Signs of ovulation and conception. Stimulation of ovulation with photos. What is ovulation - an accessible description of this phenomenon

To identify disorders in a woman’s reproductive system, competently plan a pregnancy, and choose the right method of contraception, you should have a clear understanding of the menstrual cycle, the main element of which is ovulation.

Therefore, in this article we will try to reveal the main questions that most often concern women: What is ovulation? How to determine the right moment to conceive a baby? How to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy?

What it is

Ovulation- translated from Latin means “egg” - a physiological process in the female body when a mature egg, ready for fertilization by sperm, is released from the ovarian follicle into the abdominal cavity. In women, this process occurs periodically (every 21-35 days). It begins at puberty and lasts until menopause, interrupted only during pregnancy and the postpartum period. For conception, this process is very important, because if ovulation does not occur, fertilization will not occur.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

Menstrual cycle- the period starting from the 1st day of menstruation and ending on the 1st day of the next one. Its average duration is 28-29 days, the maximum duration is 23-35 days. If it is less or more, then this indicates a malfunction in the woman’s hormonal system.

The menstrual cycle is divided into 2 phases. In a normal cycle, the first phase lasts 7-21 days. During this period, the female body prepares for a possible conception - a dominant follicle matures in the ovary, from which an egg will later appear, ready for fertilization. After the release of their follicle, the egg enters the abdominal cavity, where it is captured in the ampulla of the fallopian tube and begins to move very slowly along it. If sperm meets on its way, fertilization will occur. The second phase begins from the moment of ovulation, which, regardless of the duration of the menstrual cycle, lasts 14 days (plus/minus 2 days). During the 2nd phase, the corpus luteum matures in the ovary at the site of release of the egg, which, in the event of pregnancy, will ensure its safety at first. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum will collapse, the egg will die, hormone levels will drop and menstruation will begin. That's it - one menstrual cycle ended and the next one immediately began.

Why know the symptoms and signs of ovulation

It will help you find out the favorable day to conceive a child.
Help prevent unplanned pregnancy. But this is only possible if the woman has a regular menstrual cycle.
They will help in planning the gender of the unborn child. There is an opinion that sexual intercourse on the day of ovulation will lead to the birth of a male child, and 1-2 days before it - a female child. It is believed that sperm carrying male chromosomes are faster, but less hardy, therefore, if a couple wants a boy, then on the day of ovulation these sperm are able to get to the egg faster. Sperm that carry female chromosomes, on the contrary, are slow, but have high viability. If sexual intercourse occurred 1-2 days before the release of the egg, then the sperm with male chromosomes will all die, and the sperm with female chromosomes will swim to fulfill their purpose.

How to determine and find out the day of ovulation

Signs

Often, women can determine the day of ovulation without tests and analyzes - they just need to listen to their own feelings. This may be short-term aching pain in the lower abdomen, usually on one side; swelling of the mammary glands; increased flatulence; mood changes (irritability, tearfulness); acute sexual desire.

The changes taking place in the body can not only be felt, but also seen. During ovulation, vaginal discharge changes its consistency - it becomes viscous, slightly foamy, similar to egg white, and its quantity increases noticeably. During a gynecological examination, the doctor will see changes in the cervix - it becomes looser, softer, changes its position and opens slightly.

Determining ovulation by basal temperature

If in the morning every day, without getting out of bed, you measure the temperature in the rectum for 5 minutes with the same mercury thermometer, noting the readings and constructing a graph from them, you will notice that the straight line of the readings will drop sharply, and then the next day will increase sharply - this decline is the day the egg leaves the follicle. The method is 70% reliable.

Calendar method

As you know, menstruation occurs after ovulation in 14 days (plus/minus 2 days). Thus, with a regular cycle of 28 days, the release of the egg from the follicle will occur on day 13-14. We suggest determining the day of ovulation using the online calculator on the website.

Ovulation in women is a stage of the menstrual cycle during which the follicle ruptures and a mature egg capable of fertilization is released from the ovary.

If we talk about what ovulation is in simple words, then this is precisely the period of a woman’s menstrual cycle during which conception is possible.

Just when a mature egg is released, the probability of its fertilization becomes highest. Therefore, in order for the chances of conceiving a child to be as high as possible, it is necessary to learn how to determine the moment of ovulation.

The ovulation process is controlled by the hypothalamus, regulating the release of hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Consider the ovulation cycle with an average menstrual cycle of 28 days.

From the first day of menstruation, a woman enters the follicular (preovulatory) phase. During this period, follicles begin to develop in the ovaries, which, under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, undergo certain transformations.

Starting from the seventh day and right up to the very middle of the menstrual cycle, the ovulatory phase is observed.

During this period, the formation of the Graafian vesicle is noted - a special follicle, which, upon reaching a certain size and level of functional activity, forms an ovulatory peak under the influence of estrogens, which triggers the process of maturation of the egg.

Ovulation occurs on the 14th day of the cycle. After the egg matures, a rupture occurs in the follicle, from which the egg is pushed out and leaves the follicle, ready to give birth to a new life.

By the 15th day, the postovulatory phase (corpus luteum phase) begins. Ovulation is completed before the arrival of a new menstruation. During this period, the egg goes through the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity, where it remains active for about two more days.

If successful fertilization of the egg occurs during the ovulation period, then by 6–12 days the zygote will enter the uterine cavity, where the process of implantation (implantation) into the uterine wall will occur.

If conception does not occur, the mature egg will die in the fallopian tube within 24 hours.

In healthy women of childbearing age, ovulation occurs regularly, approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle itself, every 21-35 days.
This rhythm of ovulation, developed for each woman, undergoes changes after an abortion for 3 months, after childbirth for a year, and also after a woman reaches 40 years of age, when her body begins to prepare for menopause.
Physiologically, the ovulation process stops with the onset of pregnancy in a woman, as well as as a result of the onset of menopause.

Signs of ovulation

Signs of ovulation can be divided into two groups:

warnings about the approach of ovulation and a favorable period for conceiving a baby,
indicating the completion of the ovulation process.

It is easy for a woman to notice signs of ovulation if she promptly pays attention to changes in her condition. Knowing these signs, you can control the days that increase your chances of conceiving a child, or determine safe days if you are not yet ready for pregnancy.

The main signs of ovulation in women

Change in vaginal discharge. The amount and consistency of vaginal discharge changes as the hour of ovulation approaches. The discharge becomes abundant, thick and viscous, reminiscent in its character of the consistency of viscous raw protein.
Increased sexual desire. A few days before ovulation, a woman experiences an increase in libido. It is nature itself that thus prepares the woman’s body
to the possible conception of a child.
Change in basal temperature. A woman's basal body temperature rises slightly as ovulation approaches, which is due to an increase in the amount of the hormone progesterone in the woman's body during the period of ovulation and after its completion.
Changes in the cervix. Experts believe that as a woman approaches ovulation, her cervix becomes softer, rises slightly higher than its normal position and opens wider to accommodate the potential process of conception.
Pain in the mammary glands. Quite often, women experience unusual pain in the chest area during ovulation. Such excessive sensitivity can easily be explained by the hormonal surge occurring at this time in the woman’s body. This is how your body prepares for possible conception.
Pain in the lower abdomen (in the ovary area). Some women experience moderate aching pain in the lower abdomen during ovulation. In this case, the duration of such painful sensations can be from several minutes and last up to several days. These pains can be caused precisely by the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
Changes in hormonal levels. Luteinizing hormone stimulates the ovaries and the subsequent release of a mature egg. During the period of ovulation, the production of this hormone in a woman’s body increases significantly. To determine the increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone in your body, you can use a pharmacy test to calculate the time of ovulation.
Bloating. During the period of ovulation, many women experience significant bloating and enlargement of the abdomen, and flatulence is possible. It is worth noting that sometimes such a sign is a signal that you simply need to review and adjust your own diet.
Increased perception of certain receptors. Sometimes during the period of ovulation, a change in the level of hormones in a woman’s body can cause an increased sense of smell or provoke a change in a woman’s taste buds.

Now you know that there are many signs that will give you the opportunity to control the timing of ovulation. Such knowledge will help you find the most favorable days for conceiving a baby and teach you how to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Ovulation is a physiological process in which an egg is released from a follicle located in the ovarian tissue. Its migration through the tubes into the uterine cavity makes it possible to conceive a child. From this article you can learn everything about ovulation - physiological features, diagnostic methods and other data necessary for future parents.

Ovulation is the period during which an egg is formed and fertilized. It is on the days of ovulation that the likelihood of getting pregnant is highest. The frequency of egg maturation largely depends on the physiological characteristics of the body. The duration of the ovulation period must be taken into account when planning pregnancy.

Therefore, a woman should ask her doctor to describe the signs of ovulation in simple words in order to monitor its frequency and duration.

FAQ

What happens during ovulation?

The ovulatory process in girls is one of the phases of the menstrual cycle. It consists of several periods, each of which has its own purpose. At the beginning of the cycle, a follicle is formed in a woman’s ovaries - a formation that includes an egg and additional elements that ensure its maturation. Over time, it develops and increases in size.

The period of active growth ends with the rupture of the follicle, from which the ovulatory process begins. The egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube, through which it descends into the body of the uterus. If during this period sexual intercourse occurs and sperm penetrate the female genital organs, then the egg is fertilized and an embryo is formed. It is necessary to calculate the ovulatory process by day to determine the date of conception of the child.

How long does ovulation last?

The duration of ovulation is on average 48 hours. This period includes both the process of migration of the egg and the time it remains in the uterine cavity. How many hours ovulation lasts depends on the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the girl’s body.

If a woman knows the approximate duration of ovulation, she can determine the days most favorable for conception. The egg remains in the uterine cavity for no more than 24 hours, so conception is possible throughout the entire ovulation period and in the next day. Ovulation in a 30-day cycle is calculated based on the date of a woman's last menstrual period.

How many days after ovulation does your period start?

After the end of the ovulatory process, the time comes at the site of the follicle in the ovary, a special formation is formed - the corpus luteum. It is an organ that actively synthesizes sex hormones. The period of its functioning is called the luteal phase.

In the early stage, the luteal phase is determined by the production of progesterone. This hormone stimulates the inner layer of the uterus - the endometrium. Metabolic processes in the wall of the organ are accelerated, due to which the endometrium actively grows. This is a physiological process that prepares the organ for implantation of the fetus. However, if invasion does not occur, then the overgrown uterine epithelium is removed. The second phase of the cycle after the ovulatory process lasts until 24-27 days. Enzymes accumulate in the endometrium, destroying the connection between its outer layer and the inner layer. Due to this, the active process of menstruation starts.

Is it possible to get pregnant before ovulation?

It is physiologically impossible to get pregnant not on the day of the ovulatory process, but before it. For fertilization, an egg is needed, which is released from the ovary. Its migration provides the possibility of conception.

Is it possible to get pregnant during ovulation?

During the release of the egg, the likelihood of pregnancy is highest. For a healthy couple it is almost 100 percent. Unprotected sex during ovulation ensures the conception of a child. If partners have any abnormalities in reproductive function, then the likelihood of getting pregnant on the day of ovulation is less.

How many days after ovulation can you get pregnant?

To conceive a child, it is necessary to have sexual intercourse within 24 hours after the ovulatory process. After this period, the egg loses its physiological activity.
Is it possible to get pregnant without ovulation?

Without the ovulatory process, it is impossible to get pregnant, since in this case the woman in the uterine cavity will not have a substrate for fertilization - a viable egg.

Can ovulation occur immediately after menstruation?

After the ovulatory process, a period of “safe days” begins, during which it is almost impossible to get pregnant. This is explained by the fact that the egg cannot be formed in a short time. On average, the duration of this period is 12-15 days.

Normally, the ovulatory process occurs once a month, since the process sequentially affects each ovary. In extremely rare cases, ovulation occurs twice a month, when eggs in both organs are activated at once. For example, this condition may be caused by discontinuation of oral contraceptives after long-term use. Both ovaries are involved in the process of follicle formation, so after ovulation of one of them, the second egg can be released and an embryo develops from it. However, the prevalence of this phenomenon is very low.

Methods for determining ovulation

In order to determine the presence of an ovulatory process, you can use a number of techniques. They have different information content, so for confirmation it is better to use several diagnostic methods at once.

Calendar method

To calculate the time of the ovulatory process, a woman is recommended to keep a special calendar in which she must mark the start and end dates of her periods. The method for calculating the duration of ovulation depends on the characteristics of the menstrual cycle. The following formulas are used for diagnosis:

If the duration of the menstrual cycle is constant, to calculate the period of menstruation, it is necessary to divide the duration of the cycle by two. So, with a 30-day cycle, ovulation occurs on the 15th day, with a 28-day cycle - on the 14th, etc.
If a woman's menstrual function is irregular and the length of the cycle is variable, the date of ovulation can be determined by the longest episode. To calculate, subtract 18 from the cycle duration.
Another method of calculation for an irregular cycle is diagnosis based on the smallest episode. When using this method, you need to subtract 11 from the number of days in the cycle.

The calendar method allows you to estimate the probability of getting pregnant on the day of ovulation. However, the result of the study cannot be considered objective. The test gives an approximate value, which has an error of 1-2 days. For a more accurate diagnosis of ovulation, it is recommended to combine this method with more objective studies, which are based on assessing the condition of the uterus and ovaries.

Measuring basal temperature is one of the most accessible methods for diagnosing ovulation. Its effectiveness is due to the fact that during the process of changing phases of the menstrual cycle, a woman’s body temperature changes. The increase in temperature is due to the hormonal activity of the ovaries, which activate metabolic processes in the body during the period of ovulation. Therefore, it is possible to monitor changes in the indicator in order to determine the moment of egg release.

To conduct the study correctly, a number of recommendations must be followed:

Carry out thermometry in the morning, before meals, preferably immediately in bed;
Take measurements every day at the same time with the same thermometer;
To determine the temperature, a thermometer is usually inserted into the anus, since this area is the most informative when diagnosing ovulation;
If there are contraindications to rectal thermometry, the thermometer is inserted into the oral cavity, under the tongue.

To monitor basal temperature, a woman must keep a special diary, where she must enter daily values immediately after measurement. Based on the data obtained, it is necessary to draw a temperature curve. It is a graph on which the days of the week are plotted horizontally and the basal temperature indicator vertically. Based on the graph, you can more clearly determine the date of ovulation.

Normal changes in basal temperature depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle:

During menstruation, the basal temperature is approximately 36.2-36.4 degrees;
On days 13-15 there is a slight decrease in temperature - about 0.3 degrees;
After a decrease, the indicator rises sharply to 37.2-37.4 degrees, which corresponds to the period of the ovulatory process;
The elevated temperature remains almost until the end of the cycle; it drops to normal temperature only the day before the onset of the next menstruation.

Basal temperature may indirectly indicate pregnancy. Successful conception can be assumed if the temperature does not decrease at the end of the cycle and remains within 37-37.4 degrees.

The disadvantage of the method for determining basal temperature is that measurements must be taken over a long period of time. The minimum duration of research is 1 month; a more informative result can only be obtained by comparing the date of ovulation over 3-4 menstrual cycles.

In addition to basal temperature, the diary should contain information about the state of the body - the presence of pain, pathological discharge or other signs of hormonal changes in the reproductive system. Even the most rare symptoms of ovulation should be described in a diary. Detailed descriptions and the temperature curve must be shown to the attending physician. Based on the monitoring results, he can determine not only the date of ovulation, but also the time of pregnancy.

Ovulation tests

For the convenience of women, special ovulation tests have been developed. To use them, you need to calculate the expected day of ovulation - count 15 days from the first day of the cycle (from the beginning of the last menstruation). After this, you need to determine the required period of research - from day 13 of the cycle to 17. On each of these days it is necessary to do a test, since the date of ovulation may vary slightly from cycle to cycle.

When carrying out diagnostics, it is necessary to follow a number of recommendations:

It is necessary to do the test every day at approximately the same period of time;
You should not drink a lot of liquid in the last 3-4 hours before the procedure;
It is forbidden to use morning urine for diagnosis, as it is more concentrated and the test result may be false positive;
It is best to collect material for analysis between 10 am and 8 pm.

An ovulation test is performed in the same way as a pregnancy test. When it comes into contact with urine, a chemical reaction occurs, causing the color of the dough to change. The main indicator that the study determines is the level of luteinizing hormone, which begins to be actively secreted by the kidneys the day before ovulation. In this regard, the best period for conception is not the day on which the test was positive, but the two subsequent ones.

A woman needs to buy a special set of 5 test strips from the pharmacy in advance. An electronic device can also be used for diagnostics, which gives more accurate results. It is necessary to understand that the ovulation test is a screening method, the results of which are not always reliable. In some cases, a woman may experience peaks in the increase of luteinizing hormone that are not associated with the process of releasing the egg. They are characteristic of certain ovarian disorders (for example, the formation of follicle membranes that are too dense).

If you see abnormal discharge during ovulation or other symptoms of sexual dysfunction, it is better to be examined by a doctor. Ovulation tests must be confirmed using instrumental research techniques, which are the most informative ways to determine the release of an egg from the ovaries.

Folliculometry

Folliculometry is an ultrasound diagnostic technique that allows you to examine the tissue of both ovaries and determine the phase of their functional activity. The study is carried out using a transvaginal sensor, which clearly visualizes the organs of the reproductive system. Folliculometry consists of three studies:

The first ultrasound diagnosis is carried out approximately 5-7 days of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is necessary to assess the condition of the ovaries in the initial (follicular) phase. Upon examination, you can detect a small follicle that is just beginning to develop. An additional indication for the study is to exclude endometrial pathologies that may affect the process of attachment of the fertilized egg.
The second study is prescribed during the period when a woman is expected to ovulate (on average 12-15 days). During this period, remnants of the follicle can be found in the ovarian tissue, which gradually transform into the corpus luteum. A sign of the release of an egg from the ovary is also a small accumulation of fluid, which is located behind the uterus. The presence of a dominant follicle at this stage indicates that ovulation has not yet occurred.
The third study is carried out in the luteal phase. The examination reveals a corpus luteum in the ovarian tissue. If fertilization occurs at the moment the egg is released, then the first changes can be detected in the uterine cavity, indicating the onset of pregnancy.

Folliculometry is a highly informative way to identify the ovulatory process. The study is very labor-intensive and requires several ultrasound diagnostic sessions, so it is used in women who cannot become pregnant. This method is included in the mandatory examination, which is carried out to determine the cause of infertility.

Determining the ovulation period can be done not only by examining the ovaries. The uterus also actively responds to changes in the balance of sex hormones that occur during ovulation. Therefore, characteristic changes that occur during the follicular phase of the cycle can be detected in its tissue.

To assess the condition of the uterus, a specific ultrasound diagnostic method is used - determining the biophysical profile of the endometrium. This study is prescribed at the beginning or middle of the second phase of the cycle. During the diagnosis, the intensity of blood flow in the wall of the uterus is assessed. If the blood circulation rate is significantly increased, then the ovulatory process can be assumed to be approaching.

A combination of folliculometry and uterine profiling is used in women with irregular ovulatory cycles. Using ultrasound techniques, experts confirm that ovulation will definitely occur in the next menstrual cycle. The specific day the egg is released is determined by the woman independently - using tests or monitoring basal temperature.

Ovulation stimulation

Stimulation of ovulation is a technique of hormonal influence on the ovaries, which causes the maturation of the follicle and the release of an egg from it. Indications for the procedure are female infertility, which occurs due to the absence of the ovulatory process. The reasons for this condition may be:

Hormonal ovarian dysfunction;
Anorexia;
Polycystic ovaries;
Excess body weight (obesity), which causes menstrual irregularities.

Stimulation of ovulation is also carried out when preparing a woman’s body for in vitro fertilization.

Before the procedure, a number of studies are required to determine contraindications to ovarian stimulation. The diagnostic complex includes the following studies:

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
Assessment of fallopian tube patency (x-ray contrast study or laparoscopy);
Folliculometry;
Determination of thyroid and pancreatic hormone levels;
Ultrasound of the mammary glands;
Determination of antibodies to specific infections (hepatitis, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV infection, candidiasis);
Consultation with a therapist, if indicated - consultation with more specialized specialists (endocrinologist, mammologist, surgeon);
Smear for tumor cells.

When examining a patient, determining the level of sex hormones is of great importance. Their blood levels are tested several times during the menstrual cycle. Determining the patterns of changes allows us to determine the causes of hormonal disorders that led to the absence of ovulatory cycles. Based on the results of the hormone study, a drug is selected that will be used to stimulate ovulation.

These include:

Preparations containing follicle-stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing (LH) hormones - Pergonal, Menoghan;
Preparations that contain only FSH - Puregon, Gonal;
Drugs that stimulate the production of FSH and inhibit the formation of estrogen - Duphaston, Clomid;
Drugs that promote rupture of the follicle membrane - Horagon, Ovitrel.

Additionally, non-hormonal agents may be prescribed that restore the functional activity of the ovaries. For example, Ovariamine stimulates the regeneration of organ tissue, thereby improving the frequency of ovulatory cycles and increasing the likelihood of conception.

Conclusion

Thus, ovulation is a natural process that underlies the development of pregnancy. In healthy women, ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Knowing the period of egg formation allows a married couple to competently plan a pregnancy and achieve the conception of a child.

Ovulation (from Latin ovum - egg) - the release of a mature egg capable of fertilization from the ovarian follicle into the abdominal cavity; stage of the menstrual cycle (ovarian cycle). Ovulation in women of childbearing age occurs periodically (every 21-35 days). The frequency of ovulation is regulated by neurohumoral mechanisms, mainly by gonadotropic hormones of the anterior pituitary gland and ovarian follicular hormone. Ovulation is promoted by the accumulation of follicular fluid and the thinning of the ovarian tissue located above the protruding pole of the follicle. The rhythm of ovulation, which is constant for every woman, undergoes changes within 3 months after an abortion, within a year after childbirth, and also after 40 years, when the body prepares for the premenopausal period. Ovulation stops with the onset of pregnancy and after the cessation of menstrual function. Establishing the date of ovulation is important when choosing the most effective time for fertilization, artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Signs of ovulation

Subjective signs of ovulation may include short-term pain in the lower abdomen. Objective signs of ovulation are an increase in mucous discharge from the vagina and a decrease in rectal (basal) temperature on the day of ovulation with an increase in it the next day, an increase in the content of progesterone in the blood plasma, etc. Ovulation disorders are caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system and can be caused by inflammation genitalia, dysfunction of the adrenal cortex or thyroid gland, systemic diseases, tumors of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, stressful situations. The absence of ovulation during childbearing age (anovulation) is manifested by a disturbance in the rhythm of menstruation such as oligomenorrhea (menstruation lasting 1-2 days), amenorrhea, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Lack of ovulation (anovulation) is always the cause of a woman's infertility. Methods for restoring ovulation are determined by the cause that caused anovulation and require a visit to a gynecologist and special treatment.

Ovulation and contraception

Some women experience peak sexual arousal around the days of ovulation. However, the use of a physiological method of contraception from pregnancy, based on sexual abstinence during ovulation, is especially difficult for young spouses, whose frequency of sexual intercourse reaches a fairly high level. In addition, with strong love excitement and nervous stress, additional ovulation can occur (especially with episodic, irregular intercourse) and then not one, but two eggs mature in one menstrual cycle. This should be kept in mind when choosing one or another method of contraception.

Physiology of the ovulation cycle

As soon as every healthy girl aged 11-15 years begins to menstruate, which is an indicator of her body’s readiness for childbearing, problems arise associated with counting the days of the menstrual cycle and the legitimate question of why menstruation does not occur, or vice versa, why the long-awaited pregnancy does not occur . This forces a woman to think and wait all the time, to be in the dark about what is happening to her every month. And so every month for decades.

Duration of menstruation and cycle

Ideal menstruation lasts 3-5 days and repeats every 28 days. However, for some women this cycle takes 19 days or even less, while for others it lasts from 35 to 45 days, which is a feature of their body, and not a violation of menstrual function. The duration of menstruation can also vary within a week depending on the body. All this should not cause alarm in a woman, but a delay of more than two months, called opsometry, or more than six months - amenorrhea, should alert the woman and force her to find out the reason with a gynecologist.

Duration of the menstrual cycle

is a complex physiological process that continues in women up to 45–55 years of age. It is regulated by the so-called reproductive centers located in the middle part of the diencephalon - the hypothalamus. The changes that occur during the menstrual cycle are most pronounced in the uterus and ovaries. In the ovary, under the influence of hormones produced by the ovarian follicles, partly by the adrenal cortex and testes, the growth and maturation of the main follicle, which contains the egg, occurs. A mature follicle ruptures and the egg, along with follicular fluid, enters the abdominal cavity and then into the uterine (fallopian) tube. The process of rupture of the follicle and the release of a mature (suitable for fertilization) egg from its cavity is called ovulation, which, with a 28-day cycle, occurs most often between the 13th and 15th days.

Corpus luteum, estrogen, progesterone

At the site of the ruptured follicle, a corpus luteum forms. These morphological changes in the ovary are accompanied by the release of sex steroid hormones - estrogens and progesterone. Estrogens are secreted by the maturing follicle, and progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum.

The release of estrogen has two maximums - during ovulation and during the period of maximum activity of the corpus luteum. So, for example, if the normal estrogen content is about 10 mcg/l, then during ovulation it is about 50 mcg/l, and during pregnancy, especially towards the end, the estrogen content in the blood increases to 70-80 mcg/l per pregnancy. due to a sharp increase in estrogen biosynthesis in the placenta.

Together with progesterone, estrogens promote implantation (introduction) of a fertilized egg, maintain pregnancy and promote childbirth. Estrogens play an important role in the regulation of many biochemical processes, participate in carbohydrate metabolism, in the distribution of lipids, and stimulate the synthesis of amino acids, nucleic acids and proteins. Estrogens promote the deposition of calcium in bone tissue, delay the release of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and water from the body, that is, they increase their concentration both in the blood and in electrolytes (urine, saliva, nasal secretions, tears) of the body.

The release of estrogen is controlled by the anterior pituitary gland and its genadotropic hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Under the influence of estrogens, in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, called follicular, regeneration occurs in the uterus, that is, the restoration and growth of its mucous membrane - the endometrium, the growth of glands that elongate and become convoluted. The mucous membrane of the uterus thickens 4-5 times. In the glands of the cervix, the secretion of mucous secretion increases, the cervical canal expands, and becomes easily passable for sperm. In the mammary glands, epithelium grows inside the milk ducts.

In the second phase, called the luteal phase (from the Latin word luteus - yellow), under the influence of progesterone, the intensity of metabolic processes in the body decreases. The growth of the mucous membrane of the uterine body stops, it becomes loose, swollen, a secretion appears in the glands, which creates favorable conditions for the attachment of a fertilized egg to the mucosa and the development of the embryo. The glands stop secreting mucus, and the cervical canal closes. In the mammary glands, alveoli arise from the overgrown epithelium of the end sections of the milk ducts, capable of producing and secreting milk.

If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dies, the functional layer of the endometrium is rejected, and menstruation occurs. Monthly bleeding varies from three to seven days, the amount of blood lost ranges from 40 to 150 g.

Timing of ovulation

It should be noted that different women have a noticeable difference in the timing of ovulation. And even for the same woman, the exact timing of the onset varies from month to month. Some women have extremely irregular cycles. In other cases, cycles may be longer or shorter than the average of 14 days. In rare cases, it happens that in women with a very short cycle, ovulation occurs around the end of the menstrual bleeding period, but in most cases, ovulation occurs quite regularly.

If for one reason or another ovulation does not occur, the endometrial layer in the uterus is thrown out during menstruation. If the fusion of the egg and sperm has occurred, then the cytoplasm of the egg begins to vibrate very strongly, as if the egg is experiencing an orgasm. Sperm penetration is the final stages of egg maturation. All that remains of the sperm is its nucleus, where 23 chromosomes are tightly packed (half the set of a normal cell). The sperm nucleus now quickly approaches the egg nucleus, which also contains 23 chromosomes. The two nuclei slowly touch. Their shells dissolve and their fusion occurs, as a result of which they are divided into pairs and form 46 chromosomes. Of the 23 chromosomes of the sperm, 22 are completely similar to the chromosomes of the egg. They determine all physical characteristics of a person except gender. The remaining pair from the egg always contains an X chromosome, and from the sperm there may be an X or Y chromosome. Thus, if there are 2 XX chromosomes in this set, then a girl will be born, if XY, then a boy.

Research conducted at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (North Carolina) has shown that not only the actual conception of a child, but also its gender depends on the time of conception in relation to the time of ovulation.

The chance of conception is highest on the day of ovulation and is estimated at approximately 33%. A high probability is also noted on the day before ovulation - 31%, two days before it - 27%. Five days before ovulation the chance of conception is estimated to be 10%, four days before ovulation is 14% and three days before ovulation is 16%. Six days before ovulation and the day after ovulation, the likelihood of conception during sexual intercourse is very low.

If we consider that the average “life expectancy” of sperm is 2-3 days (in rare cases it reaches 5-7 days), and the female egg remains viable for about 12-24 hours, then the maximum duration of the “dangerous” period is 6- 9 days and the “dangerous” period correspond to the phase of slow increase (6-7 days) and rapid decline (1-2 days) before and after the day of ovulation, respectively. Ovulation, as noted above, divides the menstrual cycle into two phases: the follicle maturation phase, which with an average cycle duration is 10-16 days and the luteal phase (corpus luteum phase), which is stable, independent of the duration of the menstrual cycle and is 12- 16 days. The corpus luteum phase refers to the period of absolute infertility; it begins 1-2 days after ovulation and ends with the onset of a new menstruation.

Knowing the signs of the approach and onset of ovulation, a woman can predict which days will be favorable for the desired conception or, conversely, find out when she needs to take special precautions. There are several such symptoms. Among them there are more accurate ones, taking into account changes in physiological indicators in the body. There are also those that are based on the study of everyday experience; they allow you to find out about the onset of ovulation only approximately. But it is useful for every woman to get acquainted with them. This will help you find out how well her reproductive system is functioning.

Content:

What is ovulation

From the first day of menstruation, a woman begins her next menstrual cycle. Depending on the physiological characteristics of the body (hereditary or acquired after birth), its duration is individual. Some women have a short cycle (21-23 days), while others have a long one (may consist of 35 days or even more). The end of the cycle is considered the last day before the next menstruation. If menstruation comes after approximately the same number of days, then the woman is said to have a regular menstrual cycle, and if the number of days between menstruation is inconsistent, then it is said to be irregular.

Ovulation is the moment when a mature egg is released from the follicle - the capsule surrounding it and located in the ovary. Here, even before birth, an individual supply of eggs is formed, which can mature during the woman’s cycle throughout her life. In the first (follicular) phase, a so-called dominant follicle with an egg is formed.

If there are no deviations in the functioning of the reproductive system, then ovulation occurs, after which the second (luteal) phase begins. During this period, the mature egg moves into the fallopian tube, where sperm enter during sexual intercourse. In this case, fertilization and pregnancy may occur.

If conception does not occur, the egg dies after about 12-24 hours and is removed from the uterus along with the functional layer of the endometrium. Another menstrual bleeding appears.

Calendar method of determination

The time at which the egg is released from the follicle can only be determined approximately, since it depends on the duration of the entire cycle and many other factors (the functioning of the reproductive organs, changes in hormonal levels, general health).

The normal duration of the luteal phase is approximately 14 days. This means that the duration of the follicular phase is equal to the difference between the total cycle length and the number 14. Therefore, theoretically, the day of onset of ovulation is:

7 – with a 21-day cycle;
11 – at 25 days;
14 – at 28 days;
21 – at 35 days.

This method of calculation is called calendar. By regularly marking the start and end of periods on a calendar, a completely healthy woman with a regular menstrual cycle can predict which days of the month she is most likely to conceive. Considering that cycles are quite often irregular, and not every woman can boast of ideal health, deviations in timing can be significant. In addition, anovulatory cycles may occur, when conception cannot occur at all. At the same time, a woman planning a pregnancy will hope in vain for its occurrence. Therefore, this method of determining the onset of ovulation cannot be called effective.

Video: What signs can you use to know that ovulation is approaching?

Signs of approaching ovulation

There are several signs by which you can know with greater or less accuracy how soon the egg will be released. They can be divided into home and medical.

First manifestations

The nature of vaginal discharge. During the cycle, it changes repeatedly, since the work of the glands that produce mucus is directly related to fluctuations in the ratio of hormones in the body. You may notice that immediately after menstruation there is almost no discharge (it is so thick that it forms a plug in the cervix). By the time of ovulation, they become abundant, stretchy, and resemble egg white in color and appearance.

After it passes, the amount of mucus decreases. If there is no change in its consistency, this indicates that there was no ovulation.

It is not always easy to notice such a sign, since the condition of the mucus is affected by the presence of infectious diseases, the use of lubricant during sexual intercourse, and the woman’s sexual excitability.

Ovulatory bleeding. The fact that ovulation has occurred can be judged by slight bleeding on a certain day of the cycle. They appear in the form of a daub and quickly disappear. If the “bleeding” is prolonged and is accompanied by other symptoms of cycle disorders, this indicates diseases of the genital organs.

Changes in the condition of the mammary glands. Before ovulation occurs, a feeling of swelling and soreness usually appears in the breasts, and the sensitivity of the nipples increases. This condition can persist until the onset of menstruation, so it is almost impossible to determine the end of ovulation.

Pain in the lower abdomen. At the moment the follicle membrane ruptures and the egg leaves it, especially sensitive women feel a slight stabbing pain in the groin. It is characteristic that short-term pain sensations appear on the side of the ovary where the dominant follicle grows.

Increased sexuality. The body instinctively reacts to the hormonal shift that occurs at the moment the maturation of the egg completes and the maximum possibility of its fertilization appears.

Crystallization of saliva (arborization effect). An increase in estrogen levels in the first half of the cycle leads to an increase in the salt content in saliva. This can be noticed already a few days before ovulation. If you apply saliva to glass, then under a microscope it is noticeable that crystallization occurs in it, and a pattern appears in the form of fern leaves. After completion of the ovulatory process, the density of saliva decreases.

Addition: If a woman pays attention to her sensations during different periods of her cycle over the course of several months, she may notice that as ovulation approaches, her sensitivity to odors increases. Some people feel bloated.

All these signs are not accurate enough, since subjective sensations may be erroneous.

Changes in the condition of the cervix. By the time of ovulation, the cervix becomes softer, and the production of cervical mucus increases. In addition, the position of the neck changes, it moves higher. This creates conditions for sperm to penetrate into the uterus. Some women are able to recognize changes in the condition of the cervix by touch.

During examination, the gynecologist detects them by the appearance of the “pupil effect”. About a week before ovulation, the diameter of the cervical canal begins to increase, so the exit hole becomes like a pupil.

Home Methods to Track Ovulation

There are ways in which you can more reliably verify at home that ovulation is approaching.

Plotting a basal temperature chart. A sign indicating the approach and onset of ovulation is an increase in basal temperature. It is usually measured rectally. This eliminates the influence of external factors on body temperature. To build a graph, it is measured every day at the same time throughout the entire cycle. Before ovulation, the temperature is approximately 0.4°-0.6° higher than at the beginning of the cycle. After reaching a peak at the time of ovulation, it begins to decline.

If fertilization has occurred, no decrease in temperature is observed.

To obtain a more accurate result, temperature measurements must be carried out over several months. You should stop drinking alcohol. Measurements are not taken during illness.

Using tests. The principle of operation of pharmacy tests for ovulation is based on the fact that before its onset in a woman’s urine, the concentration of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH), which regulates the course of the 2nd phase of the cycle, sharply increases. A sign of approaching ovulation is a change in the color intensity of the strips impregnated with a substance that reacts to LH. The first strip is the control strip. If the second stripe is faintly colored, it means there are 1-1.5 days left before ovulation. Intense coloring indicates that ovulation will occur in the coming hours.

Testing is carried out over several days so as not to miss the moment of interest. In order to find out from which day of the cycle the check should begin, you need to subtract 17 from the duration of the cycle (14 + 3 = 17, where 14 is the duration of phase 2 of the cycle, and 3 is the possible error). Thus, it is determined that it is necessary to start measurements, for example, on the 7th day, if the cycle lasts 24 days, or on the 11th day, if the cycle lasts 28 days.

Medical methods

They are the most accurate. This includes a blood test for LH hormone done in a laboratory, as well as a transvaginal ultrasound.

Using a sensor, the development of follicles in the ovary is monitored. Size measurements begin approximately on the 6-7th day of the cycle and are carried out every 2-3 days.

Video: How to determine whether ovulation is occurring. Tests

Signs of the end of ovulation

Knowing what day ovulation ended, we can assume that after 2 days the likelihood of pregnancy will significantly decrease.

Warning: It is impossible to consider the following days completely “safe”, since sometimes deviations appear (for example, spontaneous maturation of another egg occurs), thanks to which conception, in principle, is possible on any day of the cycle.

Signs that ovulation has taken place are a decrease in the intensity and viscousness of the discharge, a weakening of sexual desire, and the disappearance of one-sided stabbing pain in the ovaries. Measuring basal temperature shows its decrease.

Signs of an anovulatory cycle

Anovulatory cycles often appear in girls at the beginning of puberty, as well as in women on the eve of menopause. The reason is hormonal instability. In the first case, it is caused by the immaturity of the ovaries, and in the second, by their aging.

Often, cycles without ovulation appear in women during breastfeeding due to increased production of prolactin and a decrease in the levels of the hormones FSH and LH in the body.

Hormone imbalance can occur with long-term treatment with hormonal drugs. Artificial suppression of ovulation for the purpose of contraception is achieved by taking oral contraceptives. Cycles without ovulation can appear in a woman after stress, physical fatigue, a sharp decrease or increase in body weight, or a change in climatic conditions.

The absence of ovulation is indicated by the fact that during the cycle there are no signs of changes in the consistency of discharge or the condition of the mammary glands. There are also no ovulatory bleeding or ovarian pain.

If a young woman does not ovulate for a long time, it is necessary to consult a doctor and find out the cause of this condition.