Fertility, as an ability, is shaped by a ton of biological processes within our bodies. As such, no two people can have the same fertility levels and understanding what affects your fertility can be overwhelming. Of course, the most effective way to approach any uncertain topic is to learn as much as you can about it. Whether you wish to start a family, consider your options for the future, or wish to understand your body better, fret not. In this guide, we’ll help you recognise the signs of fertility, when to seek professional advice, and how to feel more in control of your reproductive health.
Understanding your reproductive system
Let us first understand how our reproductive system works. At the start of each month, the female body prepares itself for a potential pregnancy. The ovaries release an egg, and the uterus develops a lining in case of implantation. If a conception does not occur, menstruation begins, and the cycles start again.
For those unaware, menstruation is a cycle divided into 4 phases. The follicular phase begins on the first day of your period, in which the ovaries start preparing themselves. This is followed by the ovulation phase, where the mature egg within the ovary is released. Next up is the luteal phase, in which the uterus prepares the previously mentioned lining. Finally, we get the menstrual phase, which is characterised by the collapse of the uterus’s lining and bleeding. Typically, this cycle lasts for 28 days, but it can also be shorter or longer. Such variances are normal, and what matters most is the consistency of your cycles. A consistent cycle is a positive sign for fertility, as the ovulation occurs regularly.
Factors that influence your fertility
It is often said that age is the sole determinant of fertility. But the reality is much more complex. Things such as ovarian reserve, your health condition, lifestyle, and environmental factors – all affect your reproductive potential.
Let’s start with ovarian reserves. These refer to the number and quality of eggs remaining in the reproductive system. The number and quality naturally decline with age, but the rate often varies wildly among individuals. For instance, some women maintain reasonable reserves well into their late thirties, while others may see a lower reserve much earlier.
The next significant determinant of fertility is your health condition. Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, uterine abnormalities, and others can all affect your fertility negatively. If untreated, these conditions may disrupt your ovulation phase in particular. Your lifestyle plays just as significant a role here. If you smoke, consume excessive alcohol, or have a low/high BMI, your reproductive health is the first to be impacted. Other things, like poor sleep and chronic stress, can also have harmful effects on you. Environmental exposures are another consideration. Certain chemicals and toxins can disrupt hormonal balance. Limiting exposure to such substances can be super beneficial when conceiving. At a ground level, choose safer household products and avoid all unnecessary chemical contact to protect your reproductive health.
With all that out of the way, it must be mentioned that every woman’s situation is unique. Some conceive naturally easily in spite of all the risk factors, while others may face challenges even when there is no obvious culprit. So, always approach the topic of fertility with realistic expectations while avoiding self-blame.
How can you track your fertility?
There are a few worthwhile ways to keep track of your reproductive health. Start by monitoring your menstrual cycles first. Simply identifying when you enter the ovulation phase can help you understand when the chances of conception are the highest. Another way to keep track is through your basal body temperature, or BBT for short. BBT rises slightly at the start of ovulation, and monitoring it daily over several months can help you pinpoint the day when ovulation happens. Your next best bet would be ovulation predictor kits. These tests detect the hormonal surge that triggers ovulation. For the actual best way of tracking your reproductive potential, getting a fertility test is the way to go. These tests can measure your hormone levels, assess ovarian reserve, and identify potential issues – making it the most comprehensive way to track your fertility.
When should you seek professional support?
While knowing about your own body and reproductive system is important, there are times when you do need an expert’s opinion. Let’s talk from the age standpoint first. If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year without success, you should consult a healthcare professional. Similarly, if you are over 35, seeking help after six months of trying can prove beneficial. But even if you don’t fit these age brackets or are planning a pregnancy, professional evaluation can still be worth it. Specialist fertility clinics, for instance, can detect red flags early in your journey and provide tailored treatment options. This type of support can be quite reassuring and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed at any point in the process.
Fertility literacy for every woman
The sad reality of today is that many women receive very little education about how their bodies work. The very opposite should be the case, given how central fertility is to our reproductive health. Understanding your cycle, recognising the signs of ovulation, and knowing when to seek help are the first steps to taking control of your body. Pursuing fertility literacy is also valuable regardless of your stage in life. You may not be thinking about pregnancy now, but learning about your fertility can help you form a strong base for your future plans. If you decide to start a family at a later stage, you will only be better equipped to take on the journey. In the end, what matters most is having a proactive approach to understanding your body’s needs. Rather than waiting until difficulties arise, acting proactively can help. It is important to remember that every bit you learn about your body today is nothing less than a gift to your future self.