Three Things That Play Into Charting Fertility

Most men have no interest in charting fertility in the female body. It is a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ scenario in which the man does not want to know the intimate details. But for a woman, it is very important to know what goes on within her body each month. It can help illuminate any fertility issues that may arise and keep the doctor informed of any irregularities.

There are three things that play into charting fertility. Estrogen, progesterone and the position of the uterus all three must come together at the right time in order for ovulation to occur and the sperm reach its intended destination, the egg. Estrogen is a naturally occurring hormone found in all human bodies. Women have higher concentrations of estrogen. It is this hormone that causes breast development and a girl to begin her journey into puberty and have the ability to procreate.

Charting fertility begins with knowing how estrogen affects a woman’s body. It causes the follicles at the end of the Fallopian tubes for the release of the egg from the ovary. It also prepares the mucus lining the uterus in preparation for the implantation of the egg and sperm when they come together. A woman watches the difference in her discharge each day. As the estrogen increases so does the discharge. It is important when charting fertility to pay attention to these subtle changes in texture.

Progesterone follows a predictable pattern as well and is the hormone directly responsible for thickening the uterus wall to be able to withstand the implantation and growth of the fetus. The third change occurring each month is the position of the cervix along with its softness. Fertility charting involves noting the actual position of the cervix. When ovulation occurs the cervix is soft and higher than at other times of the month.

Besides making a notation regarding discharge and cervix positioning, a line for the LH hormone is needed. Ovulation kits can help detect the levels of LH and let a woman know when her egg has been released. When the hormone hits a peak, ovulation is about to occur. She makes a notation and can then have a general idea for future months by charting fertility within her body.

Different colored lines, notations, kits and temperatures are all part of the process of charting fertility. It can seem time consuming and complicated but once a predictable pattern is set, the woman has a greater understanding of her body and when the best time for fertility is. When all else fails, a doctor can run a series of tests on the couple to determine if there is another problem hindering their ability to become pregnant.