once. In this case, ovulation is possible already on the 7th day of the cycle.

This one happens like this:

  • In one ovary, the follicle matures and bursts. If the process of fertilization has not occurred, menstruation begins;
  • At the same time, the second ovary “releases” a ready-made follicle, due to which ovulation occurs.

In this case, ovulation after menstruation can occur on any day of the beginning of the cycle. The earliest ovulation was recorded already on the 5th day of the cycle, that is, during the period when the menstruation had not yet ended.

At any time cyclic period, women should remember that preventing unwanted pregnancy by the calendar method is unreliable, because a fertilized egg may be ready to meet with a sperm cell already on the seventh day from the onset of menstruation. The onset of ovulation on the 8th day of the cycle is the norm in women with a very short cycle.

Early ovulation and conception

The onset of ovulation on the 10th day of the cycle is no different from this process on the 16th day. During the period of premature release of the follicle, you can become pregnant without medical intervention if the woman has a full-fledged mature egg that has met with active spermatozoa.

Pregnancy with early ovulation will occur in a woman under two conditions:

  • Active intimate life of a couple. Since spermatozoa are active in the uterine cavity for up to a week, their entry into the body directly on the day the egg is released is not necessary;
  • The absence of inflammation, hormonal imbalance and other deviations from the natural functioning of the reproductive system.

This means that early ovulation and pregnancy are not mutually exclusive concepts. In this case, the only problem is that it is difficult to calculate the onset of fertile days. Therefore, a complication in the premature exit of the follicle is an unwanted pregnancy or lack of a planned one.

Is treatment needed

The onset of premature ovulation can be both episodic and permanent. This phenomenon does not depend on the duration of the cycle, so every woman can face it. It is impossible to influence the timing of fertility on your own. You can change them with the help of medications, if necessary.

The fact is that the early release of the egg does not pose a threat to the health of the woman. If the state of her reproductive system is in order, and the hormonal background is not disturbed, then no treatment is required.

However, the situation is completely different if the violation of the ovulatory period was facilitated by pathological causes. They can be recognized only with the help of specialists who, after a detailed examination, will identify the causes and possible consequences of such violations.

Most often, the “culprits” of early fertility are hormonal changes. They are regulated by drugs containing missing hormones or suppressing their excess. The treatment process provides for mandatory clinical monitoring of changing hormonal levels.

During therapy, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat well and get enough sleep. Under these conditions, early ovulation will certainly end in a long-awaited pregnancy.

Normally, the egg is released from the ovary in the middle of the menstrual cycle. If this occurs prematurely, early ovulation is observed.

What does this term mean

It is believed that with a 28-day cycle, the release of a mature germ cell develops on the 14th day. This is what happens to most women. However, in some cases, ovulation with a 28-day cycle may occur on the 12th day or even earlier.

Women with this form of cycle disorder have a short follicular phase. This is the time from the beginning of menstruation to the release of the egg from the ovary. Usually its duration is 12-16 days. During this phase, the egg is protected by the follicle, where it grows and matures.

If the duration of the follicular phase is less than 12 days, early ovulation occurs, and pregnancy in this case is less likely. The egg in this situation is not fully mature and not ready for fertilization.

Can this condition occur normally?

This can happen to any woman. But the constant premature rupture of the follicle can be the cause of infertility.

On what day of the cycle does early ovulation occur?

It occurs before the 12th day after the onset of menstruation. In the period of 12-16 days, the egg is ready for fertilization with a cycle of 25 days.

Why is this happening

The main causes of early ovulation:

  • time before the onset;
  • short follicular phase;
  • smoking, alcohol and caffeine abuse;
  • stress;
  • sudden weight loss or sudden weight gain;
  • early ovulation may occur after the abolition of OK (oral contraceptives);
  • sexually transmitted diseases;
  • abrupt change in normal daily activities;
  • irregular menstrual cycle caused by gynecological hormonal diseases.

Any hormonal imbalance can disrupt the length and staging of the menstrual cycle. The maturation of the egg in the ovarian follicle is stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and its release is associated with the action of luteinizing hormone (LH). Both of these substances are produced in the pituitary gland under the control of the hypothalamus. A change in the level of these hormones leads to a violation of the ovulatory mechanism.

The premature onset of the ovulatory phase is associated with high levels of FSH.

A decrease in ovarian activity inevitably occurs with age. At birth, a girl has about 2 million eggs. During each menstrual cycle, hundreds of them die, and only one matures. The exception is hyperovulation, when more than one egg matures in one cycle.

By the age of 30, a woman has lost more than 90% of all eggs. As menopause approaches, the pituitary gland begins to feed back more and more FSH to compensate for the lack of ovulating follicles. This leads to menstrual irregularities.

The consequences of constant early ovulation are the release of immature eggs and infertility.

According to studies, smoking causes disruption of the ovulatory cycle and affects female fertility. When a woman smokes more than 20 cigarettes a day, the full maturation of the egg is almost impossible for a woman. The same can be said about the effects of alcohol and caffeine.

Signs and symptoms

To determine the premature appearance of an egg, it is necessary to track the cycle for at least 3 months. With a 28-day cycle, ovulation should be expected on the 12-16th day, with a 30-day cycle - on the 13th - 17th day.

If a woman begins to feel the following symptoms shortly after menstruation, most likely, she has come into the ovulatory phase earlier than usual:

  • increased viscosity of cervical mucus;
  • soreness of the mammary glands;
  • increased sexual desire;
  • aching pain in the abdomen.

Signs of premature egg release can be tracked by determining the level of LH in the urine using.

How else can you determine early ovulation?

Questions about pregnancy with this condition

Is it possible to get pregnant with early ovulation?

Yes, it is possible, but the probability of such an event is less than normal. With a premature ovulatory process, an immature egg is released from the follicle. It may not be fertilized or not develop further. Such an egg is hardly implanted in the wall of the uterus, so even the onset of pregnancy is interrupted at an early stage.

Early onset of ovulation is a sign of a decrease in the reserve capacity of the ovaries. The lower they are due to the woman’s age or illness, the earlier she releases the egg from the follicle.

An ovulation test performed early in pregnancy can instead determine the amount of hCG (these hormones have a similar chemical structure) instead of LH levels, and thus give false information about premature rupture of the follicle and the absence of pregnancy.

Another obstacle to pregnancy, for example, with a long cycle: a woman expects ovulation in the middle of the cycle, and the release of a mature egg has already occurred, and all attempts to get pregnant are unsuccessful.

Can there be a cycle failure after an abortion?

Yes, this happens quite often. You need to wait at least one full cycle after that, so that the ovulatory function is restored.

In some women, after a miscarriage, ovulation consistently occurs earlier than usual, leading to infertility. The reason for this may be stress or hormonal imbalance. In this case, you must consult a doctor.

Treatment

Most infertility problems in women are caused by ovulation disorders. Therefore, before starting treatment, you need to consult a doctor and check the hormonal background.

First of all, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and smoking. In addition, it is better to sleep in complete darkness. This helps to restore the FSH level responsible for the first phase of the cycle. In this way, the normal cycle is regulated and fixed, which facilitates the conception and implantation of the embryo.

Other measures to restore reproductive function:

  • a complete fortified diet;
  • auto-training techniques to cope with stress;
  • sleep at least 7 hours a day;
  • hardening, physical activity in the fresh air.

Drug treatment includes the appointment of drugs that stimulate the maturation of the egg and its timely release - FSH and LH (Cetrotide). They are administered subcutaneously from the first days of the cycle until the period of normal ovulation. Self-administration of such funds is strictly prohibited.

To normalize ovulation, glucocorticoids are often prescribed, mainly against the background of hyperandrogenism. It is not recommended to suddenly stop taking them. In this case, early ovulation may occur due to Metipred, Prednisolone or other glucocorticoid drugs. Their cancellation is carried out only by a doctor according to a certain scheme.

If a woman constantly ovulates early on the 8th day of her cycle or a little later, she needs to see a doctor. This is especially important for short menstrual cycle- 24 days, since the ability to conceive in this case is sharply reduced.

Sometimes, to restore hormonal levels, for example, when women take various dietary supplements. Their effect on hormone levels is unknown. Therefore, it cannot be said whether there can be early ovulation from Ovariamin or some similar means.

Self-restoration of timely ovulation is a complex process, which is difficult to influence only on your own. Therefore, all recommendations for treatment come down to general health promotion, restoration of the functions of the neurohumoral system. This should cause the restoration of hormonal levels in a physically healthy woman.

The use of progestogens (Dufaston) is aimed at maintaining an already formed pregnancy, that is, at stabilizing the second phase of the cycle. Progestogens do not affect the first half of this period and cannot cause early ovulation. The same applies to the popular drug Utrozhestan.

The use of Cetrotidne to prevent early ovulation

This process is most dangerous for women who plan to use assisted reproductive technologies. Indeed, with early ovulation, the eggs may be immature, which means that their suitability for artificial insemination may decrease.

Cetrotide blocks the action of the gonadotropin-releasing factor, secreted by the hypothalamus and stimulating the production of FSH. So through the chain chemical reactions stops the early release of FSH, which is responsible for the premature release of the egg. During ovarian stimulation, which serves as an indispensable link in preparation for, early ovulation is a frequent occurrence. For its prevention, this drug is used.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone stimulates the release of LH and FSH from pituitary cells under the influence of estradiol, the content of which increases towards the middle of the cycle. As a result, a surge in LH levels is formed, which causes normal ovulation of the dominant follicle.

The drug is administered subcutaneously. There may be short-term soreness or redness at the injection site. Other side effects include nausea and headache. It can not be used during pregnancy, with renal and hepatic insufficiency, in postmenopausal women. The drug is dosed individually and is prescribed only by an experienced doctor in the center of assisted reproductive technologies. Self-administration of such hormonal agents can cause a serious failure at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

The main task of a woman on Earth is considered to be procreation. Of course, both a woman and a man are involved in the process of conception, but whether the representative of the weaker sex endures pregnancy, whether she gives birth to a healthy child depends only on herself. Ovulation is necessary for fertilization to occur. Ovulation and conception are two interrelated states, because in the absence of ovulation, fertilization is impossible. Signs of ovulation are almost always noticed by a woman (consciously or not), so their knowledge is necessary not only to plan a long-awaited pregnancy, but also to prevent an unwanted one.

The menstrual cycle and its phases

To define the term "ovulation" you should understand the concept of "menstrual cycle".

During the menstrual cycle, functional and structural transformations consistently occur in the female body, which affect not only the reproductive system, but also the rest (nervous, endocrine, and others).

The formation of the menstrual cycle, which is physiological for the female body, begins during puberty. The first menstruation or menarche occurs at the age of 12 - 14 years of the girl and draws a line under the first period of puberty. The menstrual cycle is finally established in a year and a half and is characterized by the regularity of menstrual bleeding and a relatively stable duration. During the specified time (1 - 1.5 years), the cycles of a teenage girl are anovulatory, that is, there is no ovulation, and the cycles themselves consist of two phases: follicular and luteal. Anovulation during the formation of the cycle is considered an absolutely normal phenomenon and is associated with insufficient production of hormones necessary for the completion of ovulation. By about the age of 16, the menstrual cycle acquires its individual characteristics, which persist throughout life and regular ovulation appears.

Physiology of the menstrual cycle

The average duration of the menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. The duration of menstrual bleeding is 3-7 days. Most women have a total cycle length of 28 days (75% of the population).

It is customary to divide the menstrual cycle into two phases, the boundary between which is ovulation (in some sources, a separate ovulatory phase is distinguished). All periodically occurring and repeating approximately every month changes in a woman's body, in particular in the reproductive system, are aimed at ensuring full ovulation. If this process does not occur, the cycle is called anovulatory, and the woman, accordingly, is infertile.

Phases of the "female" cycle:

First phase

In the first phase (another name is follicular), the production of follicle-stimulating hormone begins in the pituitary gland, under the influence of which the process of proliferation (maturation) of follicles or folliculogenesis starts in the ovaries. At the same time, for one month in the ovary (sometimes in the right, then in the left), about 10-15 follicles begin active growth, which become proliferating or maturing. The maturing follicles, in turn, synthesize estrogens, which are necessary for the final completion of the process of maturation of the dominant follicle, that is, they are temporary glands. Under the influence of estrogens, the main (dominant) follicle forms a cavity around itself, which is filled with follicular fluid and where the egg “ripens”. As the dominant follicle grows and a cavity forms around it (now called the Graaffian vesicle), follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogens accumulate in the follicular fluid. As soon as the process of maturation of the egg is completed, the dominant follicle sends a signal to the pituitary gland, and it stops the production of FSH, as a result of which the Graafian vesicle bursts and a mature full-fledged egg is released into the “light”.

Second phase

So what is ovulation? The second phase (conditionally) is called ovulatory, that is, the period when the Graafian vesicle ruptures and the egg appears in free space (in this case, in the abdominal cavity, more often on the surface of the ovary). Ovulation is the process of the immediate release of an egg from the ovary. The rupture of the main follicle proceeds under the "banner" of luteinizing hormone, which begins to be secreted by the pituitary gland after a signal is given to it by the follicle itself.

Third phase

This phase is called the luteal phase, as it proceeds with the participation of luteinizing hormone. As soon as the follicle burst and “released” the egg, the corpus luteum begins to form from the granulosa cells of the Graafian vesicle. In the process of division of granulosa cells and the formation of the corpus luteum, progesterone begins to be synthesized along with the LH-releasing pituitary gland. The corpus luteum and progesterone production are designed to preserve the egg in case of fertilization, ensure its implantation in the uterine wall and maintain pregnancy until the placenta is formed. The formation of the placenta is completed by about 16 weeks of gestation and one of its functions is the synthesis of progesterone. So, if fertilization has taken place, then the corpus luteum is called the corpus luteum of pregnancy, and if the egg does not meet with the sperm, then the corpus luteum undergoes reverse changes (involution) by the end of the cycle and disappears. In this case, it is called the corpus luteum of menstruation.

All the described changes relate only to the ovaries and are therefore called the ovarian cycle.

uterine cycle

Speaking about the physiology of the menstrual cycle and the ovulation cycle, it should be noted the structural changes that occur in the uterus under the influence of certain hormones:

Desquamation phase

The first day of the menstrual cycle is considered to be the first day of menstruation. Menstruation is the rejection of the overgrown functional layer of the uterine mucosa, which was ready to accept (implant) a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not happen, then desquamation of the uterine mucosa occurs along with blood - menstrual bleeding.

Regeneration phase

It follows the desquamation phase and is accompanied by the restoration of the functional layer with the help of a reserve epithelium. This phase begins even during bleeding (the epithelium is simultaneously rejected and restored) and ends on the 6th day of the cycle.

Proliferation phase

It is characterized by the growth of the stroma and glands and coincides in time with the follicular phase. With a 28-day cycle, it lasts up to 14 days and ends by the time the follicle matures and is ready to burst.

Secretion phase

The secretory phase corresponds to the corpus luteum phase. At this stage, there is a thickening and loosening of the functional layer of the uterine mucosa, which is necessary for the successful introduction of a fertilized egg into its thickness (implantation).

Signs of ovulation

Knowing the signs of ovulation will help determine the day of ovulation, for which you need to treat your body with great attention. Of course, ovulation can not always be suspected, because its manifestations are very subjective and sometimes go unnoticed by a woman. But the changes in the hormonal background that occur every month allow you to “calculate” and remember the sensations during ovulation and compare them with the new ones.

Subjective signs

The subjective signs of ovulation include those that the woman herself feels and that only she can tell about. Another name for subjective signs is sensations:

Stomach ache

One of the first signs of ovulation is pain in the lower abdomen. On the eve of the rupture of the follicle, a woman may feel, but not necessarily, a slight tingling in the lower abdomen, more often on the right or left. This indicates the most enlarged and tense dominant follicle, which is about to burst. After its rupture, a small wound, a few millimeters in size, remains on the ovarian membrane, which also worries the woman. This is manifested by minor aching or pulling pains or discomfort in the lower abdomen. Such sensations disappear after a couple of days, but if the pain has not gone away or is so acute that it disrupts the usual way of life, you should consult a doctor (ovarian apoplexy is possible).

Milk glands

Perhaps the appearance of soreness or hypersensitivity in the mammary glands, which is associated with hormonal changes. The production of FSH stops and the synthesis of LH begins, which is reflected in the chest. She is swollen and rough and very sensitive to touch.

Libido

Another characteristic subjective sign of approaching and onset ovulation is an increase in libido (sexual desire), which is also due to hormonal changes. It is so predetermined by nature that it ensures the continuation of the family - once the egg is ready for fertilization, then it is necessary to increase sexual desire to increase the likelihood of sexual contact and subsequent pregnancy.

Exacerbation of sensations

On the eve and during the period of ovulation, a woman notes an exacerbation of all sensations (increased sensitivity to smells, changes in color perception and taste), which is also explained by hormonal changes. Emotional lability and a sudden change of mood (from irritability to fun, from tears to laughter) are not ruled out.

Objective signs

Objective signs (symptoms of ovulation) are those that are seen by the examining person, for example, a doctor:

Cervix

During a gynecological examination in the ovulatory phase, the doctor may note that the cervix softened somewhat, the cervical canal opened slightly, and the cervix itself rose up.

Edema

Swelling of the extremities, more often of the legs, indicates a change in FSH production to LH production and is visible not only to the woman herself, but also to her relatives and the doctor.

Allocations

During ovulation, the nature of the vaginal discharge also changes. If in the first phase of the cycle a woman does not notice spots on her underwear, which is associated with a thick plug that clogs the cervical canal and prevents infectious agents from entering the uterine cavity, then the discharge changes in the ovulatory stage. The mucus in the cervical canal liquefies and becomes viscous and viscous, which is necessary to facilitate the penetration of spermatozoa into the uterine cavity. In appearance, cervical mucus resembles egg white, stretches up to 7-10 cm and leaves noticeable stains on linen.

Admixture of blood in secretions

Another of the characteristic objective, but optional signs of ovulation. Blood in the secretions appears in very small quantities, so a woman may not notice this symptom. One or two drops of blood enter the fallopian tube, then into the uterus and into the cervical canal after the rupture of the dominant follicle. Rupture of the follicle is always accompanied by damage to the ovarian membrane and the release of a small amount of blood into the abdominal cavity.

Basal temperature

This symptom can only be detected by a woman who regularly keeps a schedule of basal temperature. On the eve of ovulation, there is a slight (0.1 - 0.2 degrees) drop in temperature, and during the rupture of the follicle and after, the temperature rises and remains above 37 degrees.

Ultrasound data

An increase in the size of the dominant follicle and its subsequent rupture are reliably determined using ultrasound.

After ovulation

Some women, especially those who use the calendar method of contraception, are interested in symptoms after ovulation has taken place. Thus, women calculate "safe" days in relation to unwanted pregnancy. These signs are very uncharacteristic and may coincide with early symptoms of pregnancy:

Vaginal discharge

As soon as the egg is released from the main follicle and died (its life expectancy is 24, maximum 48 hours), the discharge from the genital tract also changes. Vaginal leucorrhoea loses its transparency, becomes milky, possibly interspersed with small lumps, sticky and does not stretch well (see).

pain

Within one to two days after the completion of ovulation, discomfort and minor pain in the lower abdomen disappear.

Libido

Sexual desire also gradually fades away, since now it makes no sense for sperm to meet with the egg, it has already died.

Basal temperature

If at the moment of rupture of the Graafian vesicle, the basal temperature is significantly higher than 37 degrees, then after ovulation it decreases by several tenths of a degree, although it remains above 37 degrees. This sign is unreliable, since even with the conception that has occurred, the basal temperature will be above the 37-degree mark. The only difference is that by the end of the second phase (before the start of menstruation), the temperature will drop to 37 degrees and below.

Acne

On the eve and at the time of ovulation, hormonal changes occur in the body, which affects the condition of the skin of the face - acne appears. As soon as ovulation is over, the rash gradually disappears.

Ultrasound data

An ultrasound scan allows you to reveal a dominant follicle that has collapsed due to a rupture, a small amount of fluid in the retrouterine space, and a later-forming corpus luteum. Ultrasound data are most indicative in the case of dynamic research (maturing of follicles, determination of the dominant follicle and its subsequent rupture).

Signs of conception

Before talking about the signs of pregnancy after ovulation, it is worth understanding the terms “fertilization” and “conception”. Fertilization, that is, the meeting of the egg with the sperm, occurs in the fallopian tube, from where the fertilized egg is sent to the uterus. In the uterine cavity, the fertilized egg chooses the most convenient place and attaches to the uterine wall, that is, it is implanted. After implantation has occurred, a close relationship is established between the mother's organism and the zygote (future embryo), which is supported by a change in the hormonal level. The process of securely fixing the zygote in the uterine cavity is called conception. That is, if fertilization has taken place, but implantation has not yet occurred, this is not called pregnancy, and some sources indicate such a term as “biological pregnancy”. Until the zygote is securely entrenched in the thickness of the endometrium, it can be expelled from the uterus at the same time as menstrual flow, which is called a very early miscarriage or termination of a biological pregnancy.

It is very difficult to determine the signs of conception, especially for an inexperienced woman, and appear approximately 10 to 14 days after ovulation:

Basal temperature

With a possible pregnancy, the basal temperature remains at a high level, about 37.5 degrees and does not decrease before the expected menstruation.

Implant retraction

If in the second phase of the cycle after ovulation, the basal temperature remains elevated (more than 37) almost until the onset of menstruation, then at the time of the introduction of the zygote into the uterine mucosa, it slightly decreases, which is called implantation retraction. Such a drop is characterized by a mark below 37 degrees, and the next day a sharp jump in temperature (more than 37 and higher than it was after ovulation).

implantation bleeding

When a fertilized egg tries to settle in the thickness of the uterine mucosa, it somewhat destroys it and damages nearby small vessels. Therefore, the implantation process, but not necessarily, is accompanied by small bleeding, which can be seen in the form of pinkish spots on the linen, or one or two drops of blood.

Change in well-being

From the moment of implantation, there is a shift in the hormonal background, which is manifested by lethargy, apathy, possibly irritability and tearfulness, increased appetite, changes in taste and olfactory sensations. Also in the early stages of pregnancy, several elevated temperature body, which is associated with the influence of hormones (progesterone) on the center of thermoregulation. This phenomenon is absolutely normal for pregnancy and is aimed at suppressing the immunity of the mother's body and preventing miscarriage. Many women take a rise in temperature and a deterioration in well-being as the first signs of SARS.

Discomfort in the lower abdomen

Several unpleasant sensations or even cramps in the lower abdomen for one, maximum two days are also associated with the implantation of the zygote and are absolutely physiological.

Milk glands

There is increased sensitivity, swelling and soreness in the mammary glands after the completion of ovulation. A slight increase in these symptoms indicates the possibility of conception.

Delayed menstruation

If menstruation has not begun, it's time to take a pregnancy test and make sure you're right.

When does ovulation occur and how long does it last

All women are interested in when ovulation occurs, because this is important for calculating favorable days for conception or for preventing unwanted pregnancy. As already mentioned, the ovulatory period is the time that lasts from the moment of rupture of the main follicle to the entry of a full-fledged egg into the fallopian tube, where it has every chance of being fertilized.

It is impossible to determine the exact duration of the ovulatory period, due to the fact that even in a particular woman it can change in each cycle (lengthen or shorten). On average, the entire process takes 16-32 hours. It is the process, not the viability of the egg. But with the term of life of the released "free" egg, it is easier, and this time is 12 - 48 hours.

But if the life span of the egg is short enough, then spermatozoa, on the contrary, retain their activity for up to 7 days. That is, if sexual intercourse took place on the eve of ovulation (a day or two), then it is quite possible that a “fresh” egg is fertilized by spermatozoa that “waited” for it in the tube and did not lose their activity at all. It is on this fact that the calendar method of protection is based, that is, the calculation of dangerous days (3 days before ovulation and 3 days after).

When it comes

To determine the days of ovulation, but approximately, a simple calculation will help. Ovulation occurs at the end of the first phase of the cycle (follicular). To know on what day a certain woman ovulates, she needs to know the length of her cycle (we are talking about regular cycles).

The duration of the follicular phase is different for everyone and ranges from 10 to 18 days. But the duration of the second phase is always the same for all women and corresponds to 14 days. To determine ovulation, it is enough to subtract 14 days from the entire length of the menstrual cycle. As a result, it turns out that if the cycle lasts 28 days (minus 14), we get the 14th day of the cycle, which will mean the approximate day the egg is released from the follicle.

Or the cycle lasts 32 days, minus 14 - we get the approximate day 18 of the cycle - the day of ovulation. Why, speaking of such a simple calculation, is it called approximate? Because the menstrual cycle, and especially the ongoing ovulation, are very sensitive processes and depend on many factors. For example, ovulation may occur prematurely (early) or late (late).

The onset of early rupture of the follicle and the release of the egg can be triggered by the following factors:

  • significant stress;
  • weight lifting;
  • significant sports loads;
  • frequent intercourse;
  • harmful production;
  • banal cold;
  • change in climate, lifestyle or diet;
  • excessive smoking or drinking alcohol;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • failure in the hormonal background;
  • medication.

They say about late ovulation if it happens (with a 28-day cycle) on the 18th - 20th day. The reasons for this process are the same as the factors that provoke the early rupture of the main follicle.

How to calculate ovulation

How to calculate ovulation, you need to know all women, especially those who have long and unsuccessfully tried to get pregnant. For this purpose, there are several developed methods for determining ovulation. All methods can be conditionally divided into "biological" and "official", that is, laboratory-instrumental.

calendar method

  • cycle duration (it should not be too short, for example, 21 days and not very long, 35 days) - the optimal duration is 28 - 30 days;
  • regularity - ideally, menstruation should come "to the day", but a deviation of +/- 2 days is allowed;
  • the nature of menstrual flow - menstruation should be moderate, without clots and no more than 5-6 days, and the nature of the discharge should not change from cycle to cycle.

We subtract 14 from the length of the cycle (the length of the luteal phase) and conventionally take ovulation as the day (it can shift). We mark the calculated date on the calendar and add 2 days to 2 days after - these days are also considered favorable for fertilization.

Basal temperature

A more reliable method is the method of calculating ovulation according to the basal temperature chart. To calculate auspicious days For conception, the following conditions must be met:

  • measurement of basal, that is, in the rectum, temperature for at least three months;
  • scheduling (this item is required) basal temperature;
  • measurements should be taken in the morning, after a night's sleep, at the same time and without getting out of bed.

According to the drawn up schedule, we mark the first phase of the cycle, during which the temperature will stay below 37 degrees, then a pre-ovulatory decrease during the day (by 0.1 - 0.2 degrees), a sharp jump in temperature (by 0.4 - 0.5 degrees) and the subsequent stay of the temperature in the mode above 37 degrees (second phase). A sharp jump will be considered the day the egg leaves the Graafian vesicle. We mark this day on the calendar and also do not forget about 2 days before 2 days after.

Ovulation Tests

Special tests for detecting the ovulatory process can be easily bought at any pharmacy (see). The action of the tests is based on the detection of a high level of luteinizing hormone in any biological fluid (blood, urine or saliva). A positive test indicates the release of a mature egg from the ovary and its readiness for conception.

Gynecological examination

When conducting a gynecological examination, the doctor can reliably identify signs of ovulation using functional diagnostic tests. The first is a method for determining the extensibility of cervical mucus. The forceps capture mucus from the external pharynx of the neck, and then its branches are bred. If the mucus is viscous and the dilution of the branches reaches 10 cm or more, this is considered one of the symptoms of ovulation. The second is the “pupil method”. The increasing mucus in the cervical canal stretches it, including the external pharynx, and it becomes ajar and round, like a pupil. If the external pharynx is narrowed and there is practically no mucus in it (“dry” neck), then this indicates the absence of ovulation (it has already passed).

Ultrasound - measurement of the follicle

This method allows you to establish with a 100% guarantee whether ovulation has occurred or not. In addition, with the help of ultrasound folliculometry, you can create your own menstrual cycle schedule and ovulation calendar and find out about its approach or completion. Typical ultrasound signs of impending ovulation:

  • the growth of the main follicle plus the expansion of the cervical canal;
  • determination of the main follicle ready to burst;
  • control of the corpus luteum, which is formed at the site of the burst follicle, the identification of fluid in the retrouterine space, which indicates that ovulation has occurred.

Hormonal method

This method is based on determining the amount of estrogen and progesterone in the blood. The latter begins to stand out in the second phase of the cycle, when the formed corpus luteum begins to function. Approximately 7 days after the release of the egg from the ovary, progesterone in the blood rises, which confirms that ovulation has taken place. And the day before ovulation and on her day, the level of estrogen decreases significantly. The method is time-consuming, requires repeated blood donations and finances.

Lack of ovulation

If there is no ovulation, this phenomenon is called anovulation. It is clear that in the absence of ovulation, pregnancy becomes impossible. It should be noted that a healthy woman of childbearing age has up to two to three anovulatory cycles per year, which is considered normal. But if there is no ovulation all the time, then they talk about chronic anovulation and you should look for the causes of this condition, since the woman is diagnosed with "Infertility". Causes of chronic anovulation include:

  • thyroid disease;
  • overweight or obesity;
  • polycystic ovary disease;
  • diabetes;
  • lack of weight;
  • hyperprolactinemia;
  • ovarian dysfunction;
  • chronic inflammation of the ovaries;
  • endometriosis of the ovaries and uterus (hormonal imbalance in general);
  • constant stress;
  • excessive physical activity (sports, household);
  • harmful working conditions;
  • pathology of the adrenal glands;
  • tumors of the pituitary or hypothalamus and other pathologies.

The following factors can lead to temporary (transient) anovulation:

  • pregnancy, which is natural, no menstrual cycle, no ovulation;
  • breastfeeding (more often against the background of lactation, menstruation is absent, but it may be, but the cycle is usually anovulatory);
  • premenopause (there is a fading of ovarian function, so the cycles will be anovulatory rather than ovulatory);
  • taking contraceptive pills;
  • stress;
  • adherence to a specific diet for weight loss;
  • an increase in body weight or a sharp decrease in it;
  • change of habitual environment;
  • climate change;
  • change in working conditions.

If there is no ovulation - what to do? First of all, you should consult a doctor who will determine what caused this condition, and how serious it is (chronic or temporary anovulation). If anovulation is temporary, the doctor will recommend improving nutrition, stopping worrying and avoiding stress, changing jobs (for example, those associated with night shifts to day shifts), and taking vitamins.

In the case of chronic anovulation, the gynecologist will definitely prescribe an additional examination:

  • sex hormones (estrogens, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone, FSH and LH) and adrenal and thyroid hormones;
  • Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
  • colposcopy (according to indications);
  • hysteroscopy (according to indications);
  • diagnostic laparoscopy.

Depending on the identified cause, appropriate treatment is also prescribed, the final stage of which is the stimulation of ovulation. Basically, clostilbegit or clomiphene is used to stimulate ovulation, usually in combination with gonadotropic hormones (Menopur, Gonal-F). Ovulation stimulation is carried out for three menstrual cycles, and if there is no effect, the stimulation cycle is repeated after three cycles.

Question answer

Yes, such online calendars are quite suitable for calculating ovulation days, but their efficiency reaches only 30%, which is based on the calendar method for determining ovulation.

Question:
With an irregular cycle, will there necessarily be chronic anovulation?

Yes, an irregular cycle is more likely to be anovulatory, although this is debatable. Even if the monthly "jump" every month, the onset of ovulation is possible, but, as a rule, not in the middle of the cycle, but at the beginning or at the end.

This method is unreliable and not scientifically confirmed, but there is a hypothesis that "female" spermatozoa, that is, those that contain the X chromosome, are more tenacious, but slower. Therefore, in order to give birth to a girl, it is necessary to have sexual intercourse two to three days before the expected ovulation. It is during this time that the slow X-spermatozoa will reach the released egg and fertilize it. If you have sexual intercourse at the peak of ovulation, then fast "male" spermatozoa will outstrip female ones and there will be a boy.

Again, the method is unreliable. Spermatozoa containing the Y chromosome or "male" are more brisk and mobile, but very sensitive to the acidic environment that is in the vagina, so sexual intercourse should take place on the day of ovulation, which must be confirmed by ultrasound. "Male" spermatozoa, despite their activity, die very quickly, but if coitus was on the day of ovulation, their death will not happen yet, and "male" spermatozoa will reach the egg faster than "female" ones and fertilize it.

Question:
I play professional sports. Could this be the cause of the lack of ovulation?

Of course. Professional sports loads are very significant, which not only leads to persistent anovulation, but also to malfunctions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-ovarian system. Therefore, you have to choose, either professional sports and fame, or the birth of a child.

The question of what ovulation is is usually asked only by women planning a pregnancy.

And for good reason, because understanding this process is simply necessary for quick conception, if you seriously set out to get pregnant. From the snippets of knowledge about ovulation and certain “auspicious days,” you might think that this is a very complex science. But we will now prove that everything is much simpler and more interesting than it seems at first glance.

About ovulation simply and clearly

From birth, the ovaries of a girl, and then a woman, contain about a million eggs. Not all eggs survive until puberty, but those that have matured are quite capable of fulfilling their main duty - the formation of a new human body.

But only a few eggs manage to fulfill their functions. From the moment a girl begins her first menstruation, every month one of these eggs matures and leaves the ovary.

In fact, ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, somewhere in the middle of the menstrual cycle (normally 14 days before the onset of menstruation). Naturally, ovulation does not occur during pregnancy.

In the menstrual cycle of every woman there is a special day when there is the greatest chance of getting pregnant - this is the day of ovulation.

Ovulation occurs once a month, and the egg lives for about 24 hours. Ovulation itself is like a small explosion when a mature follicle bursts in the ovary and the egg is released. Everything happens very quickly, within a few minutes.

Now the task of the egg is to meet with the sperm within 24 hours in order to conceive a child. If a meeting with a spermatozoon occurs, the fertilized cell passes through the fallopian tube and is introduced into the uterus. As a result of this process comes. If, for some reason, pregnancy does not occur, then menstruation occurs, and the egg is excreted from the body.

In very rare cases, ovulation can occur 2 times a month, but at about the same time with an interval between the first and second no more than 2 days. It is during this short period of time that conception is possible. Without ovulation, conception is impossible.

Therefore, for successful pregnancy planning, you need to be well versed in matters of ovulation and be able to calculate favorable days for conception.

How to seize the moment?

The egg matures and is released in each woman about 14 days (plus or minus 2 days) before the next menstruation. And on what day it will be from the date of the beginning of the last menstruation, it depends on the length of the cycle of a particular woman.

This is where the whole complexity of calculating ovulation by the calendar method lies. If you have a 28 day cycle, you will ovulate around day 14 of your cycle. If you have a cycle of 32 days - on the 18th day of the cycle, and so on.

Based on this knowledge, you can calculate the date of ovulation using. But, if a woman has an irregular cycle, then its length changes every time, for example, from 30 to 40 days, and it is almost impossible to calculate ovulation in this way. Therefore, they came up with ovulation tests, the basal temperature method, which help in the realization of our maternal destiny. But more on that later.

Interesting! Infertility: causes and treatment

There are such terms as early and late ovulation.

If the egg is released, for example, on the 12th day instead of the 14th day of the menstrual cycle, then this ovulation is early. Therefore, late ovulation is when the egg is released later than the middle of the cycle. There are several reasons for such phenomena:

  • irregular periods
  • Hormonal disbalance
  • postpartum period
  • Regular stress
  • Postponed abortion
  • Gynecological diseases
  • Premenopausal period in women over 40 years of age.

How does ovulation happen?

Just recently, scientists for the first time captured the moment of ovulation on video during an operation for IVF. Previously, it was a mystery shrouded in darkness, and one could only guess about what was happening in the female body.

The process only takes about 15 minutes. A hole is formed on the wall of the follicle, resembling a wound, from which a small cell emerges. It is small and invisible to our eyes, but in fact it is the largest cell in the human body.

Some women are able to feel ovulation. They note some dull or stabbing growing pain, which is barely perceptible if you do not pay attention to it. Then there is a fairly sudden cessation of pain - this means that ovulation has occurred.

The egg, leaving the ovary, is picked up by the villi of the fallopian tube, and they direct it towards the uterus and towards the spermatozoa. The egg cell waits for a meeting with them only 24 hours, and if not a single spermatozoon has reached it, it dies.

If during these 24 hours the fusion of the spermatozoon with the egg cell occurred, we can say that conception has occurred. As you can see, the moment of ovulation and conception are somewhat different in time.

Signs of ovulation

As already mentioned, some women feel soreness in the ovary at the time of ovulation. It is difficult to say whether this pain is caused by a ruptured follicle or simply by tension in the ovarian area. According to doctors, ovulation cannot be felt, since the follicle does not contain nerve endings.

But it can definitely be said for sure that the process of ovulation is controlled by sex hormones that affect the emotional state of a woman and even her body temperature.

A day or two before ovulation, the level of the hormone estrogen in the blood rises sharply, due to which a strong emotional and physical upsurge is felt, a sense of sexuality and self-confidence increases. This hormone also contributes to increased vaginal discharge - cervical mucus, which becomes more liquid and transparent.

All this is not in vain, because these days are the most favorable conditions for conception. Ovulation has not yet occurred, but the sperm just has time to get to the location of the egg after it leaves the ovary. And cervical fluid has a composition that helps sperm reach their destination and stay active longer.

The hormone estrogen also affects basal body temperature, which is measured at full rest immediately after waking up in the rectum, vagina, or mouth. Only in this way of measurement can you see how the temperature before ovulation under the action of the hormone estrogen drops by 0.1 or 0.2 degrees.

At the very moment of ovulation, the temperature usually returns to its previous level again, but the next day it already rises significantly by a few tenths of a degree. It is on this principle that the method for determining ovulation by basal temperature is based.

Summing up, we can distinguish the following signs of ovulation:

  • Soreness in the ovarian region (doubtful sign)
  • Improved mood, increased activity and sexual desire
  • Liquid, copious and clear discharge
  • Decrease in basal temperature

Interesting! Delayed menstruation - causes and treatment

Methods for determining ovulation

There are several ways to determine ovulation.

Let's consider each of them.

1 calendar method used for a stable menstrual cycle. Any girl can do the count herself. With a menstrual cycle of 28 days, ovulation will occur on days 13-16. If the duration of the cycle is 30 days, then on the 14th - 17th day.

2 Also, with the determination of the time of the onset of the moment of ovulation, it can help determine Ultrasound - ultrasound diagnostics.

To do this, it is necessary to observe the process of maturation in the ovary of the follicle, from which the egg will subsequently be released. It will take at least three ultrasounds, but it's worth it. At the beginning of the cycle, several follicles of approximately the same size are visible in the woman's ovary. The follicle is the sac in the ovary that contains the egg.

Then one of the follicles begins to grow and it becomes clear that ovulation will occur from it. Its size increases gradually from 1 mm to 20 mm. When the follicle reaches its maximum size, the doctor concludes that ovulation is imminent and sends the woman home.

A few days later, she visits the ultrasound room again, and if the follicle is no more, then it has burst and an egg has come out of it. In other words, ovulation has occurred.

3 There is also a traditional method for calculating ovulation - keeping a basal temperature calendar.

It is necessary every day, as soon as the girl woke up in the morning, to measure the temperature in the rectum (introduce a thermometer there).

Usually, the temperature at the end of menstruation is kept at 36.6 - 36.9 °, before ovulation it decreases slightly, then rises sharply and stays within 37.0 - 37.3 ° until the next menstruation.

4 Most women use to determine ovulation rapid tests, which are freely sold in pharmacies. Such tests respond to the content of a special luteinizing hormone in the urine of a woman.

With a positive test result, ovulation will begin in 16 to 26 hours.

Method for determining the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine.

The very peak of estrogen that occurs on favorable days before ovulation provokes the release of this hormone. Thanks to him, the follicle is ruptured and the egg is released.