Whether you are trying to conceive or not, it is important to know basic biological processes. One of these biological processes is reproduction. Understanding the process of ovulation, conception and pregnancy is key to knowing how a new life begins.
While you know that pregnancy begins when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, the biological details behind this may be less commonly understood. So, what happens after this fertilization process? From the release of an egg to its successful fertilization and implantation, these stages are interconnected by several biological mechanisms that largely depend on timing. Knowing how ovulation works and the optimal times for conception can be very beneficial if you are trying to start a family. This blog will discuss these stages of fertilization and reproduction in detail.
Ovulation: the starting point
Ovulation is the process in which an ovary releases a mature egg, ready to be fertilized by sperm. It usually occurs once a month as part of a woman’s menstrual cycle, about 12 to 16 days before the start of her next period. The menstrual cycle is regulated by several hormones and ovulation occurs as a result of the increase in luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes the egg to leave the ovary and enter the fallopian tubes.
The timing of ovulation can vary between women and from cycle to cycle, influenced by factors such as stress, illness or changes in routine. For a woman with a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs around day 14. However, in shorter or longer cycles, ovulation may occur earlier or later.
Ovulation Tracking
For those trying to conceive, understanding when ovulation occurs is crucial because it marks the time when a woman is most fertile. Ovulation can be done by several methods:
Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPK):
These tests measure the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which occurs 24 to 48 hours before ovulation. A positive result indicates that ovulation is imminent.
Basal body temperature (BBT):
After ovulation, a woman’s body temperature rises slightly due to the increase in progesterone. Recording your BBT daily to understand the pattern can help identify the time of ovulation.
Changes in cervical mucus:
As ovulation approaches, cervical mucus becomes more slippery and stretchy, similar to raw egg white. This helps the sperm travel more easily to the egg.
Conception: time is key
Conception occurs when the sperm fertilizes an egg. Timing is vital because an egg is viable for only a few hours, between 12 and 24 hours after being released from the ovary. Sperm, on the other hand, can live in the female reproductive tract for up to seven days. This means that there is a small “fertile window” (approximately five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself) during which conception is most likely to occur.
Ovulation occurs 10 to 16 days before the next period. Therefore, if you are trying to start a family, the best time to have sex is during the “fertile window,” which is 5 days before ovulation, before the egg is released. This is because sperm can remain in the body for up to 7 days; It is better that the sperm are already there when the egg is released to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Implantation: the beginning of pregnancy.
After fertilization, the zygote continues to divide to form a blastocyst, which reaches the uterus about 5-6 days after ovulation. The blastocyst then attaches to the lining of the uterus, a process known as implantation. This marks the true beginning of pregnancy.
The body begins to produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests, shortly after implantation. This hormone promotes pregnancy by maintaining the lining of the uterus and preventing menstruation.
What is the best time to have sex if you are not trying to conceive?
The best time to have sex that does not result in pregnancy is shortly after the menstrual window, that is, the next day when your period ends. However, once again, it depends entirely on your ovulation cycle. Some women with shorter menstrual cycles may have early ovulation, meaning just a few days after their period ends. For example, if you have sex a day after your period ends, the sperm can remain inside the female body for 7 days. If ovulation occurs between these 7 days, there is a possibility of pregnancy. However, the chances are smaller but possible.
What affects ovulation and conception?
While the ovulation process is fairly consistent, several factors can affect both ovulation and conception:
Age:
As women age, the quantity and quality of eggs decrease, making conception more difficult.
Health conditions:
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can alter ovulation, making it less predictable or even absent in some cycles.
Lifestyle factors:
Stress, poor diet, excessive exercise and lack of sleep can affect the regularity of ovulation.
Medications:
Some medications can interfere with hormonal balance and potentially affect ovulation and fertility.
Final thoughts
Ovulation, conception and pregnancy are highly synchronized processes, each dependent on the body’s hormonal balance and reproductive health. Ovulation marks the release of an egg and conception is possible during the fertile window surrounding ovulation. Once fertilization occurs, implantation into the lining of the uterus signals the beginning of pregnancy. Understanding how these processes work and tracking ovulation can help couples trying to conceive.
Book your full body health check today
