Specializing in Women's Reproductive Well-Being
A gynecologist is a specialist in women's reproductive health. Modern-day gynecologists are often also obstetricians, so there is some overlap in definition between the two, with the main difference being that gynecologists are also trained to perform gynecological surgeries.
In addition to routine reproductive system care, conception and pregnancy check-ups, and beginning diagnosis and treatments for infertility, gynecologists treat specific reproductive illnesses in women such as cancer, incontinence, abnormal or missing menstrual periods, and prolapse of organs within the pelvis.
Conceiving with the Help of Your Gynecologist
If you've decided you want to have a child, your gynaecologist can assist you in making conception as easy as possible. Knowing when you're fertile can be a big help in getting pregnant, and one of the easiest ways to determine that is with the use of an ovulation test.
An ovulation test works in a similar manner to a pregnancy test. However, while a pregnancy test looks for traces of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), an ovulation test detects traces of luteinizing hormone (LH). Luteinizing hormone is the trigger for your ovaries to release the egg. Positive results on an ovulation test indicate that you have ovulated within the last twenty-four hours. As the egg can only survive up to forty-eight hours, the ovulation test results are intended to show you your two-day 'fertility window'. Having intercourse during the two days after a positive result on an ovulation test has a much higher chance of resulting in pregnancy, and may be useful in evaluating fertility or reproductive problems if pregnancy does not result after six months of trying.
Types of Ovulation Test
There are two types of ovulation test available on the market. The twenty-day daily ovulation test is useful for women who have no known fertility problems, are not on hormone-based fertility medication, and are not charting their menstrual cycles. This type of ovulation test allows you to test continuously for twenty days, achieving not only an overall picture of your standard menstrual cycle, but also the all-important 'fertility window'.
Alternatively, there is a seven-day daily ovulation test, which is of more use to women who are already aware of their usual reproductive cycles. This ovulation test helps pinpoint your two most fertile days out of the month by calculating your regular date of ovulation. This type of ovulation test may be better for women who experience irregular cycles, as practicing fertility awareness with an unpredictable menstrual cycle can be taxing and full of uncertainty.
Whichever ovulation test you choose, be aware that hormone-based medications may interfere with the accuracy of your results. Discuss your options with your gynaecologist, and ask if they can recommend any other methods of fertility testing, or other types of ovulation test, that may help you succeed.
