The Benefits Of Ovulation For Maintaining Good Health

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin

December 28, 2021

Highlights

What are the Signs of Ovulation?
What are the Benefits of Ovulation?
What are the Risks Associated with Ovulation?

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Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries every month. Women produce estrogen and progesterone hormones that control their menstrual cycle and fertility during this time. Ovulation usually happens mid-cycle, about 14 days before a woman’s next period starts. For those who are trying to conceive, knowing the benefits of ovulation is like knowing the ‘fertile window’ when they are more likely to get pregnant.

The menstrual cycle is the regular monthly release of hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which cause the ovaries to release an egg. During this time, the body prepares for pregnancy. Ovulation occurs when the follicle ruptures and releases an egg from the ovaries.

Ovulation occurs every month as the egg matures. Ovulation is a healthy and natural process. It is an important milestone for people with ovaries who are trying to get pregnant and those who use natural family planning methods.

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation is the process of releasing an egg from one of the ovaries. The most fertile time for most women is about two weeks before the next period, which is called the follicular phase. This usually lasts for about 12-14 days and can result in pregnancy if there is intercourse with ejaculation during that time. On the other hand, it can happen at any point during the menstrual’s cycle, and some can even have more than one egg released each month.

How does Ovulation Affect Women?

Research has found that ovulation is a natural process in the menstrual cycle that stimulates the body to produce estrogen. The estrogen hormone enhances the libido and sexual arousal, giving an increased interest in sex. In addition, it stimulates the production of the female hormones progesterone and testosterone.

What are the Signs of Ovulation?

There are several signals that can indicate that you are about to ovulate. Here are some of the most common ones:

Fertility App prediction for regular mestrual cycles
Basal Body Temperature
Cervical Mucus
Mood Swings
Cervix Positioning

The most reliable sign of ovulation is cervical mucus production. The consistency of this mucus changes with your menstrual cycle, and it becomes wetter and more elastic around the time of ovulation. Although it might be difficult to notice this mucus, which is really more like a slippery fluid than the mucus you find in your nose, it is very important as it can be used to accurately time ovulation. A change in cervical mucus is the most accurate way of knowing if you are about to ovulate, but it is not the only way. There are a number of other signs that ovulation will occur, including increased body temperature; increased sex drive

What are the Benefits of Ovulation?

Ovulation comes with a number of benefits, which include a decrease in the risk of ovarian cancer and an increase in fertility. The benefits of ovulation also helps you to understand what is happening with your hormones and reproductive system. Some people only ovulate every other month or so, but there are some who may not have any cycles without being pregnant.

A new study published in Cell shows the benefits of estradiol. High levels of this hormone are shown to have positive effects on muscle metabolism, insulin sensitivity, bone strength, and the cardiovascular system.

Ovulation hormones offer weekly benefits to different human physiology. Progesterone eliminates inflammation, regulates immune function, and aids in thyroid function. It adds support to healthy breast tissue and healthy brain functions. The cycle also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.

The benefit of ovulation is both short-term and long-term: women become stronger and build a metabolic reserve and better health. With ovarian hormones, the benefits of ovulation are both short-term: women become stronger, and long-term: building metabolic reserve and better health.

Canadian endocrinology professor Jerilynn Prior explains that women benefit from ovulation for many different reasons: “women benefit from 35 to 40 years of ovulatory cycles, not just for fertility but also to prevent osteoporosis, stroke, dementia, heart disease, and breast cancer.”

What are the Risks Associated with Ovulation?

Specific risks associated with ovulation include irregular periods and an increased risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer. It is also important to note that not having ovulation may be linked to a number of health problems, including infertility, menopause, and osteoporosis. Most women are able to have a baby after they stop using the pill. Take this quiz on the menstrual cycle to help you learn more. However, the pill can be a good option if you want to prevent pregnancy and have experienced any of the following: For birth control pills, this includes a missed period as well.

The ovary, which is the site of oocyte production, maintains production at a steady rate. Women are born with about one million eggs that are developed in the ovaries. These eggs are continuously being processed by the follicle so that only one matures each month. The uterus, which is the site of fertilization and development, constantly changes due to hormonal influence.

Ovulation is an important part of life for most healthy humans. For Professor Prior, it’s a “creator of good health,” which is most telling when taken as an indicator of good health. According to the author, most things that may be problematic with regard to your health are revealed in the lack of ovulation.

Doctors should always ask their patients about menstruation so as to show them how it is integral to their overall health. In December 2015, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agreed with the American Academy of Pediatrics on a groundbreaking statement that might have been overlooked by many–Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign.

Learning to observe, chart, and interpret an ovulatory cycle is one of the most significant steps women can take. Called body literacy, it demands proactive awareness by being in tune with our own fertility. Mastering this skill will have powerful benefits across your life.

If you aren’t considering the benefits of ovulation, you’re not considering your overall health using ovulation as a tracker of good health. Infano‘s period tracking app can help you track your menstrual cycle and predict ovulation dates. You can download the app here.

Read more about menstruation on our blog: https://infano.care/category/periods/

menstrual health ovulation tracker period tracking app Periods

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin has done her masters in Journalism & Communication and has worked as a senior journalist, editor and columnist for leading publications like The Logical Indian, Deccan Chronicle, Worldwide Media Corporation, The Bridge and Provoke.
With Infano, she hopes to create more awareness about women’s health issues. Suffering with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, she has also been advocating for its awareness through media.

Everything you need to know about Menstrual Disc and How it differs from a Menstrual Cup

Written By: Sindhu Kambam

May 10, 2021 | 09:13 PM |

1,205

Highlights

Menstrual disc is the best option for a mess-free period sex.
Unlike tampons and menstrual cup, it is inserted in the vaginal fornix.
Once it sits in place, it cannot be felt at all.
Menstrual discs are available in both reusable and disposable forms.

Quick Read
Full Read

Menstrual discs, made of medical-grade silicone, are just like tampons and menstrual cups that collect menstrual blood and are available in both reusable and disposable forms.

But unlike the cup or tampon that rest inside the vaginal canal, discs are inserted past the vaginal canal and sit at the base of the cervix, the area typically known as the vaginal fornix.

Typically, a menstrual disc offers protection for an average of 12 consecutive hours. But, if you have a heavy menstrual flow, you might have to change the disc more often.

Despite the initial difficulty and messiness of using the discs, in the long run, you will get more comfortable, because once it sits in place, it is undetectable i.e., it cannot be felt at all and can minimize cramps.

The menstrual disc collects your blood in a soft and flexible bag and lets you have mess-free period sex.

There are several brands available in India like Softdisc, Flex menstrual disc, Intimina Ziggy cup, and Nixit menstrual disc with prices ranging from Rs.1000 to Rs.3000. You can buy them online from their website or e-commerce platforms like Pee Safe and Amazon.

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Not comfortable using sanitary napkins or tampons during your periods?

Want to switch over to a more environment friendly options?

Here is another alternative apart from menstrual cups- Menstrual Discs.

A menstrual disc is a go-to option for your hassle-free periods.

While the market of a menstrual disc is not as robust as cups and tampons, it is worth knowing about menstrual discs which give you multiple benefits for your stress-free periods.

But, before making a switch, make sure you know everything about the menstrual disc and cup and experiment with what works for you.

Don’t have an idea of what a menstrual disc is and how to use it?

Here is a complete guide about the menstrual disc and how it differs from a menstrual cup that helps you make an informed choice to make your periods stress-free.

What are Menstrual Discs?

Menstrual discs, made of medical-grade silicone, are just like tampons and menstrual cups that collect menstrual blood and are available in both reusable and disposable forms.

But unlike the cup or tampon that rest inside the vaginal canal, discs are inserted past the vaginal canal and sit at the base of the cervix, the area typically known as the vaginal fornix. (The vaginal fornix is the widest part at the end of the vaginal canal, surrounding the cervix.)

How to use a Menstrual Disc?

Cleanliness & Hygiene

Make sure you wash your hands, as you are inserting the disc into the most sensitive and delicate place.

Inserting the menstrual disc

Get comfortable with a position that gives you the best access to your vagina either by sitting over the toilet, with your leg up on the seat or in a full squat.

Squeeze the sides of the rim together or pinch the disc in half with your thumb and forefinger. Push it into the vaginal canal as far as you can until it moves behind your cervix and make sure the rim of the edge that goes in last is pushed behind your pubic bone.

Typically, a menstrual disc offers protection for an average of 12 consecutive hours. But, if you have a heavy menstrual flow, you might have to change the disc more often. It is generally recommended to put a pad or liner in place as a precaution in times of heavy flow.

Removal

Sit over the toilet and relax your muscles. Clean your hands. Use your index finger to hook under the rim of the disc and gently pull it out. Though it could be tricky at first, you would get comfortable over the practice.

Since the disc’s reservoir does not hold its shape during removal, it is normal for menstrual fluid to get on your hands. So, it is generally advised to go through this process in the comfort of your home.

Aftercare

Empty the disc into the toilet and throw away the disc if it is disposable. If it is reusable, place the disc in the boiled water for five minutes. Wipe it with a clean cloth, let it air dry and store the disc in the dedicated pouch and reuse it.

Menstrual Disc – A Game changer for your Periods

They are comfortable

Despite the initial difficulty and messiness of using the discs, in the long run, you will get more comfortable, because once it sits in place, it is undetectable i.e., it cannot be felt at all.

If you live an active lifestyle, it is time for you to consider the menstrual disc as a period care option.

Ideal option for period sex

The menstrual disc collects your blood in a soft and flexible bag and lets you have mess-free period sex.

Because the menstrual disc sits at the base of the cervix and not inside the vaginal canal, there is no risk of injury to your partner, unlike the menstrual cup that may cause pain to your sexual partner.

Can minimize cramps

Though there is not any scientific evidence that discs can reduce menstrual cramps, many users report experiencing less pain with super flexible menstrual discs and are more comfortable than tampons.

How does a menstrual disc differ from a menstrual cup?

While both the disc and cup have been designed to collect the menstrual blood, they differ in terms of shape, size, and placement within the vagina.

Menstrual Disc	Menstrual Cup
A menstrual disc is a flexible, shallow, and wide bowl that is inserted past your vaginal canal and sits around your cervix in the vaginal fornix and collects menstrual blood before it ever enters the vaginal canal.	A menstrual cup is a flexible, narrow bell-shaped device that sits below your cervix and extends into your vaginal canal.
While the rim of a disc is rigid, the base of the bowl is made of thin and flexible silicone.	The base and rim of a menstrual cup are rigid and are designed to pop open once inserted into the vaginal canal.
Removal of a disc is a bit harder than the cup, as it makes things a little messier. As the disc does not have a suction seal, you need to hook your finger under the rim and pull to dislodge it.	Menstrual Cup is easier to remove without any mess. You just need to pinch the base of the cup to release the suction seal before removing the cup out of the vagina.
As you press the bowl during removal, it can cause some spillage. So, it is advised to remove the disc from the comfort of your home.	The base of the cup makes it easier to hold and remove the cup without any spillage.
A menstrual disc is the best option for mess-free period sex.	Cups are not recommended for use in times of period sex, for they cause injury to your partner.

Which one should I choose – Menstrual Disc or Menstrual Cup?

It depends on your body, age, your lifestyle, and level of physical activity, and your comfort level. If you have never used any of these products and want to try them, it could be intimidating for the first few days while inserting and removing the cup or disc, but you will get a hang of it in one or two cycles.

If your comfort level is not up for reaching high into your vagina to insert and remove, a menstrual cup is probably a good product for you to start.