Very few of us actually observe the workings of our own body until something goes wrong. However, when planning your baby’s conception, it pays to become very aware of how your body is functioning. For women this will give you an indication of your natural fertility and your most fertile time.

So where do we start when it comes to natural fertility? The most obvious is the menstrual period and charting the changes, both physical and mental, which occur during a complete cycle.

The impact of the menstrual cycle on natural fertility

The menstrual cycle is orchestrated by the presence of hormones in the blood. The conductor is the hypothalamus, a portion of the brain which controls hormone output. The average monthly cycle for women is 28 days, but this can vary and for some women 33 days may be normal. Confusingly, a cycle can change from month to month and it is important at this stage to understand that our emotions also have an influence upon hormone balance. The hypothalamus is also controlling the release of stress hormones which can have a negative influence upon the monthly cycle.

In medical terms, the first day of your period is termed Day 1, when a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing (GnRH), tells the pituitary to release yet another hormone, FSH. Slowly over the next two weeks, FSH instructs the follicles within the ovaries to start growing. As these immature eggs start to grow they produce oestrogen, which in turn stops the production of FSH and prepares an egg for ovulation. The pituitary gland then releases yet another hormone, luteinising hormone (LH) which stimulates ovulation. 

Body chemicals and how they affect natural fertility

This chemical messaging service occurs every month without our full awareness, however we can observe certain signs which indicate how this activity is progressing. 

One of those signs is vaginal mucus. When ovulation is about to take place, a particular type of mucus is produced from the cervix and appears at the vagina. This can be the first sign of the approaching fertile phase of the monthly cycle. At this time, the vaginal mucus becomes more watery. This watery, egg white-type mucus is essential to sperm survival; not only does it allow better mobility to the swimming sperm, but it provides essential nutrients to help them survive. Healthy sperm can live for five to six days in mucus that is hospitable.

It takes several hours for the sperm to swim through the cervix and uterus and on to the fallopian tubes. If the vaginal environment is hostile, particularly too acidic, then the sperm will rapidly become immobilised, fertile mucus should be slightly alkaline.

Extract taken from Infertility – The Essential Guide. For more information on natural fertility, take a look at the book - available now in eBook and printed book formats. Buy the printed version and get the eBook free!