Are you ready to dive deeper into the world of fertility? Sure, we all know the basics of how babies are made, but did you know that there are some surprising facts about fertility that you may not be aware of? We've done the research and put together a list of 9 fascinating facts that will blow your mind! Have you ever considered that your fertility could be hereditary? Or that your BMI could play a role in your ability to conceive? Get ready to be surprised and learn something new about your own fertility journey.
Fact 1: You have about a 30% chance of getting pregnant each cycle.
That may sound low, but it's important to remember that there are so many factors that have to align perfectly for a pregnancy to occur. The timing of your cycle, the health of the sperm and egg, and the lining of the womb all play a crucial role. It's no wonder that every pregnancy is truly a miracle! That's why tools like femSense® can be incredibly helpful in narrowing down your fertile window and increasing your chances of getting everything just right.
Fact 2: It is more difficult for women over the age of 35 to get pregnant.
As women age, their fertility begins to decrease. By the age of 35, many women start to experience a decline in fertility, although the rate at which this happens can vary from person to person. While this doesn't necessarily mean that it's impossible to get pregnant after 35, it does mean that it's important to pay close attention to your cycle and seek medical advice if you are experiencing difficulty conceiving. So if you're thinking about starting a family, it's important to be aware of the biological clock and take steps to optimize your chances of getting pregnant.Fact 3: Hormonal contraception can influence fertility even after you have stopped using it.
Hormonal contraception can have an impact on your fertility even after you stop using it. In fact, around 50% of women experience irregular cycles after discontinuing the pill or other hormonal contraceptives. This can show up in a variety of ways, from abnormal cycle lengths to spotting or even a lack of ovulation. That's why it's important to keep a close eye on your cycle and track any changes, especially after stopping synthetic hormones. By doing so, you can get a better sense of whether your cycle will recover on its own or if you should seek advice from a medical professional.
Fact 4: A woman already has all of her eggs at birth.
You may have heard that women are born with all the eggs they'll ever have. It's true! In fact, the developing female fetus has around 7 million eggs before they're even born. While the body absorbs most of these eggs before birth, about 2 million are still present at birth, and around 500,000 remain by the time she reaches puberty and begins menstruating. This remaining supply of eggs is known as a woman's "ovarian reserve," and it's what she has to work with throughout her reproductive years.
Fact 5: Around 1,000 eggs are lost in each cycle.
During each menstrual cycle, a woman loses around 1,000 eggs. While this may sound alarming, it's actually a completely normal and natural process. During each cycle, multiple eggs will mature, but only one (or occasionally two) will reach the point of being released from the ovary. The remaining eggs will naturally die and be absorbed by the body. Over the course of her lifetime, a woman can expect to ovulate approximately 500 times before all of her eggs are used up and she enters menopause.
Fact 6: If your mother got pregnant quickly, then you might too.
Family history may influence your ability to conceive. Recent scientific research has shown that a woman's fertility can be hereditary, meaning that some women may have an easier time getting pregnant than others due to a genetic predisposition. While there is no definitive proof of this yet, your family history could give you some indication of your own fertility potential. If your mother or other female relatives were able to conceive quickly, there's a chance that you may experience the same. Understanding your family history and your own fertility can be a key factor in planning for your future.
Fact 7: Being underweight or overweight can affect fertility.
Weight can play a significant role in your ability to conceive. Women who are either underweight or overweight may experience difficulty getting pregnant due to the metabolic function of fatty tissue in the body. Fatty tissue can convert testosterone into estrogen, and when there is too much of it, the levels of estrogen produced can be too high. Conversely, when there is too little body fat, estrogen levels may be too low. Both of these extremes can lead to cycle disorders or irregularities, making it more challenging to conceive. Maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle is crucial if you're trying to conceive. Don't worry, we're not going to tell you what BMI you need to be - just focus on taking care of yourself, and your body will thank you for it!
Fact 8: You can get pregnant while breastfeeding.
It's completely possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. In the past, breastfeeding was actually considered a form of contraception due to the release of prolactin - a hormone that prevents the developing eggs from maturing. However, this is not a reliable method of contraception, especially if you take breaks from breastfeeding or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding. In such cases, ovulation is likely to begin again soon after giving birth, making it possible to conceive. If you're not ready to have another baby just yet, it's important to use reliable birth control methods.
Fact 9: Sex during your period can lead to pregnancy.
Have you ever heard the myth that you can't get pregnant if you have sex during your period? Well, we're here to debunk it! While it's true that the likelihood of getting pregnant during your period is lower than during your fertile window, it's not impossible. In rare cases, women with very short cycles who ovulate early combined with the survival time of sperm in the womb could lead to fertilization occurring during your period. That being said, the chances of this happening are still much lower than during your fertile window. If you're trying to avoid pregnancy, it's essential to track your cycle and use reliable contraception methods during your fertile window, as well as during your period.No matter where you are in life - planning a pregnancy or using birth control - understanding your fertility is crucial. Fertility is a complex and personal issue that depends on various factors, and the best information about your individual fertility comes from your own body. That's why fertility tracking should be a fundamental part of your overall health awareness. With tools like femSense®, you can track your cycle and gain valuable insights into your fertility, making it easier to plan for the future and take control of your reproductive health. Don't wait - start tracking your fertility today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!