What does the concept of "ovulation" mean, every woman knows. But not every representative of the weaker sex is familiar with the signs that imply this gynecological process. When a moment comes in a lady’s life associated with the desire to conceive a child, the study of this issue begins, and if conception fails, a gynecologist comes into play, explaining to the woman the details of calculating the period of ovulation. During this period of time, ladies get acquainted with a new concept - "pupil symptom" in gynecology.
Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle (MC) in each woman is characterized by individual features. The duration of the MC for each lady lasts within 23-35 days before the period of ovulation.
The starting point of the menstrual cycle is the first day of menstruation, lasting from three to seven days. About 80% of women are faced with the fact that they feel severe pain in the lower abdomen in the first days of menstruation. These pains are caused by hormones that help shed the lining of the uterus.
The process of preparing for the ovulation period
The beginning of the menstrual cycle is accompanied by the production of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). This hormone comes from a gland calledpituitary. This gland is located at the base of the brain.
Each of the follicles (vesicles in the ovaries filled with air) includes an egg cell that is in an immature state. The FSH hormone affects the initial stage of maturation of an individual follicle. During this process, the production of the hormone estrogen begins. As the follicle matures, the level of estrogen in the body increases. Of the total number of follicles, only one dominates. An egg matures in this follicle.
The level of estrogenic content of 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, the level of which is high, affects the increase in vitreous mucus (clear, slightly whitish, sticky discharge). This mucus helps spermatozoa to easily move through the cervical mucosa and stay there for several days in an active state.
Ovulation cycle
The steady rise in estrogen levels in the body leads to an ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). An increased level of LH affects the process of rupture of the follicle, which has become dominant. After the rupture, a mature egg will be released from the follicle and enter the fallopian tube. This process is called ovulation.
There is a misconception among women that the ovulation period occurs on the 14th day of the MC, but this is only an average. Ovulation in 90% of cases occurs on other days of the cycle. In addition, ovulation is a non-permanent process. From cycle to cycle, this period occurs on different days, without giving itself away by 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 the hormonal status and processes caused by hormones in the female body. The amount of hormones is determined by blood and urine tests. Functional diagnostic tests are performed to determine ovarian function:
1. Colpocytological study. This test is performed to identify and diagnose problems in the female organs responsible for childbearing. Analysis determines:
- bleeding from the uterus, infertility and so on;
- start of ovulation.
This study is carried out using a pipette or a special spoon. Material located on the side wall of the vagina is collected with an instrument and placed on the edge of a laboratory glass, making a narrow smear. After collection, the swab is dried and stained.
2. Analysis of the properties of vitreous mucus (symptom of the pupil and "fern") determines:
- viscosity and consistency, which depend on the amount of proteins and ions;
- flexibility reaching 14 cm in the periovulatory period;
- crystallization (state of slime after drying on glass).
Secretion and refractive power of cervical secretions change, determining the basis of the phenomena called "fern symptom" and "pupil symptom". The diagnostic method is based on determining the quantity and quality of mucus in the cavitycervix.
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, the body temperature increases during the post-ovulation period.
4. Histological examination of endometrial scrapings. Helps identify causes of infertility, menstrual dysfunction, amenorrhea, and more.
Detect pupil symptom
During the menstrual cycle, the cervix and cervical mucus are amenable to change. The changes that occur are an approximate test of the functionality of the female gonads (ovaries).
With the onset of the fifth day of the cycle, the external opening of the cervix opens. This happens until the egg reaches full maturation. Here you can see the cervical mucus, which disappears after the end of ovulation (on the 20-21st day of the MC).
When the maximum diameter of the cervical canal is reached (on the 8th-9th day of the MC), the shape of the pharynx, on which the beam of light is directed, acquires a dark color and resembles a pupil. Therefore, this phenomenon is called the “pupil symptom” in gynecology (photo 3).
Stages 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 (absence of mucus in the cervical cavity).
2. (+) - weakly positive (the cervical canal is a narrow strip or dot created by vitreous secretions).
3. (++) – positive pupil symptom (canal dilatation up to 20 mm).
4. (+++) - sharply positive (opening up to 30 mm with abundant secretions of cervical mucus).
If the symptom of the pupil during the menstrual cycle is mild, this is evidence of a reduced state of estrogens.
To determine the saturation of the body with estrogens, the tension of the mucus is determined. To do this, a sample of vitreous mucus is taken and elasticity (how stretchable it is) is determined. The normal length of the tension is between 6 and 8 cm - this indicates a sufficient amount of estrogen in the body.
The non-existence and mild symptom of the pupil indicate a decrease in estrogen levels, and an abundant amount of cervical mucus calls for a multifaceted treatment of a disease 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 that is a favorable time for conception. After ovulation ends, the follicle begins to secrete a hormone called progesterone. This hormone prepares the mucous membrane to receive a fertilized egg. The follicle itself begins to contract and release estrogen while continuing to release progesterone. This period may be characterized by a drowsy state of a woman, causelessirritability, painful sensations of the mammary glands and so on. This state will last until the follicle shrinks to a normal state and the level of hormone secretion decreases as much as possible.
Charts of the activity of all hormones show the state of the body in preparation for the next menstruation or during pregnancy:
Completion of ovulation
The fertilized egg will connect with the mucous membrane of the cervical cavity within 7 days after fertilization. From the moment of connection, the production of the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) begins. This hormone will help the activity of the empty follicle, which produces the necessary hormones to prevent egg rejection, until the placenta is formed.
