Fertility Signals

Tracking signs of fertility can be a tricky thing.

Most women are fertile for only a few days each month in the middle of their menstrual cycle. Ovulation typically occurs 14 days before bleeding in women with regular cycles, but those with hormone imbalances can experience post-ovulatory phases that are longer or shorter than two weeks. Some women get clear signals and clues when fertility is approaching and occurring, but others have a harder time detecting the changes in their bodies throughout the month.

Following are the three fertility indicators most commonly charted by women at home:

Basal Body Temperature – Your body’s resting temperature typically is lower during the first two weeks of your cycle prior to ovulation. The presence of the hormone estrogen keeps the BBT low. Immediately following ovulation, the follicle that encased the egg starts producing progesterone, which “turns up the heat” a half degree or more until you begin bleeding. This temperature rise tells you that ovulation has occurred. If your BBT remains elevated after your menstrual period is due, it could be a very early indicator of pregnancy. A temperature reading must be taken first thing every morning before you talk, eat or get out of bed. Use a glass thermometer that shows larger degree increments, and write down each day’s reading. Digital thermometers can be used but may be less accurate.

Ovulation Prediction Kits – While temperature shifts show that ovulation has already occurred, the start of ovulation can be detected by the surge of LH or luteinizing hormone. This is the last hormone to peak before ovulation, triggering the rupture of the ovarian sac that releases the egg. Ovulation prediction kits identify the presence of LH in your urine, signaling that you will likely ovulate within 12 to 24 hours. LH is not released all at once but rather rises and falls for one or two days. Keep in mind these kits are not able to confirm or pinpoint ovulation precisely, and you may already be fertile before your test indicates a positive. Another downside is that you can have an LH surge but not actually ovulate. For best results, be sure to follow the instructions included with your kit, including the recommended time of day to urinate on the test sticks.

Cervical Mucus – The fluid in your cervix varies throughout your cycle. The presence and quality of the fluid is determined by the amount of estrogen in your bloodstream. Most of the time, the vagina is quite acidic and even hostile to sperm. Around ovulation, however, it becomes more alkaline and provides nourishment for the sperm.  At this time, the cervical fluid is similar to semen and allows sperm to move and thrive as they wait for an egg. Vaginal mucus is typically dry or absent the week of your menstrual bleeding. In the second week of your cycle, the mucus becomes wetter. Developing a sticky quality, the mucus evolves into a creamy substance. Gradually, the fluid will turn slippery and often stretchy, resembling raw egg whites and signaling peak fertility. As soon as the egg is released, the cervical fluid tends to dry up very quickly. After ovulation, mucus production slows and becomes drier and thicker in the third week. Week four brings pre-menstrual systems and finally bleeding. Beginning on the first day of your cycle (when bleeding starts), examine your cervical fluid which slides into the vagina. Several times each day, check your vaginal opening with clean fingers (before you urinate) for signs of sticky, creamy or slippery fluid. You can check with toilet paper, but your observations may be less accurate.  

Chart your fertility signals and make notes each day throughout the month. Track at least two signs, if possible, since cross checking can offer additional clues. Also record any ovulatory pain, vaginal sensations, breast tenderness, mood swings, changes in libido, cramping, breakthrough bleeding or other symptoms that may be linked to ovulation. Additional information on signs of fertility can be found in the book “Taking Charge of Your Fertility” by Toni Weschler, which is available to borrow through the Resource Library housed in the Fertility Center's Chattanooga lobby.  

If attempting to track your fertility becomes too frustrating with ambiguous charts, irregular cycles or inconsistent cervical fluid checks, schedule a consultation with one of the Fertility Center’s doctors to help you uncover the mysteries surrounding your fertility.