Ovulation plays a major role in the conception process. The process of ovulation occurs a mature egg being released from the ovary and fertilized within twelve to twenty-four hours. It will travel down the fallopian tube where it will wait for the sperm to implant and fertilize. In cases of infertility, there are hormonal issues and imbalances that can disrupt the natural ovulation cycle and cause ovulation dysfunction.

What Is Ovulation Dysfunction?

Ovulation dysfunction is defined as a reproductive issue that can impair your ability to ovulate properly. In order to understand ovulation dysfunction, you should know that there are two different types known as anovulation and oligo-ovulation. Anovulation causes the body to fail to release an egg during the ovulation phase of the monthly cycle. Whereas oligo-ovulation causes the ovaries to release eggs irregularly. On average 25% of couples struggling with fertility issues are due to ovulation dysfunction. 

There are a variety of issues that can contribute to ovulation dysfunction becoming an issue and causing infertility. With a majority of these issues, hormonal imbalances are the main factor that leads to ovulation dysfunction becoming an issue. In some cases chronic stress and over exercise can contribute to issues with ovulation dysfunction. It is important to visit a qualified fertility expert or doctor that specializes in reproductive health and knows exactly what to look for.

Some possible causes of ovulation dysfunction are:

• Low progesterone levels that prevent ovulation from occurring
• Premature Ovarian Failure
• Strenuous exercise
• Chronic Stress
• Chronic Illness or health complication
• Thyroid issues
• Menopause
• PCOS

Ovulation Dysfunction And Infertility

When it comes to ovulation dysfunction it interferes with your body’s ability to properly conceive. This is due to the fact that the ovaries are not releasing eggs or releasing eggs sporadically. Therefore fertilization is prevented from occurring and egg quality is diminished.

Common signs and symptoms that you should make note of are:

• Absent or irregular periods
• Spotting in between periods
• A monthly cycle that varies in length from month to month

It is also important to note that if you are practicing the fertility awareness method you may notice irregularities with your basal body temperature (BBT). Experiencing huge spikes and dramatic lows that exceed 1 degree could be a sign that you may be experiencing an estrogen deficiency or thyroid complications. On average your baseline temperature should fall between the ranges of 96-98 degrees with a 0.4 to 0.6 temperature increase post ovulation. Post ovulation your temperature should range between 97-99 degrees.

If you are tracking your cervical mucus you may find that you do not have cervical mucus present or only experience dry, sticky, thick cervical mucus. This is usually an indication that you are experiencing hormonal issues that are causing ovulation dysfunctions. Discussing your basal body temperature readings, and cervical mucus with your doctor can help with finding the correct assessments that should be administered to aid in discovering what is causing or contributing to your ovulation dysfunction.

Becoming Aware of Your Fertility

Tracking and monitoring your monthly cycle builds awareness regarding your fertility. Using the fertility awareness method or “FAM” will build physical awareness of your unique fertility signs and symptoms. You will learn to observe and monitor your body by tracking your basal body temperature and observing your cervical mucus. Working to provide your fertility doctor with the information you obtain from tracking your fertility can prove helpful in your fertility journey.

About The Author

Hi, my name is Kathleen but you can call me Kat. I am an Esthetician, Lifestyle Wellness Coach, and Writer. My intention is to provide you with education and awareness about women’s health, nutrition, fitness, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. I primarily help women that are seeking holistic and natural solutions to managing their chronic condition, improving their lifestyle and combating anti-aging concerns. I offer coaching programs and courses that are designed to help you redefine your health and defy aging.  You can find my content on a variety of social media platforms such as  YouTube,Facebook, and Instagram.

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