What are the signs of fertility?

Whether you're planning a baby or trying to get pregnant, you're probably wondering if you're fertile . There are two parts to answering this question. First, you need to know if you're able to conceive. Then, you need to identify your ovulation period. How do you know if you're fertile and can get pregnant? What are the signs of fertility? We'll cover them in this article.

What are the signs that you can conceive?

Before even starting a baby project, it may be interesting for you to ask yourself if you are capable of procreating. We are not all equal when it comes to fertility: while some women are hyperfertile , others can take several years to have a child. Not to mention that the role of the partner is also important. In this first part, we will look at the signs that show that you should be capable of procreating.

You have a regular menstrual cycle

The first sign that you should be fertile in general is when your menstrual cycle length is regular. The menstrual cycle is the bodily mechanism by which ovulation and conception are possible, which is why its occurrence is so important. A cycle of 28 to 35 days, which is considered normal and regular, can be an indicator of regular ovulation and therefore fertility.

✋ What if my cycle is irregular? If your cycle is irregular in duration—especially right after stopping hormonal contraception—it doesn't necessarily mean you're infertile. There are a number of reasons why an irregular menstrual cycle can occur, including hormonal imbalance . Don't hesitate to consult a doctor to learn more.

You have normal menstrual bleeding

The second sign that fertility shouldn't be a problem is the presence of normal menstrual bleeding. A "normal" period is one that is neither too heavy nor too light, lasting 3 to 7 days.

✋ What if my period is abnormal? If your period is heavy or light, we recommend reading the dedicated articles on our blog. This doesn't necessarily mean you'll have trouble getting pregnant. Consult a doctor to learn more.

Your cervical mucus changes during your cycle

Cervical mucus plays an important role in fertility. It acts as a plug or a chute for sperm. If you notice differences in texture and color in your cervical mucus during your cycle, this is a sign of fertility.

✋ What if my cervical mucus doesn't change? If you're using hormonal contraception, it's normal for your cervical mucus to not change in appearance. If you're not using contraception and you don't notice any difference in your cervical mucus, it may be worth talking to your doctor or gynecologist.

You feel your ovulation every month

Ovulation is THE sign par excellence that you are fertile. It's even THE sign that shows you are fertile NOW. Some women feel their ovulation, notably due to a slight pain or discomfort on the side of the ovary that is ovulating, known as mittelschmerz. Other signs accompany ovulation: we'll talk about them again in the second part of this article.

You are of childbearing age

Are you between the ages of 15 and 45, have you started menstruating, and haven't yet reached menopause? Then there's a good chance you're fertile. Note, however, that fertility is unique to the extremes of reproductive age. Cycles are generally irregular at the very beginning of puberty and after age 35: this irregularity in cycles and ovulation can lead to sparse fertility.

You are not a carrier of any disease.

If you don't have any known fertility problems (such as obesity, cancer, endometriosis , or PCOS ), there's a good chance you'll be able to get pregnant. These conditions can be a barrier to fertility.

✋ What if I have one of these conditions? If you suffer from one of these conditions, we recommend that you discuss your plans for a baby with your primary care physician, your gynecologist, or the specialist who is treating you. These professionals will be able to support you in your plans and offer solutions to increase your fertility, if necessary.

You have already become pregnant

If you have been pregnant in the past, and apart from surgery that may have affected your fertility, there is a good chance that you are still fertile today.

What are the signs that I am fertile today?

Fertility is linked to ovulation . In fact, you are usually fertile in the days surrounding ovulation. This is why the signs that you are fertile during your cycle are very similar to the signs of ovulation .

Your ovulation day is approaching

If you track your cycles, either manually or through a cycle tracking app , and they are regular, then you can calculate your ovulation day . This usually occurs 14 days before your period.

✋ What if my cycle is irregular? Calculating ovulation when your cycle is irregular is more complicated—or even impossible. That's why you'll need to look at other fertility signs. You can find out more below.

You have mild pelvic pain

One of the signs of ovulation—and therefore fertility—is ovulation pain , called mittelschmerz. It is related to the blood vessels that rupture as the egg detaches from the ovarian follicle that matured it. It can be very mild or sharp, but it is usually brief. Some women experience it.

You have very light bleeding

Ovulation can sometimes be accompanied by very light bleeding , resulting from the rupture of the blood vessels that connect the egg to its ovarian follicle. This bleeding is very light (a few drops) and does not last more than a day.

Your chest is a little sore

Breast pain is a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and ovulation. And for good reason: it can be linked to hormonal changes. If your breasts are a little sore, then it could be a sign that you're currently fertile.

Your white discharge looks like egg white.

As we mentioned earlier, cervical mucus , one of the white vaginal discharges , changes in appearance under the influence of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle . Around ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, elastic, and slippery. It is often compared to the consistency of egg white and indicates a period of high fertility.

Your basal temperature increases slightly

Basal body temperature increases after ovulation and can remain elevated until the end of the menstrual cycle. This is why it is important to take your BBT regularly (5 times a week) if you want to track your ovulation.

🌈 On our e-shop, we offer a Lady brand basal body temperature thermometer . It is connected to an app to allow you to record your temperature readings and track your ovulation.

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Your cervix is higher

During the menstrual cycle, the cervix changes position and firmness. Around ovulation, the cervix becomes higher, softer, and more open. You can feel this by inserting a finger into your vagina. Do this several times during your cycle to better understand the differences in your vaginal positioning.

Your libido increases

Due to the effects of fluctuating hormones, some women experience an increase in their sexual desire during their fertile window. If you feel your libido increasing, it may be a sign that you are currently fertile.

Help! These signs don't speak to me!

Do only a few of the signs listed above speak to you? You don't see yourself in the list of these fertility signs and you fear you might be infertile after reading it? Or, do you have all these signs but no pregnancy occurs despite your attempts?

Don't panic.

These signs are just signs – not truths.

A woman with an irregular cycle may very well be hyperfertile, while a woman with a perfectly regular cycle may struggle to get pregnant. Similarly, you may not experience an increased libido or ovulation and still be perfectly fertile.

Consult your doctor if in doubt

If you're worried about your fertility, don't hesitate to consult your doctor about it. Whether you're planning a baby or just before you do, they'll be able to answer your questions, reassure you, and conduct tests if they have any concerns.

Discover products that can increase your fertility

Did you know? There are more and more products available that can help you boost your fertility naturally, alongside the solutions your doctor will recommend. This includes targeting different aspects of fertility. At our Gapianne concept store, we offer a variety of products that can boost your fertility:

• Rebalance your menstrual cycle with evening primrose oil : It's an ingredient with balancing properties. Evening primrose oil can regulate hormones and the menstrual cycle.
• Rebalance your menstrual cycle with dietary supplements to provide the nutrients and vitamins you need.

• Choose a lubricant that is compatible with sperm .
  

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• Adopt the fertility cup , a cup whose role is to retain sperm inside you after intercourse.

Fertility also comes from your partner and your compatibility

And before concluding, remember that your relationship's fertility depends on you, of course, but also on your partner and your compatibility. Talk to your partner about your doubts and urge him to see a doctor too to have the necessary tests done if he has any doubts about your fertility. You don't have to face these questions alone.

There are many physical signs that can show you that you are fertile and capable of getting pregnant. You can spot them by listening to your body on a daily basis. It's a good idea to keep track of these symptoms in a journal.