Understanding Fertility

Since menstruation is connected to reproduction and by extension sexuality, it is a taboo topic to discuss. The secrecy around a woman’s fertility cycle has persisted for decades which has resulted in gaps of knowledge around this important centerpiece to a woman’s childbearing years.

This article is intended to introduce you to the concept of fertility awareness. Understanding what goes on in your body every month can give you the power to make informed choices for your health.

Recognizing Your Fertility Signs and Phases

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a holistic approach to fertility awareness. It empowers women and couples to understand their natural fertility signs, and make informed decisions based on family planning goals. This method can be used to either achieve or avoid pregnancy by recognizing patterns and changes in the body's natural fertility signals.

Understanding the Phases of Fertility

Your fertility is cyclical and follows distinct phases during the menstrual cycle. Let's break down each phase and its corresponding markers:

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-6): This phase starts on the first day of menstruation and usually lasts 3-7 days. During this time, your body sheds the uterine lining from the previous cycle. It's considered the least fertile time in the cycle, especially in shorter cycles.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 7-14): Right after menstruation, the body begins preparing for ovulation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) triggers the maturation of follicles in the ovaries. Estrogen levels rise, leading to a gradual thickening of the uterine lining. Fertility markers include:

   • Cervical Mucus Changes: As estrogen levels rise, cervical mucus becomes wetter, clearer, and more stretchy, resembling raw egg whites. This signals increasing fertility.

3. Ovulation Phase (Day 15): Ovulation usually happens around the midpoint of your cycle. The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge triggers the release of an egg from the dominant follicle. Markers include:

   • Peak Cervical Mucus: Cervical mucus is at its most fertile quality.

   • Basal Body Temperature (BBT): A noticeable rise in BBT occurs after ovulation.

   • Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): Some women experience mild pain on one side of the lower abdomen.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 16-28): After ovulation, the ruptured follicle forms the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, progesterone levels fall, and the uterine lining is shed. Markers include:

   • Basal Body Temperature (BBT): BBT remains elevated until menstruation starts.

   • Cervical Mucus Changes: Cervical mucus becomes thicker, less abundant, and sticky.

Recognizing Fertility Signs

1. Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Track your BBT daily using a special thermometer before you get out of bed in the morning.. An increase of about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit signals ovulation has occurred.

2. Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Observe daily changes in your cervical mucus to identify fertile and non-fertile days. You can learn about what each consistency of mucous means by taking a class on Natural Family Planning.

3. Cervical Position: Check cervical height and firmness. During fertile days, it becomes higher, softer, and more open.

4. Ovulation Predictor Kits: These detect the LH surge that precedes ovulation, giving an early warning of upcoming fertility. There are many good options for Ovulation Predictor Kits.

5. Smart Jewelry: There are wearable smart rings that read your biometrics including basal body temperature. These are pricier options, and may include subscription fees, but they can offer detailed insight into your cycle.

Resources for Learning More

1. Classes and Workshops: Many fertility awareness organizations offer in-person and online classes. Natural Womanhood includes a catalog of Fertility Awareness classes with a variety of different methods on their website. You can read their information HERE.:
   

2. Smart Technology: There are several smart technology choices. This site includes a few, but there are many more. Natural Cycles.

3. Books and Guides:

   • "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler: A comprehensive guide to fertility awareness methods.

   • "The Art of Natural Family Planning" by John and Sheila Kippley: A detailed resource on NFP.

4. Apps and Online Tools: Fertility tracking apps can help you keep records and provide helpful reminders.

   • Kindara

   • Clue

   • Natural Cycles

Understanding your body's natural fertility patterns and signals can empower you to make family planning choices without depending on synthetic hormones that may have other negative side effects.

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