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Signs of Fertility in Women

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Ovulation is a process that usually happens each month, and during this process, hormone changes trigger an ovary to release an egg. One of the things you can do if you’re having trouble getting pregnant is to time sexual intercourse as close to ovulation as possible, since peak fertility happens on the day of ovulation and the day before ovulation. 

Just before you ovulate, your body has a surge of luteinizing hormone which can trigger certain bodily changes. Awareness of signs of fertility in women may help you to recognize when ovulation is about to occur. 

Signs of Ovulation

There are some signs to watch for that may help you to recognize that hormonal changes are happening in your body. These signs include:

  • Boost in libido. Two to three days before ovulation, you may notice an increase in your sex drive.
  • Bloating. Surges in female hormones can cause slowed digestion and fluid retention, making you feel bloated.
  • Appetite changes. You may lose your appetite just before ovulation.
  • Breast changes. You may experience tenderness in your breasts or sore nipples when ovulation is about to happen.
  • Genital changes. The outer part of your genitals may swell slightly.
  • Cervical mucus changes. Cervical mucus may become thinner and clearer.
  • Discomfort. You may have cramps or a twinge of pain in your lower abdomen. 
  • Sense of smell. Your sense of smell may become stronger just before you ovulate.

Not all women experience these signs of ovulation. You may be able to get an idea when you’re ovulating by tracking your basal body temperature for a few months. Your basal body temperature is your temperature when you’re at rest. It should be taken first thing in the morning before you get out of bed and tracked for at least three months to see if you can identify a pattern. 

Your basal body temperature rises slightly when you ovulate. You need a special basal thermometer, which shows your temperature with two decimal places, such as 98.62 rather than 98.6. Measure your temperature at approximately the same time and in the same place each day.

By tracking your basal body temperature, you won’t know when you’re ovulating until it has already happened. Since peak fertility happens the day before and the day of ovulation, your temperature has to be tracked for several months so you know what day of your cycle that ovulation typically happens. 

Other Options

A more accurate way to predict ovulation is by using an ovulation predictor kit. This type of test can detect a surge of luteinizing hormone in your urine. When you get a positive result on an ovulation predictor, you can expect to ovulate in approximately 36 hours. 

Some women are able to successfully get pregnant by timing intercourse during peak fertility. If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, get in touch with the Center for Reproductive Health to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive examination and evaluation. Call today to find out about fertility treatment options or to schedule an appointment.

See Dr. Mor’s Publications

Eliran Mor, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA
Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA Doctor Mor received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine in Israel. He completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Mor completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility […]
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FAQ

What does a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist do?

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

When should I see an REI specialist?

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

What are the reasons we are having trouble conceiving?

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

What is IVF? What is the process like?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Should I have IVF?

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

Is the IVF procedure painful?

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Will IVF guarantee a baby?

Unfortunately, no. Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

What is the success rate for IVF?

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment? How much does IVF cost?

Individual insurance plans often do not have any coverage for infertility treatments. If you have a group plan, you can call members services to see if they have coverage for infertility (including consultation/workup and IVF).

After your consultation with our REI specialist, one of our dedicated account managers with sit with you to go over the cost of treatment.

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