Diabetes and Fertility: What You Should Know

What most don’t realize is that diabetes has a close link with fertility. Understanding this relationship may just be the crucial turning point in your journey to start a family. Whether it’s Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, knowing how diabetes can have a profound impact on your reproductive abilities helps you make informed decisions – especially with treatment plans.  How Diabetes Affects Fertility Diabetes may cause obesity which can potentially lead to an abnormal hormonal profile for both male and females. For Women : Poorly managed blood sugar levels can disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular cycles and subsequent difficulty with conceiving, affecting the pregnancy rate. For Men : High blood glucose levels lead to lower testosterone levels. This, in turn, can trigger erectile dysfunction, and contribute to a reduced sperm quality. Aside from these, men will also face lower libido issues, further exacerbating issues with conceiving.  Managing Fertility with Diabetes But I do have some good news – lots of diabetes sufferers have gone on to have full-term, viable, healthy pregnancies. You can too, with these few strategies :         Optimize Blood Sugar Levels: Consistent glucose control is key. Work with your healthcare provider to maintain a target HbA1c.         Regular Screenings: Keep tabs on your reproductive health, including ovarian function and sperm analysis.         Lifestyle Choices: Healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management can significantly boost fertility outcomes. When to Seek Help If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year (or six months for women over 35), consult a fertility specialist. Technologies like IVF can accommodate the unique needs of people with diabetes, ensuring both maternal and fetal health. Diabetes may be a challenge, but by no means is it an obstacle to your journey to parenthood. IVF has been revolutionary in leaping past these minor challenges the illness presents to help lots of parents achieve their dream of having children. Speak to your reproductive specialist to tailor a personalized treatment plan to match your needs.  This blog is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Your Fertility Journey Planning Guide

Taking the first step in your fertility journey can be quite overwhelming. But, with careful and thoughtful strategy, as well as the latest advancements in fertility technology, 2025 holds abundant opportunities for parents-to-be. And as a fertility expert, I’m here to take you through this transformative path to parenthood, step-by-step.  Understanding Your Fertility Options in 2025 Success rates and treatment accessibility continue in their upward trend as advancements in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other reproductive technologies continue to improve. With innovative solutions like refined embryo vitrification procedures as well as the leaps and bounds of genetic testing, fertility treatments are now more accurate, safe, and personalized than ever. An in-depth fertility assessment is usually the starting point of your path to parenthood, which includes : ·         Hormone testing to help with evaluating your ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health ·         Ultrasound imaging to assist in detection of structural issues ·         Semen analysis to give an insight into male fertility What You Should Consider Getting a fertility treatment isn’t just restricted to the procedural considerations, but also the external factors that can have an impact on your treatment : 1.     Finding the Right Clinic: Expertise varies with clinics. Do your research on clinics with proven, high success rates with treatment programs tailored closely to what you need. 2.     Emotional Readiness: Reproductive treatment can take some time as well as an emotional toll on you and your partner. Approach couples counselling or speak to your fertility specialist on how to help manage these emotional roller-coasters during treatment. 2025 Fertility Trends in Malaysia While most think that Malaysian reproductive technology is highly reliant on global advancements, 2025 has been a starting point for our own successes in developing innovative treatment tech. Here are some I personally find are milestones in the Malaysian fertility care scene : ·         Leading Malaysian fertility centers have integrated AI into their embryo grading and selection processes. This led to an increase in success rates, also thanks to the reduction of human intervention. It works by using AI to analyze a detailed timelapse set of images of the embryo based on an algorithm designed to detect traits of a healthy embryo. Embryo gradation now uses AI, which reduces human bias, making IVF embryo selection more objective and less reliant on subjective human judgment. AI systems are trained on extensive datasets, including time-lapse imaging of embryos from previous successful pregnancies to be able to pick out the most fertile and viable embryo.   Microfluidic sperm separating kits now provide a quick and easy way to segregate viable, healthy, and morphologically-sound sperms for ART procedures. It also acts as an efficient gauge for the male fertility, aiding specialists in quick identification of such cases followed by prompt treatment plans.    With these huge leaps in fertility in 2025, parents-to-be are being offered a new ray of light in their struggles with conceiving. Aside from the technological aspect, fertility treatments also call for emotional strength and resilience. With the right support from your doctor and loved ones, you can navigate any challenges and stay hopeful on your journey to parenthood! This blog is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Ovulation Pain: Why It Happens and What It Means for Fertility

Ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz, can offer valuable clues about your fertility. This mid-cycle discomfort, while common, can sometimes signal underlying fertility issues. In this article, we’ll delve into the connection between ovulation pain and fertility, exploring why this pain occurs and when it might be cause for concern. Ovulation Pain The pain you feel during ovulation is due to the egg being released from the ovary. It can feel a little uncomfortable and frustrating. Here is a breakdown of the reasons why this process might cause discomfort: Follicle growth and rupture: When the body is preparing for ovulation, a follicle will grow and stretch in one of the ovaries. Once the egg has matured, the follicle will rupture to release the egg. This whole process may cause discomfort and mild pain. Fluid Release: A fluid or small amount of blood is released together with the egg, which can irritate the surrounding abdominal tissue, causing discomfort. Involvement of nerves and blood vessels: The release of the fluid and blood can stimulate nerves in the abdomen, causing cramping sensations which can sometimes be described as sharp.  What Does the Pain Feel Like? Some women report the pain is very intense; some women barely feel anything. The ovulation pains all women feel vary in intensity and sensation. The common descriptions about this pain include: Pain is felt on one side of the lower abdomen Sharp, stabbing or a dull ache. It can sometimes feel like a cramping or pulling sensation. The pain may last from a few minutes up to 48 hours. However, most women only feel the pain for a few hours or less. Sometimes, there might be slight spotting or a light discharge alongside the pain.  For those monitoring fertility, recognizing ovulation pain can be a helpful natural signal, as ovulation is when conception is most likely to occur. Ovulation pain can serve as a non-invasive marker of fertility, alongside other signs like changes in cervical mucus and basal body temperature. The Link Between Ovulation Pain and Fertility  Most of the time, occasional ovulation pain should not cause concern, but there are some things to consider, such as:  Timing of fertile window: Recognizing ovulation pain, which usually occurs around the time of ovulation, can signal couples to perform intercourse for optimal fertility.  Regularity and predictability: A consistent ovulation pain each month can help predict future fertile windows. Associated fertility health: In cases where the ovulation pain is intense and irregular, it can be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional to check if there are any underlying issues impacting fertility.  When Should Ovulation Pain Raise Concerns About Fertility? Although some ovulation pains are mild and harmless, certain conditions associated with severe or irregular periods can affect fertility. Here are some situations where ovulation pain might require further medical attention: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Severe, prolonged, unilateral pain that occurs on only one side typically indicates ovarian issues like cysts. Sometimes this can also indicate that you may have PCOS, which also causes irregular ovulation– which can interfere with ovulation, affecting fertility. Endometriosis: In the case of Endometriosis, where the uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causes intense pain during ovulation and menstruation. This can affect egg quality, ovarian functions, and the environment for successful implantation. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID, often caused by untreated infections, causes pain that can be mistaken for ovulation pain. If not treated promptly, PID damages the fallopian tubes leading to infertility.  Ectopic Pregnancy Risk: In some cases, pain during ovulation that is extremely sharp or unusual may signal an early ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention. Using Ovulation Pain to Enhance Fertility Awareness Tracking ovulation pain, along with other fertility signs like cervical mucus changes and basal body temperature, can help you identify your fertile window and time intercourse or fertility treatments accordingly. Here are some tips: Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These kits can confirm ovulation by detecting a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).  Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing stress and maintaining a balanced diet can contribute to regular ovulation cycles. Click here to learn more about tracking your ovulation on my blog.  In conclusion, ovulation pain can be a useful tool for those trying to conceive. However, it’s important to be aware of any unusual symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if needed. By understanding your body’s signals and seeking appropriate medical advice, you can optimize your fertility journey. This article is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

AI in Fertility Treatments: How Technology is Improving Success Rates

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we approach fertility and assisted reproduction. It’s been pivotal to enhancing precision, increasing efficiency, and giving hopeful parents a better chance of successful outcomes – here’s a look into how AI does it. The Role of AI in Fertility Treatments AI has shown advantageousness in multiple fronts of IVF by:         Increasing treatment efficiency and success rates by minimizing human error         Automating routine tasks to lessen mistakes         Refines existing tasks – embryo selection, genetic screening, viability analysis         Allows for predictive analysis by studying historical patient data for repetitive patterns These applications significantly reduce the guesswork needed with more traditional methods, boosting your rate of success with your IVF cycles. How AI Improves Success Rates Here’s how AI-powered fertility tools and markers are increasing the efficiency of treatment plans administered :       Enhanced Embryo Selection – advanced imaging and pattern recognition allows AI to detect viable embryos more accurately than traditional methods.       Efficient, Accurate Diagnoses – AI can study historical datasets, identify subtle patterns often overlooked by humans, and match these to your personal charts to give a precise diagnosis.       Optimized Medication Protocols – AI can consistently monitor key factors like blood hormone and stress levels to give you a more optimized medication plan to target these changes. Limitations of AI in Fertility While AI intervention can be promising, it’s not without its own set of challenges :         Data dependency: AI’s prediction and algorithmic accuracy relies on access to diverse, precise, and unmarred datasets.         Cost barriers: Incorporating AI into fertility treatments can significantly raise costs, barring access to some patients.         Human expertise: While AI can complement, it’s not built to replace the years of experience and skill of fertility specialists. The Future of AI in Fertility While there is much potential of AI implementation in the fertility and assisted development sector, the work and expertise of specialists cannot be discounted. As these systems are refined and optimized for application in fertility, we are likely to see more personalized, accurate, and successful treatment plans for hopeful parents.    This article is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Lifestyle and Infertility: Cultivating Healthy Habits for Fertility Health

Our overall well-being influences various aspects of our lives, one of which is our reproductive health. Therefore, it is inevitable that implementing a healthier lifestyle can contribute to your body’s ability to boost your fertility. Here are some tips to start adopting, for a fertility-friendly lifestyle. Nutrition: An essential part of a healthy lifestyle is your diet! Like they say, you are what you eat. Adopting a wholesome diet is when you include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein into your daily regime. All these nutrients play an important role for your reproductive health and fetal development. You can find these important nutrients like folic acid and iron in leafy greens and lean mean. Antioxidants which can be found in berries, are also vital for sperm and egg health. If you do find it challenging to keep up with a balanced diet, supplementing your diet with vitamins like folic acid, vitamin D and more will also help you. However, the key to maintaining a healthy weight for egg and sperm health, is a balanced diet.  Exercise: Physical activity is essential for healthy blood circulation to support your reproductive health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is recommended to have at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Exercises should be done moderately, and intensity-level should be adjusted accordingly to several factors like age, body type, and if you have any injuries. Remember to always listen to your body, as over-exertion can cause stress to the body. Stress Management: The inability to manage your stress levels can contribute to hormonal irregularities. Yoga and meditation are some of the common practices that you can incorporate in your daily life to better manage your stress levels. Even practicing skills like deep breathing can help you manage anxiety and reduce stress. Most importantly, having a support system like your partner, family and friends or even a therapist can help you regulate your emotions.  Sleep: Sleep, everybody’s best friend. A time to rest and recharge. But are you getting quality sleep?  For your hormones to function at their optimal level, aiming for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep is essential. Sleep quality can be enhanced with a dark and quiet environment to put you in a calm mode before you sleep. It is important to note that you should avoid using your phones before sleeping to decrease the blue light exposure, which can disrupt your sleep. Of course, there are also other contributing factors. Nonetheless, incorporating these tips mentioned above plus eliminating harmful substances like cigarettes and alcohol can significantly increase the likelihood of a healthy and successful pregnancy. This blog is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Ovarian Reserve And How Is It Tested?

Ovarian reserve is the count of a woman’s remaining eggs – all women are born with the eggs necessary in their lifetime. This figure determines both the quality and quantity of the eggs, giving specialists a clear picture of her fertility potential. It becomes even more crucial if she’s considering IVF or any assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Why Is It Important? The ovarian reserve count shows how many viable eggs are still available for fertilization. This is because out of the 1-2 million eggs a woman is born with, only a fraction remain at the 30-year mark. The diminishing numbers and egg quality is why it becomes harder for a woman to conceive naturally past this age. How to Test for Ovarian Reserve? There are several test methods and diagnostic tools that fertility clinics employ to test for your ovarian reserve with accuracy and precision : Ultrasound Exam       Antral Follicle Count (AFC): A transvaginal ultrasound to count the number of viable follicles in the ovaries. This procedure gives a clear account of the available eggs and potentially developing ones. Hormonal Tests:         Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): AMH, the primary marker of ovarian reserve, is a follicle production regulating hormone, essentially determining how many follicles develop into viable eggs at one time. Declining AMH levels may indicate reduced fertility.         Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH works to stimulate follicle growth and support development into eggs by increasing estrogen production. Usually, a high level of FSH between Days 2 – 4 in your menstrual cycle can be a sign of diminishing ovarian reserve.         Estradiol: This hormone supports FSH in a way where it helps regulate the menstrual cycle, bone health, and other bodily functions in a woman. When To Test Your Ovarian Reserve? While you can test your ovarian reserve anytime at your nearest fertility treatment facility, specialists would recommend a test if you’re : Over 35 and planning pregnancy  Actively trying to conceive but unsuccessful for > 6 months Suffering from conditions like endometriosis or have history of ovarian surgery Ovarian reserve testing provides women with key insights into their reproductive health and fertility, empowering them to make more informed decisions. As always, early diagnosis is helpful in developing a thoughtful, directed treatment plan to meet your fertility needs. This article is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Uterine Polyps and How it Affects Fertility

Uterine polyps, or endometrial polyps, are growths that develop within the uterine lining. While usually benign, they can have a significant impact on fertility and cause complications during implantation. However, its effects are most pronounced during fertility treatments like IVF. What Are Uterine Polyps? These little tissue overgrowths in the uterine cavity can range in size and even be found outside the cervix. At the moment, there is no verified medical causatory for these polyps.  How Do Uterine Polyps Impact Fertility? These little uterine growths can affect your reproductive prowess in a few ways :         Physical Barrier: Larger polyps block the fallopian passage or uterine entrance impairing fertilization or embryo implantation processes. In some cases, it may even impair the release of eggs.         Endometrial Environment: Polyps cause inflammation in the uterine lining, creating a disruption of its natural balance. The resulting unevenness of the endometrial lining can also cause difficulty in proper adhesion of the embryo for effective implantation.         Increased Risk of Miscarriage Risk: Studies suggest that these polyps may elevate miscarriage risks due to the changing morphology of the uterus as well as the disruption of the delicate chemical balance required for successful implantation. Diagnosis and Treatment The most common method of diagnosis are ultrasounds or hysteroscopy for a detailed imaging of the uterine cavity and its current morphology. Based on these results, a specialist will recommend treatments like polyp removal (hysteroscopic polypectomy). Alternatively, you can opt for treatment with progestins, but this only provides temporary relief. When preparing for IVF or even natural conceivement, it’s critical to assess and address the presence of uterine polyps to ensure a smoother road to pregnancy. Speak to a trusted fertility specialist to begin evaluation of your uterine health and curb these little growths before they become aggressive.  This article is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Acupuncture and Fertility : An Effective Complement To IVF

While acupuncture, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) , has been regarded as an “older medicament” reserved for muscular, digestive, and circulatory issues, many don’t realize that it’s also capable of increasing fertility. IVF is a highly successful, standalone medical procedure, but emerging reports have also shown that acupuncture may just be a solid complement to assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods. The Science Behind Acupuncture for Fertility Latest findings suggest that having an acupuncture session before an IVF or ART procedure led to increased blood flow in the uterine region and other parts of the body. Better circulation reduced instances of post-transfer uterine contractions, preserving the implanted embryo. Lower stress levels were also noted in the mothers, further facilitating a successful transfer. In addition to that, many believe that acupuncture can :       Enhance egg quality through better blood circulation in the ovarian region       Boost male fertility by improving sperm count, viability, motility, and morphology       Increased circulation better disperses and balanced reproductive hormones needed for ovulation and implantation A supporting 2018 meta-analysis in the Reproductive Biomedicine Online journal identified links between fertility acupuncture and improved IVF success rates when acupuncture was administered during the active round of IVF. How Acupuncture Can Support Each IVF Stage Prior to Egg Retrieval Before the eggs are retrieved, getting an acupuncture can help :       Stimulate the ovarian response to your medication/hormone therapy plans       Naturally increase follicle count and quality   Pre-Sperm Retrieval       Significantly improves sperm concentration and motility for better chances of fertilization       Enhances circulation in the testes to reduce oxidative stress and promote secretion of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Before An Embryo Transfer Preceding an embryo transfer, here’s what a fertility acupuncture can do for you :       Increases uterine blood flow and triggers cytokine production to better prepare for implantation       Reduces the risk of uterine contractions post-transfer that can lead to detachment and miscarriage During Your Two-Week Wait Here’s how an acupuncture session can support you during the 14-day wait after an implantation :       Supports crucial, early pregnancy progesterone levels by promoting better blood flow       Alleviates anxiety and stress by targeting specific calming points to enhance your overall mental and physical health Should you be considering acupuncture as a supplement to your IVF efforts, I would suggest seeking out a licensed acupuncturist with a proven track record of working with IVF patients. These days, many fertility experts are also recommending acupuncture for the benefits that it can bring to both mom and dad, as well as the growing baby, during active IVF treatment periods.  This article is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Overcoming Challenges of Secondary Infertility

What is secondary infertility? Secondary infertility can be a painful setback for a couple that hopes to expand their family. It refers to the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term despite having had a successful pregnancy in the past. While primary infertility, or the inability to have a first child, receives greater attention, the inability to get pregnant again is a growing concern that affects millions of families around the world. This condition can take a toll on a couple’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, making it essential to recognize, understand and address the challenges that come with it. What causes secondary infertility? Secondary infertility in female This condition is often overlooked because of the misconception that having previous successful pregnancies would mean subsequent pregnancies will occur naturally. If you are wondering how common is secondary infertility, it occurs at about the same rate as primary infertility. It affects about 12% of the women trying for another child. Here are some causes that affect the secondary fertility problem as much as the primary one. –       Age As women age, their fertility naturally declines. It is due to decreased quantity and quality of their eggs. This decline typically starts around age 30 and accelerates after age 35. As a result, women trying to conceive later in life may have more difficulty becoming pregnant than when they were younger, even if they have previously had successful pregnancies. –       Ovarian reserve Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and this number naturally declines as they age. Women who have previously had successful pregnancies may have a lower ovarian reserve, making it more difficult for them to conceive again. –       Uterine issues The uterus or womb is where the fertilised egg implants and grows into a fetus/baby. Thus, any issues with the uterus can impact a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Secondary infertility may be caused by fibroids, scarring or adhesions within the uterus, and polyps. These causes may interfere with implantation or cause miscarriage. –       Fallopian tube issues The fallopian tubes transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus/womb. If the tubes are blocked or damaged, it can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus and being fertilised by sperm. Some complications may occur in the form of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and pelvic inflammatory disease. –       Endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. In some cases, endometriosis can lead to secondary infertility. The scarring and adhesions caused by endometriosis can interfere with the normal function of the fallopian tubes and uterus. It can make the egg and sperm difficult to fertilise and implant in the womb. –       Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It’s one of the most common causes of female infertility and can contribute to the condition. Women with PCOS typically have elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with ovulation and make it more difficult for the egg and sperm to meet. It can result in irregular or absent menstrual cycles, making it harder for a woman to conceive. –       Secondary unexplained infertility Unexplained infertility can be a frustrating and challenging issue for couples. It may be due to age-related decline, changes in hormone levels, or lifestyle modifications. Regardless of the cause, it is essential to recognise and address the problem with the same urgency and sensitivity as primary infertility to increase the chances of conceiving. Secondary infertility in male Male infertility can be a contributing factor in cases of secondary infertility. Male infertility is responsible for up to 50% of all infertility cases. Several factors can cause male infertility, including: –       Low sperm count or poor sperm motility If a man has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility, it can make it more difficult for the sperm to fertilise the egg. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), a healthy sperm count should be around 15 million per millilitre ejaculation or at least 39 million per ejaculation. Any amount lower than the optimal level is considered to have a low sperm count. –       Abnormal sperm shape If a man’s sperm have abnormal shapes, it can also cause fertility problems. It is due to difficulty when penetrating the egg. –       Blockages or other structural issues If a male has blockages or other structural issues in his reproductive system, it can interfere with the normal flow of sperm. Some common causes of blockages and structural problems may be vasectomy, Epididymitis (inflammation of the tube that transports sperm) and genetic causes. –       Lifestyle factors Lifestyle factors also play a role in affecting secondary infertility. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight or underweight can all impact fertility. Many factors can contribute to the fertility problem, and it’s often a combination of factors that leads to difficulty conceiving. It’s crucial for couples who are struggling with secondary infertility to work closely with a doctor to know what causes secondary infertility and develop a personalised treatment plan. How to diagnose secondary infertility? Diagnosing the problem involves thoroughly evaluating both partners to identify any underlying fertility issues. The diagnostic process typically begins with a comprehensive medical history and physical exam, followed by tests and procedures to evaluate fertility and identify potential problems. For women, the diagnostic process may involve the following: Ovulation testing Ovulation testing involves tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle to determine if and when she is ovulating. It can be done using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature monitoring, or ultrasound. Hormone testing Hormone testing involves measuring the levels of various hormones in a woman’s blood. It includes Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone. Abnormal hormone levels can indicate issues

When are you most fertile? A guide to understanding your fertile window

Do you know when are you most fertile? Check out these top 10 questions about fertility and pregnancy timing. You have decided to start a family and embark on the exciting pregnancy journey. One of the most important aspects of this journey is to find out when are you most fertile so that you can try to conceive during that time. There is a duration called the fertile window when you are most fertile and has a high chance of getting pregnant. By understanding your fertile window, you can plan the right time to have sex and maximise the chances of conceiving. Here are some commonly asked questions about ovulation, fertile window, and fertility. 1. What is ovulation? Ovulation is when your body releases an egg from your ovary every month for fertilisation. It happens during the mid of your menstrual cycle and lasts only for a day. On an average, most women have their ovulation around the mid-cycle or the 14th day of a 28-days cycle. However, it can vary according to women. Some may ovulate earlier or later, depending on their cycle’s duration. 2. How can I determine when I am ovulating? There are a few ways to determine ovulation: –       Tracking the menstrual cycle One of the most common and easy ways to know your ovulation day is by tracking your menstrual cycle. Ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle. If your menstruation cycle lasts 30 days, then the ovulation day may occur between the 14th to 16th day. –       Basal body temperature becomes high Basal body temperature is the temperature when your body is on complete rest. It increases when you are nearing ovulation. Typically, body temperature will be around 35.5 °C to 36.6 °C before ovulation. During ovulation, the temperature will be higher than usual. You may be nearing ovulation if your body is heaty some days after menstruating. It is best to keep track of your body temperature in the morning before you get out of bed. –       Cervical mucus changes to a wetter texture Cervical mucus is a fluid produced by the cervix. During the fertile window, the mucus becomes clearer, wetter, and stickier. It also has a raw egg-white texture which enables the intercourse to be smoother. 3. When are you most fertile? You are most fertile during your fertile window, which includes the days leading up to ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after ovulation. The fertile window lasts about 5-7 days for most women and occurs during the mid-cycle. If you have intimate relations during this time, your chances of getting pregnant are high. It’s important to remember that every woman’s cycle is different, and tracking ovulation can help you determine the timing of your fertile window. In addition, a fertility calculator or ovulation calculator can help you determine your fertile window, provided that your menstrual cycles are regular and ovulation occurs regularly. To use the calculator, you simply need to input the first day of your last menstrual cycle and your average cycle length, and it will estimate your fertile window. 4. Should I have sexual intercourse daily during my fertile window? It is not necessary to have intercourse every day during the fertile window. However, it is important to have intercourse regularly during the fertile window to increase the chances of conception. Typically, the fertile window is the six-day period that ends around the day of ovulation. The optimal time to have intercourse is in the days leading up to ovulation when you are most fertile. It is recommended to have intercourse every other day during this period to ensure that sperm is present when ovulation occurs. Ultimately, the decision of how often to have intercourse during the fertile window is up to you and your partner. Thus, always remember to maintain a healthy and supportive relationship, communicate openly about fertility goals and preferences, and seek medical advice if needed. 5. Does age affect my fertility? Age impacts fertility rate. Women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s. However, the older you are, the less fertile you can be. Women have a lifetime supply of eggs in the ovaries. The average number of eggs you have during the first menstrual cycle is around 250 000 eggs. As your age increases, the number of eggs decreases. When you are 30 years old, the number of eggs will be less than 52 000. By 40, it drops even lower to around 9 000. Thus, it is best to get pregnant when your egg count facilitates pregnancy. You can opt for egg freezing earlier to get pregnant after your 30s. If you have been trying for more than six months without success, it is time to seek a doctor. 6. Can stress or lifestyle choices affect my fertility? Stress and certain lifestyle choices can impact your fertility. Chronic stress can disturb your menstrual cycle and affect ovulation, making it harder to conceive. Having constant stress can lead to shutting down the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, a hormone-regulating mechanism that controls the reproductive system. It can disrupt the connection between your brain and ovaries, causing delays and absences in ovulation or irregular periods. Lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and irregular sleep cycles can also impact fertility negatively.  7. When are you least likely to get pregnant? You are least likely to get pregnant during your period. During period, you may have a low level of fertility. It is because no matured egg is released, making it harder to conceive. During menstruation, the unfertilised egg disintegrates and sheds with the uterus lining built for egg implantation. Another phase where getting pregnant is less probable is during the follicular phase or the first part of the menstrual cycle. This is because the ovary is getting ready to release an egg at this moment, and the cervical mucus is not conducive to sperm survival. The time between ovulation and menstruation,