Six Tips to Know if You Are Fertile

Changes in the cervical mucous, raised basal body temperature, mood swings and abdominal cramps are some of the signs that can certify you are fertile. There are many women who may not be aware of some facts about fertility.

From the knowledge of your periods to the days of ovulation and diseases that can cause infertility, a woman must be aware of all the elements that can contribute to fertility. These can be a major indicator for successful conception and should be a part of every woman’s basic knowledge.

1. Regular Periods

You are ovulating normally if your menstrual cycle lasts for 28 to 35 days. Having a regular cycle is a good sign of being fertile, as it is safe to assume that your hormones are working properly, and your uterus has a normal blood lining.

2. Tracking Ovulation Cycle

Apart from knowing about your cycle length and predictability, it is good to be able to predict your ovulation days. This is basically helpful for those who are trying for pregnancy. Note that you may ovulate for 14 days before your next period in case you have a 28-day cycle. On the other hand, those who have a 32-day cycle are likely to ovulate on the 18th day. If you are not able to track it on your own, you can use an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) to determine when you will actually ovulate.

3. Charting BBT (Basal Body Temperature)

Taking your basal body temperature first thing in the morning, even before you get out of the bed, is a good way of tracking your ovulation. Your BBT usually dips by half a degree about 24 hours before you ovulate, and it spikes again by a half or one degree after you ovulate.

4. Observing Cervical Mucus Changes

As your body gears up towards ovulation, estrogen and other hormones affect the cervical mucous produced by the vagina. The mucous becomes abundant, more watery clear and slippery in texture. It can take place starting anywhere between one week to two days prior to ovulation. If you become a pro at observing these changes in cervical mucous, you can take a pretty good guess as to when you will ovulate.

5. Having Normal Weight

If you are overweight or underweight, you may be at the risk of having fertility problems, though the chances of pregnancy still prevail. If you are overweight, the excess body fat disrupts the balance of hormones needed for ovulation and embryo development. On the other hand, if you are underweight, your body is on an energy-conserving mode to keep the rest of the body functioning, further holding off the ovulation. It is recommended for women planning for a baby to have an ideal weight for successful conception.

6. No Fibroids, Endometriosis or STDs

Nowadays, fibroids and endometriosis are problems that are commonly found in women. Pelvic pain or extremely painful, heavy, or long periods are symptoms of fibroids or endometriosis. Though fibroids or endometriosis increase the risk of infertility, your doctors can advise you about the treatments available to help you conceive.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) caused by any sexually transmitted disease (STD) can put you at the risk of infertility. Get tested for STDs sooner than later. If you are not affected by any of the conditions mentioned above, you can safely assume that you are most likely fertile.

The tips here should help you and your partner in planning a baby. Focus on the solution by addressing any problem you may have with fertility. Do not allow everyday tensions to create stress for you and partner, as stress can play a major role in reducing the chances of conception for women. Follow the tips here, eat well, stay happy and visit a specialist in case of fertility problem, and you may soon have a healthy, smiling baby in your arms.