Fertility

Fertility is an ability of a couple to conceive. To achieve this goal of pregnancy , understanding the ovulatory period helps. Fertility is known to decline with increasing age more so for women as compared to men

What is ovulation and how to predict it?

Understanding the timing of ovulation, can improve the odds of conceiving.

Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary. Once ovulated, the egg can be fertilized for up to 24 hours in the fallopian tube. Your chance of getting pregnant is highest when sperm are present in the fallopian tubes during ovulation.

In an average 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. If, like many women, you don't have a perfect 28-day menstrual cycle, you can determine the length of your cycle by keeping a menstrual calendar.

Beyond the calendar, you can also look for ovulation signs and symptoms, including:

Change in vaginal secretions:

Just before ovulation, you might notice an increase in clear, wet and stretchy vaginal secretions. Just after ovulation, cervical mucus decreases and becomes thicker, cloudy and less noticeable.

Change in basal body temperature:

Your body's temperature at rest (basal body temperature) increases slightly during ovulation. Using a thermometer specifically designed to measure basal body temperature, take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Record the results and look for a pattern to emerge. You'll be most fertile during the two to three days before your temperature rises.

Ovulation kits:

These kits test your urine for LH surge that takes place 24-36hours before ovulation, which helps you identify when you're most likely to ovulate.

Follow these simple tips for how to get pregnant:

Have sex near the time of ovulation.

Maintain a normal weight. Overweight and underweight women are at increased risk of ovulation disorders.

Also, consider talking to your health care provider about preconception planning. He or she can assess your overall health and help you identify changes that might improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Your health care provider will recommend taking folic acid a few months before conception to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

What is fertilization of oocyte and implantation of Embryo?

What is fertilization of oocyte and implantation of Embryo?Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. In preparation for ovulation, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens. Finger-like structures called fimbriae sweep the egg into the fallopian tube. The egg travels through the fallopian tube, propelled in part by contractions in the fallopian tube walls. Here in the fallopian tube, the egg may be fertilized by a sperm.

If the egg is fertilized, the egg and sperm unite to form a one-celled entity called a zygote. As the zygote travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus, it begins dividing rapidly to form a cluster of cells called a blastocyst. When the blastocyst reaches the uterus, it implants in the lining of the uterus and pregnancy begins.

If the egg isn't fertilized or if it fails to implant it's simply reabsorbed by the body. About two weeks later, the lining of the uterus starts shedding which is seen as menstrual bleed.

Infertility

Nearly 1 in 7 couples is infertile, which means they haven't been able to conceive a child even though they've had frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. Do consult sooner if you're age 35 or older, or you or your partner has known or suspected fertility issues.

Causes of Female Fertility