Fertilization
For a successful pregnancy, an egg must reach the fallopian tube from the ovary. This is called ovulation. If a sperm reaches the egg at the right time, fertilization can occur. For a successful pregnancy, it is then necessary for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterine wall.
Ovulation
During ovulation, the egg has matured and is ready for fertilization; it “jumps” from the ovaries to the fallopian tube. In the fallopian tube, the egg has the chance to be fertilized.
If the egg is not fertilized, it dissolves, and menstruation begins after 2 weeks.
Using the menstrual cycle, it can be estimated if and when ovulation occurs:
- When you menstruate regularly, there’s a high chance that you also have ovulation every month. This usually occurs between 12 and 16 days before the next menstruation.
- When you menstruate irregularly, it’s difficult to determine when the next ovulation will occur.
- When there are less than 21 or more than 35 days between your menstrual periods, it’s uncertain whether ovulation occurs.
- When you haven’t menstruated for more than half a year, there probably hasn’t been an ovulation during that time.
If you suspect that you’re not ovulating, you can consult your general practitioner about this.
What Are Fertility Problems in Women?
Age is the most important cause of reduced fertility in women. From the age of 30, the chance of pregnancy slowly decreases. From the age of 35, the chance decreases rapidly, and above the age of 40, the chance of pregnancy is only a few percent.
This is caused by the declining quality of eggs as a woman ages, which also reduces the chance of fertilization.
There’s also a greater chance of errors in the fertilized egg, which can lead to more miscarriages or an increased chance of children with genetic disorders (such as Down syndrome).
After menopause, a woman can no longer become pregnant spontaneously. Unfortunately, some women enter menopause much earlier, making it impossible for them to become pregnant spontaneously at a younger age.
Other Causes
- When the cycle is irregular (shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days), it may be that ovulation is not occurring properly. This can be due to, for example:
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Premature menopause
- A too low or too high weight (BMI <18 / >30)
- Medical treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation)
- Certain genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome
- Endometriosis
Finally, sexual problems can hinder pregnancy, such as pain during intercourse or having intercourse at the wrong time (outside the fertile period).
