Lesson 5 ~ All about Cervical Fluid

~Fertility Friend
Lesson 5
All about Cervical Fluid


Lesson Objectives:

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Understand the role of cervical fluid in reproduction and fertility charting.
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Learn how to identify and recognize what different cervical fluid types reveal about your fertility status.

Major Points in this Lesson:

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Cervical fluid changes throughout the menstrual cycle and is a primary fertility sign.
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Cervical fluid is the best sign for learning about the presence of estrogen in your bloodstream.
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Cervical fluid is one of the best signs to tell you when you are most fertile before ovulation.
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When estrogen is high and you are most fertile, cervical fluid is stretchy and resembles raw egg white.
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When you are trying to conceive, it is recommended to have intercourse whenever you observe fertile quality cervical fluid.
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Cervical fluid has similar properties to semen and serves similar functions: to support, nourish and transport sperm.
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In a typical menstrual cycle, cervical fluid starts out scant and dry just after menstruation, becoming sticky or pasty, then creamy before the more fertile, watery and egg white fluid is observed when you are most fertile around ovulation. After ovulation, cervical fluid is again scant and dry.
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Ovulation usually occurs around the last day that fertile quality cervical fluid is observed. This is often called the "peak" day.


More...

Cervical fluid (CF) is also sometimes called cervical mucus (CM). It refers to the fluid produced by the crypts of the cervix during the menstrual cycle. Changing throughout the menstrual cycle in response to ovarian hormones, cervical fluid is observable at the cervix or as it passes into the vagina.


The easiest and most effective way to know about the presence and quantity of estrogen in your bloodstream (and hence gain clues about your fertility status) is to examine your cervical fluid as it changes during your menstrual cycle. Observing these changes offers a primary fertility sign that can tell you a great deal about what is going on with your fertility.


When you are not fertile, at the beginning of your cycle and after ovulation, cervical fluid is dry and scant or sticky and cannot be penetrated by sperm. At these non-fertile times, the vagina is quite acidic and is even hostile to sperm. Cervical fluid at this time forms a barrier that plugs the cervical canal and prevents bacteria from entering the uterus.

As the presence of estrogen dramatically increases as ovulation approaches, this stimulates the production of large amounts of cervical fluid that is thin, stretchy, watery and alkaline- and receptive to sperm penetration. This most fertile fluid is best described as resembling raw egg white.

"Egg white" cervical fluid provides nourishment for sperm and allows them to move and thrive for the few days around ovulation when you are most fertile. When this kind of cervical fluid is present, sperm can be nourished and transported within your reproductive tract. Once in your reproductive tract in fertile cervical fluid, the sperm can wait for the egg to be released. This "egg white" fluid is usually observed in the most fertile days just before ovulation, drying up quickly after ovulation.

Ovulation is most likely to occur on the last day that fertile quality cervical fluid is observed, though this can vary. This day is often called the "peak" cervical fluid day, even though it may not be the day where the most fertile cervical fluid is observed. Cervical fluid observations, however, cannot tell you definitively that you have ovulated- just that estrogen is high, and ovulation is probably approaching.

Cervical fluid observations tell when you are most likely to be fertile and offer an excellent way to time baby-making intercourse. To know for sure that you have actually ovulated and are no longer fertile, you will need to chart your temperature as well and observe a thermal shift (temperature rise) on your chart.

The prime advantage of the cervical fluid sign is its ability to answer the question "Am I now fertile?" which is at least as relevant as the question "When did I ovulate?" It is not necessarily the same question.

Amazing Cervical Fluid

The main function of fertile cervical fluid in reproduction is similar to that of semen: as a medium for sperm nourishment and migration. Sperm survival and migration after intercourse is important because conception is rarely timed to exactly coincide with ovulation. Successful fertilization depends on the storage and constant release of sperm to the female upper reproductive tract at around ovulation time. Increased cervical fluid may also cause an increase in libido (sex drive) and produces lubrication to make intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable at this time.


Cervical Fluid supports sperm survival in the following ways:


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They are admitted into the reproductive tract from the vaginal environment.
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They are filtered, leaving only morphologically normal sperm to proceed.
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They are nurtured and supported biochemically.
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They are stored for later release so that there can be a constant supply to ensure that sperm release can be coordinated with ovulation so that conception can occur.

"Typical" Cervical Fluid Pattern

While your cervical fluid pattern may vary from cycle to cycle and it may vary from woman to woman, a typical cervical fluid pattern looks like this:

1.

Immediately following menstruation there is usually a dry vaginal sensation and there is little or no cervical fluid.
2.

After a few days of dryness, there is normally a cervical fluid that is best described as "sticky" or "pasty" but not wet. While this kind of cervical fluid is not conducive to sperm survival these days may be considered as "possibly fertile" if found before ovulation.
3.

Following these "sticky" days, most women generally notice a cervical fluid that is best described as "creamy". This fluid may be white, yellow or beige in color and has the look and feel of lotion or cream. At this point the vagina may feel wet and this indicates possible increased fertility.
4.

The most fertile cervical fluid now follows. This most fertile fluid looks and feels like raw egg white. It is slippery and may be stretched several inches between your fingers. It is usually clear and may be very watery. The vagina feels wet and lubricated. These days are considered most fertile. This is the fluid that is the most friendly and receptive to sperm. It looks a lot like semen and, like semen, can act as a transport for sperm.
5.

After ovulation, fertile fluid dries up very quickly and the vagina remains more or less dry until the next cycle. Some women may notice small amounts of fertile-looking fluid after ovulation as the corpus luteum produces small amounts of estrogen, but you are not at all fertile after ovulation has been confirmed.

Cervical Fluid Type


Corresponding Fertility Status

Dry


Probably Not Fertile

Sticky


Probably Not Fertile

Creamy


Possibly Fertile

Watery


Fertile

Egg white


Most Fertile


Note: You may be fertile for up to a few days after observing fertile cervical fluid. FertilityFriend.com's Fertility Analyzer recognizes the cervical fluid types and will alert you to your fertility status based on the day's signs as well as previous days' signs if you may still be fertile.

Scant Cervical Fluid

What do I do if I don't see any fertile cervical fluid? What can I do to increase my cervical fluid?

If you are having trouble finding cervical fluid, doing kegel exercises (tensing and relaxing the muscles that control the flow of urine) may help to push cervical fluid to the vaginal opening and make observation easier. (Avoid doing kegels within the first half hour or so after intercourse though as this could push the semen and therefore the sperm away from the cervix, which is exactly where you want them to be). Exercise and bowel movements also push cervical fluid to the vaginal opening making observation easier. You may find that the best time to check your cervical fluid is after a bowel movement.

If you do not see fertile cervical fluid externally, you might want to to try checking internally. (Use clean fingers with clipped nails and try to "scoop" it close to your cervix). You may actually find that you have some up at your cervix where it really counts. If you still do not see any fertile cervical fluid, your first step is to make sure you are not dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and, unless medically needed, avoid products such as antihistamines that can dry up secretions.

When cervical fluid is scant or absent, it is more important to try to time intercourse for as close to ovulation as possible, since sperm will not be able to survive as long while waiting for the egg to be released.

If you consistently notice that cervical fluid is scant or absent and you have been trying to conceive for a few cycles or more, then this is something to talk to your doctor about. Your charts may help your doctor identify where the issue lies (if there is one) so bring them along. It is best to consult your doctor before trying any kind of remedy to try to increase your cervical fluid.

Sperm survival in cervical fluid

How long can sperm survive in fertile cervical fluid?

The longest that sperm can survive in fertile (eggwhite) cervical fluid is five days. All pregnancies can be attributed to intercourse that takes place within the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.

Sperm, however, do not typically survive for five days, even in fertile cervical fluid. A life span of 2-3 days is much more typical for sperm, even in fertile cervical fluid- less if there is no fertile cervical fluid.

To maximize your chances of conception, keep having intercourse until ovulation is confirmed by a clear and sustained thermal shift as intercourse closer to ovulation is much more likely to get you pregnant.

Lubricants

Should I use a lubricant or any other product to increase my cervical fluid?

A lubricant is meant to replace arousal fluid, not cervical fluid. Lubricants should only be used while trying to conceive if you cannot have sex comfortably without one. No lubricants, even ones that claim to be sperm-friendly or sperm-neutral, are meant to be a replacement for cervical fluid and most are unfriendly to sperm.

Saliva is also unfriendly to sperm and should not be used as a lubricant while trying to conceive.

If you must use a lubricant to have intercourse, check with your doctor or pharmacist to find the one that is right for you that will be most friendly to sperm. Keep in mind though that no lubricant enhances your chances of conception. A lubricant can only help you conceive if you would not or could not have intercourse without it.

Additionally, when using a lubricant, you may find that identifying your cervical fluid type is more challenging as the lubricant may mask your cervical fluid. If you are in doubt about your cervical fluid type and it is a potentially fertile time, record "eggwhite" or "watery" so that it is recognized as a potentially fertile day. It is also recommended to record your use of the lubricant in the notes section of your chart so that you will be able to identify a potential cause for any unusual observations.
Arousal Fluid

When I check my cervical fluid before having sex it usually feels slippery. Should I record "eggwhite"?

Arousal fluid feels a lot like fertile cervical fluid but is secreted by your vagina, while cervical fluid is produced by your cervix. Both feel wet and slippery and both help to make intercourse more pleasurable and comfortable. Arousal fluid, unlike fertile cervical fluid, may be felt at any time during your cycle when you feel sexually stimulated. It may also be felt for up to several hours after any kind of sexually arousing activity. If you are checking your cervical fluid before having intercourse when you are already aroused, it will usually feel slippery and it may be hard to tell the difference between the two kinds of fluids. Though the fluids feel similar, arousal fluid usually feels slightly more watery and will not usually stretch much. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to check your cervical fluid when you are not feeling particularly aroused.

Tips on Getting Pregnant

Ditch the pill

Yes, the first thing is to forget about contraception. You may notice certain irregularities in your cycle and may take a few months for your cycle to return to normal. But many women are fertile the first month after they stop taking the Pill. The same holds true for the contraceptive patch and ring.
Fuel up on folic acid

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. For this reason, the FDA recommends that all women attempting pregnancy take folic acid supplements for decreasing chances of birth defects.

Quit smoking, drinking and drugs now

Smoking or taking drugs greatly diminishes your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner’s sperm count. In fact, studies have shown that even secondhand smoke may affect your chances of getting pregnant. It is also recommend that women avoid alcohol when trying for pregnancy.

Cut down on Caffeine

Research shows that too much caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron and increase your risk for stillbirth. Avoid coffee, tea, and colas or switch to decaf to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a cup a day. Try switching to a milkshakes which will boost your calcium as well and assist in conception.
Get your weight in check

Healthy weight women have an easier time getting pregnant than overweight or underweight women. Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is below 20 or above 30 have a harder time getting pregnant, so it’s a good idea to try to get yourself into the 20 to 30 range before you start trying.
Timing is Everything

You will have little chance of getting pregnant if you had sex on the wrong days and missed the most fertile ones. Figure out your ovulation days with our ovulation calendar to increase your chances of conception. Read our articles on Ovulation and Signs of ovulation to assist you in knowing your fertile period. Ovulation predictor kits can also help you figure out when you’re ovulating by detecting hormones in your urine that signal ovulation is about to occur.

Mind Control

Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as women who don’t. Get a mental health check if you notice signs of depression. Also, try stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which research suggests can also help in getting pregnant.


Buy something sexy

Some experts say that if a woman is highly aroused while she’s having sex, the sperm has a better chance of fertilizing her egg. Others say it makes absolutely no difference. It definitely wont hurt and may even help in boosting your libido and killing that awkward feeling of having sex for pregnancy.
Positioning yourself

Many experts suspect that the missionary position (man on top) provides the best opportunity for getting pregnant, though no definitive studies have been done on this question. This position allows for the deepest penetration which deposits sperm closer to the cervix. For additional effectiveness, the woman can try elevating her hips with a pillow so her cervix is exposed to the maximum amount of semen. Other positions could be Rear entry and lying side-by-side. Avoid woman on top, standing, or leaning positions, which discourage the flow of semen to the uterus.
Increase the Odds

Make your vaginal environment as sperm-friendly as possible. Avoid vaginal sprays and scented tampons, artificial lubricants, and douching. Not only can they cause infections, they may wash away cervical mucus or create a hostile environment for the sperm.

If you find that your cervical mucus is not as conducive of getting pregnant as it should be, you may want to try a specific type of lubricant. Pre-Seed lubricant is the sperm friendly choice of many people trying to get pregnant. After intercourse, elevate your hips on a pillow for about fifteen minutes.
For your man

Ask your partner to chuck all briefs and opt for boxers instead for a healthy sperm count. Also, having sex in the morning would help since the semen has the highest number of sperm then.

Finally

Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. Very few couples conceive on the first try. In fact, even if everything is absolutely in perfect working order, you only have a 20-25% chance of conception each month. If you are under 30, and haven’t conceived in 12 months, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as there could be some issues at play with are preventing you from getting pregnant. If you are over 35, and haven’t succeeded in getting pregnant in six months, make an appointment to see your doctor, as infertility issues become more prevalent the older you get. If you are over 40, then do not delay in getting medical help.

Too much estrogen?

I've been doing a lot of reading lately on fertility and I am now starting to believe that a big reason why we are having a hard time conceiving is due to the fact that my estrogen and progesterone levels are not balanced and my body might be producing too much estrogen. I have not been to the doctor yet. I would like to try to correct the issue on my own first, and naturally before seeing a specialist. One of the main contributing factors is due to the fact that I am 30 pounds overweight. My BMI is 32.5 and it needs to be a lot lower! I plan on starting a new exercise routine as well as eating whole grains and vitamin B6 which will help reduce my estrogen levels. I also found some very helpful information from this Web page. I will post the article bellow:

Dietary Recomendations for Estrogen Progesterone Balance
Estrogen/Progesterone Balance
If estrogen and progesterone levels are not balanced, it will be difficult to conceive. If estrogen levels are not elevated in the first part of cycle, ovulation will not occur. If progesterone levels are not elevated in the second part of the cycles, a viable endometrium will not form. Too much estrogen (which could manifest as particularly heavy menstrual flow) can sometimes be regulated by a vigorous program of exercise. Obesity can also cause elevated estrogen levels, so try to make sure that your weight is within the normal range.

The dietary fiber in B6 vitamin rich foods can also reduce estrogen levels. These foods are tofu, kelp, whole grains, walnuts, and wheat germ. Insufficient estrogen can be counteracted by increasing your consumption of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which stimulates the pituitary gland into increasing estrogen production. Consuming wheat germ will satisfy your need for this nutrient. Insufficient progesterone levels can be aided by increasing your consumption of foods rich in vitamin B6, tofu, kelp, whole grains, walnuts, and wheat germ. These foods can also reduce Prolactin levels. Progesterone production in the luteal phase can also be affected if prostaglandin impairs the functioning of the corpus luteum. Avoid arachidonic acid, a precursor or prostaglandin found in animal fat.

Finally, yams eaten in the pre-ovulatory phase of the cycle are beneficial for women whose short luteal phase leads to insufficient progesterone production.

Your Hormones and Your Fertility Signals

Lesson 4 taken from Fertility Friend.
Your Hormones and Your Fertility Signals

Lesson Objectives:

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Understand the role of your hormones in the menstrual cycle.
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Understand how hormonal processes relate to your fertility signals.


Major Points in this Lesson:

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The following fertility signs tell about the presence of estrogen: cervical fluid, cervix position, saliva microscopes, some fertility monitors.
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Basal Body Temperature (BBT) tells about the presence of progesterone.
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Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKs) and some fertility monitors tell about the presence of Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
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Estrogen is high before ovulation.
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Progesterone is high after ovulation and during pregnancy.
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Luteinizing Hormone (LH) peaks just before ovulation and is responsible for causing the rupture of the ovarian sac to release the ovum for ovulation.

More...

Each of the fertility signals that you observe when you chart your fertility signs corresponds to a hormonal process and the presence of hormones in your bloodstream. Estrogen and progesterone are the significant hormones that offer the signals you observe when charting your fertility signs.

Estrogen dominates your menstrual cycle during your pre-ovulation (follicular) phase. Progesterone takes over after ovulation, during your luteal phase. Progesterone is also the dominant hormone during pregnancy should conception occur.

Your cervical fluid and cervical position provide clues about estrogen, as do saliva microscopes and fertility monitors.

Your Basal Body Temperature (BBT) tells you about the presence of progesterone.

Ovulation Prediction Kits and some types of fertility monitors tell you about the presence of LH (Luteinizing Hormone), the last hormone to peak before ovulation.


Estrogen and Your Fertility Signs

Estrogen refers to a group of hormones that stimulate growth and strengthen tissues. It is needed to build up the lining of the uterus so that it may nourish and sustain a fertilized egg. When we are talking about fertility, the kind of estrogen we are referring to is called estradiol. This estrogen is produced by the developing ovarian follicles and later, in increasing amounts, by the dominant follicle before it is released at ovulation. Estrogen has many roles in reproduction:

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Estrogen signals the release of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) which is needed to trigger ovulation.
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Estrogen is needed to build up the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) so that a fertilized egg can find nourishment and implant.
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Estrogen produces cervical fluid which is necessary for the sperm to travel to the fallopian tube where the egg may be fertilized.
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Estrogen causes the cervix to soften and open so that the sperm may enter and reach the fallopian tube for fertilization.


Some signs of increased estrogen that you can easily observe on your own are the presence, quantity and consistency of cervical fluid and the position and texture of your cervix. These signs offer some of the best indicators of your fertility status.
Progesterone and Your Fertility Signs

While estrogen dominates the pre-ovulatory, follicular phase of your cycle, progesterone dominates the post-ovulatory, luteal phase of your cycle. Before ovulation, progesterone is present only in very small amounts. After ovulation, progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum (the remains of the ovarian follicle after ovulation), and is present in dramatically higher amounts. Progesterone plays the following roles:

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Progesterone makes the lining of your uterus soft and spongy so that a fertilized egg can latch onto it and implant.
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Progesterone is needed to support and sustain pregnancy.
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Progesterone causes your Basal Body Temperature (BBT) to rise after ovulation so that it is measurable with a BBT thermometer.
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Progesterone causes your BBT to stay elevated throughout pregnancy.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Your Fertility Signs

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is the last hormone to peak before ovulation and is the hormone responsible for triggering the rupture of the ovarian sac that releases the egg at ovulation. This hormone can be measured by ovulation prediction kits (OPKs) and fertility monitors that use chemicals to identify its presence in your urine.

The presence of increased amounts of LH in your urine, as detected by OPKs, usually means that you will ovulate within 12-24 hours but this can vary slightly depending on your own hormonal profile. LH is not released all at once, but rather it rises and falls for about 24-48 hours. The LH rise usually begins in the early morning while you are sleeping and it takes 4-6 hours for it to appear in your urine after that. For this reason, first morning urine may not give the best result. Testing mid-day is usually recommended. It is important to follow the instructions of your OPK for maximum results.

Many women like ovulation prediction kits, even though they are not able to confirm or pinpoint ovulation precisely, because they can tell you that ovulation is imminent. It is important, however, not to rely exclusively on OPKs for timing intercourse and identifying your most fertile time. This is because you may already be fertile before your OPK turns positive. You may like to use them to cross-check your other fertility signs and to offer additional clues about impending ovulation. They may be especially useful if you have ambiguous charts. If your cycles are irregular or very long, OPKs may be very costly because you may need to use several tests to be sure to catch the LH surge.

Videos on Fertility Lifestyle

Videos on how to increase fertility rates naturally and safely while promoting healthy habits and lifestyle.

Foods:




Herbs:



Smoothie!



Here are some great ideas and hopefully by taking some of these ideas, I could balance out some hormones!

Natural Ways to Improve Your Fertility

Having a baby can be the one of the most exciting times in a couple's life. From conception to birth, pregnancy is usually a happy and joyful journey. But if you are having difficulties conceiving, the pregnancy journey can become fraught with complications and worries. On top of all this, medications and fertility treatments can be extremely off-putting and expensive. If you and your partner are struggling with fertility issues, you may want to look into ways that you can help to improve your fertility naturally.

Eating Right
Though you may not believe it, eating right plays an important role in your body's fertility. A balanced diet helps to regulate hormones and nourish your reproductive system. A good diet also helps you to maintain a healthy weight, which can greatly impact fertility. Women who are underweight or overweight may have a harder time becoming pregnant because body fat levels impact the production of sex hormones.

It is especially important to include certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. Try to include:

Vitamin C and Antioxidants: these vitamins prevent sperm defects and boost sperm

Zinc: zinc deficiencies have been linked with reduced testosterone and semen levels.

Calcium and Vitamin D: A daily, therapeutic dose of these nutrients have been shown to help increase male fertility.

Certain foods and chemicals should be avoided if you are having troubles becoming pregnant. Cut back on:

Alcohol: alcohol can reduce your fertility levels by up to 50%. It can also decrease sperm count and increase the production of abnormal sperm.

Caffeine: caffeine, found in coffee, teas, cola, and chocolate, has been shown to reduce both male and female fertility levels. As little as one cup of coffee a day can cut your chances of conception in half.

Xenoestrogens: xenoestrogens are estrogens found in environmental chemicals and pesticides. Produce and other foods can have high levels of xenoestrogens, which, if ingested, may disturb your balance of hormones. Imbalaced hormones are often the cause of fertility issues.

Exercise
Moderate exercise can also be a good natural fertility treatment. When combined with a balanced and nutritious diet, exercise can help you to maintain a healthy body weight. Excess body fat can increase the amount of estrogen in your body, throwing the female fertility cycle out of balance. Exercise helps to burn off this excess body fat, allowing hormone levels to return to normal. It is best not to overdo exercise though - over exercising can actually impair fertility. Try low impact aerobic workouts like walking, swimming, and cycling.

Chasteberry: This herb works to increase fertility by stimulating the pituitary gland. This is the gland responsible for producing sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Chasteberry should help fertility by balancing the sex hormones.

Dong Quai: Dong Quai is a Chinese fertility herb, long-used to solve menstrual difficulties. It also helps to balance estrogen levels in the body and improve chances of implantation.

View more of this article here.

Lesson 3 ~ Your Cycle Phases

Lesson 3
Your Cycle Phases

Lesson Objectives:

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Be able to identify and understand the major events and phases of the menstrual cycle.
*

Build a foundation of knowledge about the menstrual cycle so that fertility charting makes sense.

Major Points in this Lesson:

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The menstrual cycle can be divided into the following phases: menses, the follicular phase (before ovulation), ovulation, and the luteal phase (after ovulation).
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Ovulation is the event that divides the follicular and luteal phases.
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The follicular phase length may vary from cycle to cycle and from woman to woman. It is the follicular phase length that determines the cycle length and cycle length variations.
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The luteal phase length is constant, rarely changing by more than a day or two from cycle to cycle for the same woman.
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The luteal phase usually lasts from 12-14 days, but may last from 10-16 days.
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The best time to conceive is just before and during ovulation.
This lesson, though more complicated than many of the lessons in this course, is included towards the beginning of the course because your fertility signs and your chart will be more meaningful to you when you can correlate them with the significant events and hormonal processes of your menstrual cycle.

Cycle Phases:

Your cycle is composed of the following phases:

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Menses (M): This is your period. You are generally not fertile at this time.
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Follicular Phase: The follicular phase extends from the beginning of the cycle until ovulation. During this phase the ovarian follicles develop and mature and your body prepares for ovulation. One follicle becomes dominant as the phase progresses. The length of this phase can vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle. You are most fertile at the end of this phase during the days just before and including ovulation. The hormone estrogen dominates this phase.
*

Ovulation: This is the event that divides the follicular and luteal phases. Triggered by a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), the ovarian follicle ruptures and releases the ovum which can then be fertilized.
*

Luteal Phase (LP): This is the time from ovulation until the end of the cycle. If you conceive, the fertilized egg will implant in your uterine lining roughly 7-10 days into this phase. If there is no conception, the uterine lining will shed (this is your period) and your body will begin to prepare for a new cycle. This phase usually lasts 12-14 days but can last between 10-16 days. The length of this phase is fairly constant from cycle to cycle for the same woman. Progesterone is the hormone that dominates this phase.

The chart below shows the cycle phases:



This information is taken from Fertility Friend.



What happens during the menstrual cycle phases?


Your menstrual cycle is driven by your hormones. Hormones are biochemical substances that are produced in one area of your body and carried in your bloodstream to send signals that trigger responses in another part of your body. The hormones that control your fertility signals are produced in the following areas:

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hypothalamus (in your brain)
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anterior pituitary gland (also in your brain, located behind and attached to the hypothalamus)
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ovaries
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adrenal glands (located on top of your kidneys).


A series of hormonal steps trigger the events of your menstrual cycle:


1.

At the beginning of your menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus produces GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The GnRH pulses through your bloodstream from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland in spurts every 60-90 minutes from menstruation until ovulation. The GnRH signals the anterior pituitary gland to secrete FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and later LH (Luteinizing Hormone). This is what is happening when you have your period and in the days before ovulation.

2.

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), as its name suggests, stimulates the development and maturation of follicles in the ovaries. One of these follicles will become dominant and contains the ovum that will be released at ovulation. The developing follicles begin to produce estrogen.

3.

The estrogen released by the developing follicles, and later by the dominant follicle, causes the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, to grow and thicken in preparation of implantation of a fertilized ovum.

4.

By about the seventh day of your cycle on average (but this can vary widely) the dominant follicle takes over. The eggs within the other follicles lose their nourishment and die as do the follicular cells.

5.

The dominant follicle produces a sharp rise in estrogen. (You can recognize this stage of your cycle by closely monitoring your cervical fluid). Estrogen is at its peak one to two days prior to ovulation.

6.

This estrogen surge signals the release of LH (Luteinizing Hormone). This is the hormone that is measured by ovulation predictor kits (OPKs). LH travels through the bloodstream to the ovary where it causes the ovary to release enzymes that make a hole in the sac of the dominant follicle. This causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release the ovum into the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized. This is ovulation. The LH surge is necessary for ovulation to occur. The LH surge (the highest concentration of LH) occurs 12-24 hours prior to ovulation but LH begins to rise about 36 hours before ovulation.

7.

Estrogen drops dramatically after ovulation.

8.

The dominant follicle, transformed by LH, becomes the corpus luteum after ovulation. This phase of your cycle after ovulation is called the luteal phase since hormone production is governed by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum continues to produce a small amount estrogen, but now also produces progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that dominates this phase of your cycle. Like estrogen, progesterone is needed to develop the endometrium so that a fertilized egg can implant and be nourished should fertilization occur. Your BBT (Basal Body Temperature) rises as a result of progesterone production.

9.

If an egg is fertilized and implantation of the fertilized egg occurs, the corpus luteum's life is extended. In conception cycles, the corpus luteum keeps on producing progesterone and some estrogen and the development of the endometrium continues. The pregnancy hormone, hCG begins to be produced when the fertilized egg implants, at around 7-10 days past ovulation. As the pregnancy progresses, hormone production is taken over by the placenta.

10.

If there is no pregnancy, the corpus luteum dies, progesterone levels fall, and a new cycle begins.

Lesson 2 Charting Essentials

Lesson 2 is taken from Fertility Friend.

Lesson 2
Charting Essentials


Lesson Objectives:

*

Very quickly see the most basic aspects of fertility charting
*

Be able to start charting your fertility signs


Major Points in this Lesson:

*

Your menstrual cycle and your fertility chart start on the first day of full menstrual bleeding. This is cycle day one (CD1).
*

Your primary fertility signs are your basal body temperature (BBT) and cervical fluid (CF or CM).
*

To chart your fertility, you need to record your waking temperature and the time at which it was taken, your cervical fluid observations, when you have intercourse and when you have menstrual bleeding.
*

It takes just a few minutes a day to observe and record your signs.


To get started charting your fertility signs, you need:

1.

A BBT thermometer (the package will say "basal" or "fertility" thermometer) available at your local drugstore or pharmacy. If you do not have a BBT thermometer or cannot find one, you can get started with an accurate digital fever thermometer (NOT an ear thermometer!)
2.

A desire to understand and take care of your body.


Getting Started: A fertility chart, like your menstrual cycle, starts on cycle day 1 (CD1). This is the first day of your period (full red flow, not spotting). You may wish to begin charting at the beginning of your next cycle. If you choose to start before your next period (many people don't want to wait!) make sure that cycle day one on your fertility chart reflects day one of your last cycle, the first day of your last menstrual cycle (LMP).

Checking your primary fertility signs takes just a few minutes each day.
The essential signs to check are:

*

your cervical fluid observations
*

your waking temperature
*

the time you took your temperature
*

when you have intercourse
*

when you have menstrual bleeding

Primary and Secondary Fertility Signs: Your cervical fluid and your basal body temperature are considered your primary fertility signs. These are the signs that are really needed to get a reliable interpretation. Secondary signs, such as cervix position and texture, results from kits and devices and other, personal observations can help offer added insight into the interpretation.

The most important, or primary, fertility signs are your basal body temperature (BBT) and your cervical fluid. Your basal body temperature can be measured when you wake up in the morning using an inexpensive special thermometer that you can buy at your drugstore. You can easily observe your cervical fluid when you go to the bathroom.

Your basal body temperature rises after ovulation due to increased progesterone in your bloodstream. Your cervical fluid is the fluid that is produced by your cervix as ovulation is approaching. You can see and feel it in or outside your vagina. Cervical fluid, which is sometimes called cervical mucous (CM), changes throughout your cycle depending on your fertility status. It becomes watery and stretchy, like raw egg white when you are most fertile just before ovulation.

Taking note of these observations and recording them is enough to provide the clues you need to help time intercourse appropriately to get pregnant and see when (and sometimes if) you ovulate. Other, secondary, optional signs can add extra insight and help to cross-check the interpretation from your primary fertility signs.

Secondary, optional fertility signs that you may choose to observe include: observations of the position, texture and opening of your cervix, results from commercial tests and devices, and other personal observations that you learn to associate with your fertility.

Observing and recording these fertility signs, you can see when you are fertile on a graph. The information can be analyzed and interpreted and the feedback lets you see when you are approaching ovulation, when you have already ovulated, when you should expect your period or a positive pregnancy test, along with other insights that will help you get pregnant and learn about your unique fertility pattern.

Charting with FertilityFriend.com, you enter your daily observations about your fertility signs online on your own personal account on an easy-to-use data entry form. The feedback, interpretation and analysis is interactively and automatically provided for you. The analysis will tell you the best time to have intercourse to maximize your chances each cycle. It will show you when you are fertile, when you have ovulated, when you are no longer fertile, when to expect your period if you are not pregnant, and when you can expect a reliable pregnancy test result.

The Fertile Window

Here is lesson one from Fertility Friend.

Lesson 1
The Fertile Window


Lesson Objectives:

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Understand the concept of "the fertile window".
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Know which days are the most fertile days.
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See how fertility charting can help you find your fertile days and increase your conception chances.


Major Points in this Lesson:

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There are just a few days each cycle that you can get pregnant.
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The time during your cycle when intercourse may result in conception is called "the fertile window".
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The maximum length of the fertile window is six days.
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The most likely days that intercourse will result in conception are the two days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.
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Your fertility pattern is unique to you. You may not have a "text-book" fertility pattern.
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Charting your fertility signs will help you find your most fertile days and pinpoint your ovulation date.
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A significant factor for a large portion of couples who are experiencing conception difficulties is poor intercourse timing relative to ovulation.
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Couples who "focus" intercourse in their fertile window have significantly higher conception rates.

More...

Sometimes referred to as "Fertility Awareness" or "Natural Family Planning", fertility charting is based on the understanding that we can identify the fertile window- the days when conception is possible- by observing our natural fertility signals.

In each cycle there are just a few days that make up the fertile window.

Fertility charting thus involves observing and recording your fertility signs so that you can easily see your daily fertility status and identify your most fertile time. It is highly effective because your body provides clues (fertility signs) that tell you about your fertility status throughout your cycle.

The primary fertility signs are:

1. your basal body temperature (BBT) which rises after ovulation.
2. your cervical fluid, sometimes called cervical mucus (CM) which gets increasingly wet, clear and stretchy as ovulation approaches.

(How to observe and chart these signs will be discussed in greater detail in your next lessons).

The days when conception is possible are the days just before and including the day of ovulation. Based on the MAXIMUM lifespan of human sperm and ova, (five days for sperm and one day for the ovum) this fertile window is at MOST six days. This MAXIMUM window is thus made up of the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.

Though pregnancy is technically possible during this six day window, most pregnancies actually can be attributed to intercourse from within TWO DAYS before ovulation up to the day of ovulation.

This makes for a practical fertile window of just THREE DAYS each cycle: the TWO DAYS before ovulation and the DAY OF OVULATION itself.

Charting your fertility signs helps you to find those days so that you can best time intercourse to get pregnant. Couples who are aware of their fertile time and focus intercourse during this time have been found to have MUCH HIGHER CONCEPTION RATES than couples who are unaware of their most fertile time.

You may have been told that you ovulate or are most fertile on day 14 of your menstrual cycle, mid-cycle, or even 14 days before your period is expected. These assumptions are based on broad averages and they may not be true for you, even if your cycles are regular.

Your own fertility pattern is unique to you and charting your fertility will help you to see it and find the days that you are most likely to conceive.

To maximize your conception chances, it is recommended to have intercourse every day or AT LEAST every other day during your fertile time until a clear and sustained thermal shift can be detected on your chart.

The chart below shows how fertility charting can show you how to identify your fertile days and your ovulation date.

FertilityFriend.com Ovulation Chart

Here is the fist documented cycle of my ovulation chart:

How To Check Your Cervical Position By Rachel Gurevich

Checking your cervical position sounds like something only taught to doctors and nurses, but there’s no reason you can’t learn how. Why check your cervical position? Because it’s another way of detecting ovulation. (It’s also really cool to know your body so well.)

Just like your cervical mucus changes as ovulation approaches, your cervical position also changes. Also, when it’s difficult to distinguish between fertile cervical mucus and left over semen from sex (which can show up for a couple days after sex), your cervical position may help clarify things.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: No more than a few minutes, every so many days
Here's How:

1. First, wash your hands very well. It’s vital that you don’t introduce any kind of infection into your reproductive system. (If you’re dealing with a yeast infection or any other kind of vaginal infection, you shouldn’t check your cervix until the infection is cleared up.)

2. Find a comfortable position that will allow you to easily reach your cervix. That may be sitting on the toilet, putting one leg up on the edge of the bathtub or squatting. (Putting one leg up on the toilet seat or bathtub edge has always worked best for me.)

3. If you think of your vagina as a hallway, your cervix is the other door at the very end. While your vagina has a sort of spongy feel that gives way easily to pressure, the cervix is like a firm, round dimple. Some say it feels like the tip of your nose when you’re not fertile and like the firmness of your lips when you are fertile — this is what you’re feeling for.

4. Reach your index or middle finger inside of your vagina, and slowly (don’t scratch yourself!) slide your finger in as far as you can reach, a sort of in and upward motion. If you’re not close to ovulation, you should find your cervix easily. If you are ovulating, your cervix may be higher in your body and more difficult to reach.

When you’re just learning how to check your cervical position, you should check your cervical position every so many days, even when you don’t think you’re ovulating. It’s much easier to find when you’re not ovulating, and you’ll have a better idea of what you’re feeling.

5. As ovulation approaches, the cervix moves higher up, becoming softer and less firm and opening more. High, soft and open is a possible indication of approaching ovulation: you should make time for sex if you want to get pregnant. Low, firm and closed is not a fertile sign, and you’re probably not ovulating yet. Once you get used to checking your cervical position, fertile signs become very easy to recognize, but it does take practice and time to learn. Be patient with yourself.

6. Don’t be afraid to touch your body! Some women feel like checking their cervical position violates some unwritten rule, as if there are parts of your body that belong to the domain of doctors only. Or they may be afraid of hurting themselves. (Just be gentle. If you’re worried, consider what goes on during sexual intercourse. Checking your cervix doesn’t come close to sex. You’re not going to hurt yourself.)

Understanding and getting to know your body can really be an empowering experience. Try it. Lightening will not strike you down if you do — I promise.

7. If you’re marking your cervical position on a fertility chart, it may ask you if your cervix is in a high, medium or low position or whether your cervix feels firm, medium or soft or whether your cervix feels open or closed.

8. Don’t expect to understand what you’re feeling the first, second or even tenth time you try — -this is a skill that comes from practice and patience. Once you learn what the signs are by experiencing the changes in your cervix throughout a few cycles, though, you’ll be a pro.

Tips:

1. If your cervix always feels slightly open, don’t worry. Especially if you’ve ever given birth (that can include a miscarriage), your cervix may never fully close. As ovulation approaches, you’ll still be able to notice the height and softness changes of the cervix, though.

2. Signs of approaching ovulation include a high cervical position (you may not be able to reach!), a softer cervix and a more open cervix. You’ll also probably notice more fertile cervical mucus near your cervix (this is also a good time to check your cervical mucus).

3. Don’t check your cervical position during or after sex. Your cervix actually moves around according to your level of sexual arousal, regardless of ovulation.

4. It helps if you check your cervical position at the same time every day. It may be a good time to do it when you get dressed in the morning. I like to check mine when I take a shower: my hands are clean, and I’m already undressed.

5. Some women try to figure out if they’re pregnant by checking their cervical position. There really is no way to know whether you’re pregnant by checking your cervical position. (You just have to wait until you can take a pregnancy test. Sorry.)

Source:

Weschler, T. (2002). Taking Charge of Your Fertility (Revised Edition). United States of America: HarperCollins Publishers Inc.

What You Need:

* Clean hands
* An open mind
* Patience
* Fertility Chart (optional)

Journy from Pre Conception to Birth

Ok... anyone who knows me could tell you how much I love children. I am a mother of two wonderful kids: An 11 year old step son (little Travis) and a 3.5 year old daughter (Tabitha). When Tabitha was a year and a half my husband (big Travis) and I decided to try for another baby. Two years later, I'm still not pregnant. I decided to take it to the next level by charting my ovulation and blogging any information I might find useful along the way on this incredible journey.



Taken August 6th, 2006 ~ Day after I had Tabi