What does the concept of “ovulation” mean, every woman knows. But not every representative of the fairer sex is familiar with the signs implying this gynecological process. When a moment comes in the life of a lady related to the desire to conceive a child, the study of this issue begins, and if conception does not work out, a gynecologist enters the game, explaining to the woman the details of calculating the period of ovulation. During this period of time, ladies get acquainted with a new concept - the "pupil symptom" in gynecology.
Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle (MC) in each woman is characterized by individual characteristics. The duration of MC in each lady lasts within 23–35 days before the period of ovulation.
The starting point of the menstrual cycle is the first day of your period, lasting from three to seven days. About 80% of women experience experiencing severe pain in the lower abdomen in the first days of menstruation. These pains are caused by hormones that help reject the uterine mucosa.
The process of preparing for the ovulation period
The onset of the menstrual cycle is accompanied by the production of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). This hormone comes from a gland called the pituitary gland. This gland is located at the base of the brain.
Each of the follicles (vesicles in the ovaries filled with air) includes an egg in an unripe state. The hormone FSH affects the initial stage of maturation of a single follicle. During this process, the production of the hormone estrogen begins . As the follicles mature, the level of estrogen in the body increases. Of the total number of follicles, only one dominates. In this follicle, the egg matures.
The level of estrogen content in the body helps the flow of nutrients and blood into the mucous membrane of the cervical cavity. At the time of fertilization, the egg will receive the necessary substances for the normal development of the fetus. Estrogen, whose level is high, affects the increase in vitreous mucus (transparent, slightly whitish, sticky secretions). This mucus helps the sperm to easily move along the mucous cavity of the cervix and be there for several days in an active state.
Ovulation cycle
A steady increase in estrogen levels in the body leads to an ovulatory burst of luteinizing hormone (LH). An increased level of LH affects the process of rupture of the follicle, which has become dominant. After a rupture, a mature egg will enter the follicle and fall into the fallopian tube. This process is called ovulation.
Among women, there is an erroneous opinion that the ovulation period begins on the 14th day of the MC, but this is only an average indicator. Ovulation in 90% of cases occurs on other days of the cycle. In addition, ovulation is a variable process. From cycle to cycle, this period begins on different days, not betraying itself with physical sensations.
Diagnostic Methods
Gynecological medicine is 80% based on endocrinological research. Therefore, the binding functions of the reproductive system are based on the analysis of changes in hormonal status and processes caused by hormones in the female body. The amount of hormones is determined by blood and urine tests. To determine ovarian function, functional diagnostic tests are performed:
1. Kolpotsitologichesky research. This test is carried out to determine and diagnose the problems of the female organs responsible for childbirth. The analysis determines:
- uterine bleeding, infertility and so on;
- the beginning of ovulation.
This study is carried out using a pipette or a special spoon. The material located on the side wall of the vagina is collected with an instrument and placed on the edge of the laboratory glass, making a narrow smear. After collection, the smear is dried and stained.
2. Analysis of the properties of the vitreous mucus (a symptom of the pupil and "fern") determines:
- viscosity and consistency, which depend on the amount of proteins and ions;
- extensibility, reaching 14 cm in the periovulatory period;
- crystallization (the state of mucus after drying on glass).
The secretion and refractive power of the cervical secretions change, defining the basis of phenomena called the “fern symptom” and the “pupil symptom”. The diagnostic method is based on determining the quantity and quality of mucus in the cervical cavity.
3. Determination of basal temperature. The method allows to determine the effect of progesterone on the thermoregulation center by increasing the temperature. If the corpus luteum functions normally, in the post-ovulation period the body temperature rises.
4. Histological examination of scraping of the endometrium. Helps determine the causes of infertility, menstrual dysfunction, amenorrhea and so on.
Pupil symptom detection
During the menstrual cycle, the cervix and cervical mucus change. The changes are an indicative test of the functionality of the female genital glands (ovaries).
With the onset of the fifth day of the cycle, the outer opening of the cervix opens. This happens until the egg reaches full maturity. Here you can see cervical mucus, which disappears after ovulation (on the 20-21st day of MC).
At the time of reaching the maximum diameter of the cervical canal (on the 8th-9th day of MC), the shape of the pharynx, to which the light beam is directed, acquires a dark color and resembles a pupil. Therefore, this phenomenon was called the “pupil symptom” in gynecology (photo 3).
Stage of the "pupil" phenomenon
The symptom of the pupil is divided into four degrees. Each degree determines the diameter of the cervical canal and the abundance of mucous secretions:
1. (-) - pupil symptom is negative (lack of mucus in the cervical cavity).
2. (+) - weakly positive (the cervical canal is a narrow strip or point created by vitreous discharge).
3. (++) - a positive symptom of the pupil (opening of the channel up to 20 mm).
4. (+++) - sharply positive (opening up to 30 mm with copious discharge of cervical mucus).
In the event that the symptom of the pupil during the menstrual cycle is weak, this is evidence of a decreased state of estrogen.
To determine the saturation of the body with estrogens, the tension of the mucus is determined. For this, a sample of vitreous mucus is taken and elasticity is determined (the way it is tensile). The normal length of the tension in the range from 6 to 8 cm - this indicates a sufficient amount of estrogen in the body.
Nonexistence and a mild symptom of the pupil indicate a decrease in estrogen levels, and an abundant amount of cervical mucus calls for a multifaceted treatment of diseases of the female organs.
Preparing for the end of ovulation
The life cycle of an egg released from the follicle moving to the uterus is 24 hours. It is the days before ovulation and the ovulation day itself - a favorable time for conception. After ovulation is complete, the follicle begins to secrete a hormone called progesterone. This hormone prepares the mucous membrane for the adoption of a fertilized egg. The follicle itself begins to contract and release estrogen, while continuing to secrete progesterone. This period can be characterized by a drowsy state of a woman, causeless irritability, painful sensations of the mammary glands and so on. This condition will last until the follicle is reduced to a normal state and the level of hormone secretion decreases as much as possible.
The activity graphs of all harmonics show the state of the body in preparation for the following menstruation or during pregnancy:
Completion of ovulation
A fertilized egg will connect to the mucous membrane of the cervical cavity within 7 days after fertilization. From the moment of connection, the production of the hCG pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin) begins. This hormone will help the activity of an empty follicle, which produces the necessary hormones to prevent egg rejection, until a placenta is formed.