Table of contents
Pregnancy planning is a very important stage in the life of every couple. All necessary tests have been passed, folic acid intake has been started, what to do next?
Today we will discuss with you how often and when you need to live an intimate life for a successful and quick pregnancy.
Let’s start with the basics: what phases does a woman’s menstrual cycle consist of?
The first day of the menstrual cycle is considered the first day of bleeding
I. Follicular phase
During this phase of the menstrual cycle, processes occur in the body that prepare a woman for pregnancy: the growth of the dominant follicle, an increase in the level of estrogen in the blood, thickening, the growth of the endometrium, which prepares for the implantation of the embryo, and the secretion of mucous secretions, which increase in 2-3 days before ovulation and help sperm move towards the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
II. Ovulatory phase
This period takes the shortest amount of time. This phase lasts 12-24 hours. After the rupture of the dominant follicle, the egg is released (ovulation), which awaits sperm for fertilization. If the oocyte does not meet its “suitor” within 24 hours, the egg loses its ability to be fertilized.
III. Lutein phase
During this period, there are 2 options for the development of events:
· The egg is fertilized and the embryo travels down the fallopian tube, reaches the uterine cavity and implants (attaches to the endometrium). The corpus luteum (the place where the dominant follicle ruptured and the egg was released) begins to actively synthesize progesterone, a hormone that supports pregnancy, and its level increases dynamically.
· The ovum did not meet the sperm, fertilization did not occur. In this case, the oocyte dies; the endometrium, without waiting for the embryo, begins to thin and prepare for renewal (menstruation), the progesterone level drops and menstruation begins.
How to understand when ovulation occurs?
Each woman has an individual length of menstrual cycle. The duration of the luteal phase is usually 14 days. Therefore, by subtracting 14 days from the total duration of the cycle, you can calculate the day of ovulation. However, of course, the most accurate method will be ultrasound – folliculometry or determining the level of progesterone in the blood (a hormone that is synthesized only after ovulation).
What are the best days for conception?
Now, understanding the main stages of the menstrual cycle, we can calculate the most fertile days. Since sperm can retain the ability to fertilize an egg for up to 3-4 days, and an oocyte lives only 24 hours, it is the sperm that has to wait.
The most effective will be 3-4 days before the probable day of ovulation, the day of ovulation and the day after. After that, it is recommended to lead a more relaxed lifestyle, because it is during this period that the embryo moves to the uterine cavity through the fallopian tube and its implantation (attachment) to the uterine cavity occurs.
Pregnancy does not occur. What to do?
We also want to emphasize that you should not give up if the desired pregnancy does not occur the first time. The probability of pregnancy in a healthy couple per menstrual cycle is 10-11%. We also understand that sometimes ovulation does not occur, sometimes functional cysts appear, so 1-2 cycles per year may not be effective. The main thing is to properly prepare for the stage of pregnancy planning, tune in and, after correcting all deficiencies and discussing your situation with your doctor, actively plan for 1 year (if your age is under 35) and 6 months (your reproductive age is over 35). If the desired pregnancy does not occur during this time, we recommend that you consult a reproductive specialist to understand the situation in detail.