Ovulation occurs about 12 to 16 days before a woman’s period begins. Ovulation refers to when an egg is released from a woman’s ovary and is an ideal time to try for a pregnancy.

Becoming familiar with ovulation isn’t something that typically happens until pregnancy is desired, so it’s understandable that many women have heard of ovulation, but don’t know when it takes place or what it means. Despite this, the process is important to understand because issues with ovulation correlate with fertility issues and directly impact the ability to conceive naturally.

Ovulation, fertility and your period
Every woman’s period is different, but generally, most menstrual cycles are between 21 and 35 days apart. A “normal” period experience for you can be different from the other women in your life. However, there are some indications that your period may be abnormal. These symptoms include a period that is very light, very heavy, features severe pain or no discomfort at all, or is longer or shorter than the average 21 to 35-day cycle. Period irregularity is correlated to ovulation, so an abnormal period will mean abnormal ovulation and fertility can be negatively affected.

What do I do if I have an irregular period?
If you believe your period is abnormal, it’s important to contact your gynecologist to discuss your symptoms. This is especially true if you are considering your future family planning goals. Your provider can assess whether your fertility is at risk due to period irregularities, if an underlying condition is to blame, and if additional screening is necessary. For many women with an irregular period, one of the first options is to take the birth control pill, which helps to regulate your hormones and your period. However, not every woman can benefit from this treatment – your provider can let you know if birth control is recommended for your situation.

Ovulation induction
If needed, it is possible to stimulate your body’s ovulation with medication. Fertility Solutions offers ovulation induction treatment with Clomid, Letrozole and FSH. Women should still discuss their menstruation with their gynecologist prior to consulting with a fertility specialist to rule out an underlying condition, but Fertility Solutions can assist with treatment to assist with ovulation. Contact Fertility Solutions to learn more about ovulation induction.