Cycle monitoring

Cycle monitoring is an important part of fertility treatment for couples who have difficulty getting pregnant. It refers to the regular monitoring of a woman's menstrual cycle to identify fertile days and thus increase the chances of successful conception.

Cycle monitoring can be performed in several ways, including basal body temperature monitoring, cervical mucus monitoring, hormone levels, or ultrasound examinations. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and can be customized to meet the needs of individual patients.

The basal body temperature method involves measuring body temperature daily to identify ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs about 24 to 36 hours after the basal body temperature rises, indicating that the woman will be fertile in the next few days.

Monitoring cervical mucus involves observing changes in cervical mucus to predict ovulation. During the menstrual cycle, the consistency of the mucus changes, becoming thinner and more elastic during ovulation to facilitate sperm transport.

Measurement of hormone levels can also be used to predict ovulation. The hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol are produced during the menstrual cycle and can be measured by blood tests.

Ultrasound scans can also be used to monitor the menstrual cycle and predict the timing of ovulation. By using ultrasound images, doctors can monitor the progress of the follicles and predict the time of ovulation.

Cycle monitoring is an important component of fertility treatment and can be used for both natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). By regularly monitoring the menstrual cycle, physicians can determine the optimal time for conception and thus increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.