Tag: pre-conception care

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from one of your ovaries, triggered by a surge in luteinising hormone (LH). It happens once per menstrual cycle and marks the point when pregnancy is biologically possible, but it is also an indicator that your hormones are working as they should, whether or not you are trying to conceive. This guide covers everything you need to know: how ovulation happens, when it happens, what it means for your health, the myths that routinely mislead people, what the physical signs look like, and what can disrupt the process. Quick facts How does ovulation work? Ovulation is the result of a hormonal sequence that begins the moment your period starts, not something that happens in isolation mid-cycle. At the start of each menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus, a small region at the base of your brain releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which signals the pituitary gland (also in the brain), to make follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH stimulates a group of follicles in the ovaries to begin developing, each one containing an immature egg.  Several follicles begin growing simultaneously, but over the following one to two weeks, one becomes dominant – larger and more developed than the rest (which are gradually reabsorbed by the body). As the dominant follicle grows, it produces rising levels of oestrogen. This oestrogen has two simultaneous effects: it thickens the lining of the uterus in preparation for a potential pregnancy, and it sends a hormonal signal back to the pituitary gland. When oestrogen reaches a peak, it triggers dramatic release of luteinising hormone – the LH surge. This surge is the direct trigger for ovulation. Within 24 to 36 hours, the dominant follicle ruptures and releases its mature egg into the fallopian tube to be fertilised. What happens next matters as much as the egg release itself. After the egg is released, the empty follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which makes progesterone for the remainder of the cycle. Progesterone stabilises the uterine lining and supports implantation. If fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone falls, and your period begins, resetting the cycle. When does ovulation start after period and how long does it last? So, does ovulation always happen on day 14? Only in the context of a textbook 28-day cycle, and even then, it’s an approximation. In reality, ovulation occurs around 12 to 16 days before your next period, not 14 days after your last one. That distinction matters, because it means ovulation timing shifts depending on your cycle length. For example, in a shorter 24-day cycle, it may occur as early as days 8 to 12. In a longer 35-day cycle, it may not happen until days 19 to 23. While day 14 is often quoted as the “average”, applying it as a universal rule is misleading. Cycle lengths vary widely between individuals and even from month to month in the same person. If you are taking birth control or hormonal contraception, you may not ovulate. These methods work primarily by suppressing ovulation and also thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg. It’s also important to understand where cycle variability comes from. The second half of the cycle, from ovulation to your next period (the luteal phase) tends to be relatively consistent, typically lasting around 14 days. The variation in total cycle length mostly comes from the first half (the follicular phase), which is why ovulation timing can shift. Even if you have regular cycles, ovulation isn’t perfectly predictable. Factors like stress, illness, travel, weight fluctuation, and disrupted sleep can delay ovulation by interfering with the hormonal signals that trigger it. When a period arrives later than expected, it’s usually because ovulation happened later,  not because the period itself was delayed. As for how long ovulation lasts, the process itself only takes about 12 to 24 hours. You can expect to ovulate about 8-20 hours after your LH peaks or 24-36 hours after the LH surge begins rising. What is the fertile window? Your fertile window is a six-day window during each menstrual cycle, the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself when you are most likely to get pregnant. An egg can only survive for 12–24 hours after ovulation, but sperm can survive for up to five days in the female reproductive tract, so if you have unprotected sex in the days before ovulation, pregnancy is still possible. Recent research has shown that the two to three days immediately before ovulation carry the highest probability of conception. In 2025, Hertility’s research team published a study that has become the largest of its kind on fertility awareness in women actively trying to conceive. Analysing responses from 97,414 women, the study found that more than 41% could not accurately identify their fertile window.  What are the signs of ovulation? Your body produces a recognisable set of physical signs and symptoms  around ovulation. Not everyone experiences all of them, but knowing what to look for is the first step in understanding your cycle. The most consistent physical sign is a change in cervical mucus. In the days before ovulation, discharge becomes increasingly clear, slippery, and stretchy, a consistency often compared to raw egg white. This mucus coincides with peak fertility and is driven by rising oestrogen. After ovulation, progesterone causes mucus to thicken and reduce. Other signs include a mild one-sided ache or twinge in the lower abdomen (mittelschmerz), a slight rise in basal body temperature (BBT) after ovulation has occurred, light mid-cycle spotting, increased libido, and breast tenderness. To know read our blog here. How can you track ovulation signs and symptoms? There are several methods you can use to track ovulation, including hormone testing kits, monitoring cervical mucus changes, tracking basal body temperature, and using a period tracking app. Each has different strengths and limitations. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) Ovulation predictor kits detect the LH surge in your urine […]

If you’re trying to conceive, or thinking about trying soon, it’s a good idea to get clued up about how alcohol can impact fertility and your chances of conception. Read on to find out how drinking can impact female and male fertility. Quick facts: The relationship between alcohol and hormones If you’re trying to conceive, or beginning to think about starting a family, chances are you’ve probably recommended to stop, or at least cut down, drinking alcohol…  Not exactly the news most of us want to hear, but unfortunately alcohol consumption can affect our fertility (in both women and men) and therefore, our chances of conceiving. Although all alcohol can affect fertility, new research has indicated that in those assigned-female-at-birth, both the timing of alcohol consumption, in relation to where we are at in our menstrual cycles, and the quantity we drink can determine how bad it’s negative effects are.  But do we need to cut the vino out all together? Or is there space to find a happy medium? Let’s take a look at exactly how alcohol and fertility are linked and what the effects of drinking are at different stages of the menstrual cycle and conception. Can you drink while trying to get pregnant? Any form of alcohol consumption may impact our ability to get, and stay, pregnant.  Less is known about alcohol’s effects on fertility and chances of conception than about its harmful effect on pregnancy, but overall the NHS currently recommends that alcohol should be avoided by women who are actively trying to conceive. This is to keep any possible risks to a baby that might be conceived to a minimum, as we may not know that we’re pregnant until a few, or more, weeks into a pregnancy.  If we’re drinking and do become pregnant, we may risk unintentionally exposing the baby to alcohol. Since there is no known safe level of alcohol for a developing foetus, the safest approach is to avoid it.  Additionally, as we mentioned before, alcohol will also affect our ability to get pregnant in the first place—so if we’re trying to conceive, it’s also best to reduce our drinking to a minimum. Does alcohol affect fertility? In short yes—any form of alcohol consumption has been found to affect both female and male fertility. Some studies suggest that even low to moderate alcohol consumption, which is classed as two drinks or less per day, can be associated with reduced fertility in both men and women.  However, there have been some recent studies that suggest in women, timing of alcohol consumption can play a part in determining its negative effects on our ability to conceive. Let’s take a look at female fertility and alcohol a little more closely… Female fertility and alcohol A recently published study by the University of Louisville was the first of its kind to investigate alcohol consumption’s effects on fertility during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Whilst researchers observed a significant association between heavy drinking and a reduced likelihood of conceiving at all points during the menstrual cycle, light to moderate drinking varied significantly.  The study found that when participants drank in moderation, around 3-6 alcoholic drinks per week, during the luteal phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation), it resulted in a 44% reduction in the chance of conceiving compared to non-drinkers.  However, during the follicular phase (the first half of the menstrual cycle, before ovulation) and during ovulation, only heavy drinking was associated with a reduced chance of conceiving. Light and moderate drinking during these phases did not impact the participants chances of conceiving compared to non-drinkers. Why does alcohol affect fertility? Although the exact cause isn’t known, it’s been suggested that alcohol disrupts hormone levels, which in turn, can have knock-on-implications for our fertility.  Studies have shown that alcohol intake is associated with an increase in levels of oestrogen, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and  Luteinising Hormone (LH), in addition to a decreasing our progesterone levels. In those assigned-female-at-birth, disrupting just one of these sex hormones can disrupt the menstrual cycle and our ability to ovulate, thus reducing our chances of conceiving.  Aside from its effect on our hormone levels, alcohol also negatively impacts our general health—which can lead to knock-on impacts for our fertility, making it harder to get, and stay pregnant, in addition to raising the risk for foetal conditions and other birth complications. Male fertility and alcohol Despite most conversations centering on female responsibility when it comes to fertility—it’s important to remember that male fertility is also affected by alcohol consumption.  Similarly to those assigned female-at-birth, alcohol also disrupts the normal balance of hormones in men—including reducing testosterone levels, which again becomes more pronounced with heavy drinking over a longer period. Does alcohol affect sperm? A study of 1221 men in Denmark found that sperm quality decreased in men who reported drinking more than 5 units (around 3 small beers) of alcohol a week. This decrease in sperm quality became even more pronounced in men who reported drinking over 25 units of alcohol in a typical week (around 10 pints of beer). Can a man drink alcohol while trying to conceive? Although alcohol intake in men when trying to conceive will not harm any possible pregnancy that may occur, as mentioned above, it will likely affect their sperm quality, and thus, their sperm’s ability to fertilise an egg. Tips for reducing your alcohol intake  Understandably, cutting out alcohol all together can be a challenge for many of us, despite its health benefits. But if you’re keen to reduce your alcohol intake (for your fertility or just in general) here are some of our top tips to get you started: There are also a number of really great sources which provide more detailed advice for reducing your alcohol intake, including the NHS, Support Line and Drink Aware. Need some guidance on your fertility journey? Our clinically validated at-home hormone and fertility tests are tailored to you and your health needs, […]

Deciding to start a family is never an easy process, but for some employees who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, their journey to parenthood might need some more support.  Being a 21st-century employer means establishing an inclusive, progressive and supportive work environment to attract and retain employees. A 2017 study by Mercer found that 33% of UK respondents do not offer equal benefits to LGBTQ+  employees because they do not know how to implement such a benefit!  Here are some ways to provide support to your LGBTQ+ employees in their fertility journeys Partner with experts like Hertility to raise awareness about the advances in fertility treatments such as IVF (in vitro fertilisation), IUI (intrauterine insemination), surrogacy, etc., that made it possible for LGBTQ+ couples to have biologically related children. Refer your employee to resources like Hertility that may help them understand the basics of all things reproductive health will make them more confident in their reproductive journeys. Gender-affirming treatments can impact fertility, and therefore, many require fertility preservation, such as banking eggs, sperm or embryos before medical transition. With the number of NHS-funded cycles declining rapidly, LGBTQ+ couples have to fulfil extensive criteria before being eligible for a funded cycle, because of which,  many are opting for private treatment, where the average cost per cycle can be about £5,000, varying significantly depending on the treatment options chosen and the clinic (HFEA). Listen to feedback from employees,  ask them what they would want to feel more supported in their choices and try to develop policies around them. Establishing fertility benefits policies – covering proactive fertility testing, fertility treatment or egg freezing costs or providing low-interest loans – can help align your interests with your employees, supporting their individual journeys to parenthood, facilitating equality, diversity and inclusion. If you have existing family planning and health benefit policies, revisit the language and clauses to ensure LGBTQ+ employees are eligible for the equal benefits to support them as they embark on their parenthood journey, whether that be through fertility treatment, surrogacy, adoption, or parental leave. Hertility can help train your staff on all things related to policies.  About Hertility Health Hertility Health is shaping the future of Reproductive Health by giving women the ability to understand and manage their fertility and hormone health from menstruation to menopause. 1 in 3 women suffer with a reproductive health issue, yet conversations around fertility, menopause and menstrual symptoms are still stigmatised in the workplace. As employees suffer in silence – up to £4k is lost per year per employee due to reduced productivity, absenteeism and presenteeism. To learn more about our Reproductive Health Education and Benefits for Employers, reach out to benefits@hertilityhealth.com or visit our website. Trusted resources:https://www.imercer.com/uploads/dmi/2017_lgbt_sample.pdfhttps://www.bpas.org/media/3484/bpas-fertility-investigation-nhs-funded-fertility-care-for-female-same-sex-couples.pdf    

When our reproductive hormone levels are affected, it can cause menstrual cycle disruptions that can result in fertility issues. In this article, we’ll take a look at alcohol’s effects on the main female reproductive hormones. Quick facts: How alcohol and hormones interact According to recent data, women and those assigned-female-at-birth are, on average, drinking more alcohol than ever before. Whilst many people are aware of the immediate health consequences of drinking—including the caloric impact and the dreaded hangover, there’s still very limited awareness of the effects that alcohol can have on female hormonal health.  Hormones act as chemical messengers, which control and coordinate various bodily processes. Each of our hormones relies on a complex system of interactions, often with other hormones, to maintain their levels and carry out their intended functions.  Drinking alcohol, as well as other lifestyle factors like smoking, can affect our hormones, both directly and indirectly. Which hormones are affected by alcohol? Hormones affected by alcohol include: Our hormones are sensitive. They rely on a complex set of interactions, both with one another and other bodily processes in order to stay in balance and perform their functions properly.  Alcohol consumption is known to affect our levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone significantly—three very important hormones in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and overall health. It can also affect our levels of Anti-müllerian Hormone (AMH), gonadotropins like Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Lutenising hormone (LH), thyroid hormones and prolactin.  Let’s take a look at each of them in turn. Oestrogen and alcohol Oestrogen is probably the hormone you know best—it plays an important role in many elements of our health, including the regulation of the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density and skin health. Acute consumption of alcohol has been shown to increase oestrogen levels. Increased oestrogen levels over a prolonged period can be associated with breast cancer development in those assigned-female-at-birth. The United Kingdom Million Women Study revealed that every additional drink per day contributed to 11 breast cancers per 1,000 women up to age 75. Progesterone and alcohol Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), are involved in egg maturation and ovulation, two key elements of the menstrual cycle and female fertility. A surge in your levels of LH triggers the egg to be ovulated, however, there is some evidence that alcohol consumption may affect both the levels of LH in general and the ability of the egg to respond to LH. Excessive alcohol consumption may even affect how the cells within the fallopian tubes function. Testosterone and alcohol Testosterone is typically associated with male sexual development and fertility, but it also plays an important role in female sexual development and fertility, including regulating female libido.  There is some evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may increase testosterone levels, causing an imbalance in androgen levels. High testosterone levels can lead to symptoms like acne, excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), irregular periods, mood changes and loss of libido. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and alcohol AMH is produced by the granulosa cells within your ovarian follicles and is used as an indicator of ovarian reserve (your egg count). The relationship between alcohol consumption and AMH is slightly contentious. Some studies have found no change in AMH levels in people who consumed alcohol but more recent studies have shown those who engage in “binge drinking” had lower levels of AMH.  Binge drinking is defined by the Centres for disease control (CDC) as “a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 g/dl or above”. Basically, consuming 4 or more drinks in the space of 2 hours.  Because of AMH’s close ties to your ovarian reserve, lowered AMH levels can indicate a low ovarian reserve. Gonadotropins and alcohol There are two types of gonadotropin hormones in the body—Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Both FSH and LH are involved in egg maturation and ovulation, two key elements of the menstrual cycle and female fertility.  A surge in LH levels at the midpoint of the menstrual cycle is what triggers ovulation—that month’s mature egg being released into the Fallopian tube.  There is some evidence that suggests alcohol consumption may increase LH levels in general and also impair the ability of our eggs to respond to LH. Excessive alcohol consumption may also affect how the cells within the Fallopian tubes function. Thyroid hormones and alcohol Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that plays an important role in the regulation of many different bodily functions such as your heart rate, body temperature and growth development.  Alcohol consumption has been shown to alter the levels of the thyroid hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) with heavy use showing decreased levels of T3 and T4. Low levels of thyroid hormones are known as hypothyroidism and can cause a huge number of symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, heavy or irregular periods, fertility issues and irregular ovulation, depression and more. Prolactin and alcohol Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with increased prolactin levels. Consistently high levels of prolactin in your body is called hyperprolactinemia and is significantly associated with infertility through interference with other hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. Alcohol and trying to conceive When trying to conceive, cutting down on your drinking is often one of the first things on your preconception to-do list. The dangerous effects of alcohol on the developing foetus can range from physical to mental and generally disrupt their development in the womb (see foetal alcohol syndrome).  It is also known that alcohol consumption affects the success of IVF treatment, with one study showing people who had at least four drinks per week were 16% less likely to have a live birth than those who had less than four drinks. Additionally, a 21% lower live birth rate was found for couples in which both drank more than four drinks per week. Other effects of alcohol on the body As well as impacting our hormones, alcohol has other broad-reaching effects on the body and the […]

Folic acid is a vital preconception supplement. But what makes folic acid so important? How and when should you be taking it? We’ve broken down everything you need to know about folic acid for preconception care. Read on to get clued up. Quick facts: What is folic acid?  Folic acid is the man-made version of the vitamin folate, a form of vitamin B9. It is used by our bodies to make new cells and is needed to support the rapid growth of foetal tissues and organs in early pregnancy.  Unfortunately, our bodies do not store folic acid, which is why we must get our supply from certain foods and supplements. Why is folic acid important for pre-conception and pregnancy? Folic acid is important in helping your unborn child’s brain, skull and spinal cord to develop properly. It reduces the risk of potential neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, by 70%.  Whilst spina bifida is not that common, it can create significant problems for its sufferers that affect everyday life. These include problems with mobility and movement, bladder and bowel problems and learning difficulties.  Folic acid is also used to: When should you start taking folic acid? The advised amount of folic acid to take daily is 400mcg. However, some people may need a higher dose if they have a higher risk of having a pregnancy affected by neural tube defects.  You may have a higher risk if:  In these cases, your doctor will be able to advise the correct dosage you should be consuming to keep your child protected. Which foods contain natural forms of folic acid? You can also find the natural form of folic acid or folate, in certain foods. Introducing these to your diet will increase your folate levels: However, the amount of folic acid in these foods is often not enough to provide your baby with the best protection, so it is important to add the tablet form to your daily routine too. Understanding preconception nutrition If you’re looking for some help understanding your preconception or pregnancy nutrition, you can book a call with one of our Fertility Nutritionists.  Our nutritionists will work with you and recommend a personalised nutrition plan for your specific fertility goals, taking into consideration your medical history and lifestyle. Get in touch today if we can help.