Menstrual Cycles and Fertility: Myths and Facts

Q: Menstrual Cycles and Fertility: Myths and Facts

Dear FLORENCE： 1. Pregnancy and menstruation are both results of the normal functioning of the ovaries and uterus. However, there are some differences. 2. Menstruation is the result of the shedding of the endometrium, which relies on hormones and progester

Pregnancy issues

Hello, Doctor:
1.
I would like to ask, some doctors say that a woman having menstruation does not necessarily indicate fertility, which is quite alarming.
However, there is a questionable point: the uterus ovulates each month, and if the ovum is not fertilized, menstruation occurs.
This means that ovulation must occur every month for menstruation to happen, correct? Since ovulation occurs, it seems that the only difference is whether fertilization happens, which would lead to pregnancy, right? Could you explain the reasons why a woman having menstruation may not necessarily indicate fertility?
2.
If certain foods can lead to infertility, then the uterus should be the first organ to feel discomfort, correct?
3.
Thank you for your explanation, and I wish you good health and all the best.

FLORENCE, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/10/05

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear FLORENCE:
1.
Pregnancy and menstruation are both results of the normal functioning of the ovaries and uterus.
However, there are some differences.

2.
Menstruation is the result of the shedding of the endometrium, which relies on hormones and progesterone secreted by the ovaries for its normal growth.
However, after a period of time, the hormones and progesterone secreted by the ovaries gradually decrease to zero, causing the endometrial tissue to become unsustainable, leading to its breakdown and expulsion through the vagina, which is menstruation.

3.
To achieve pregnancy, it is necessary to have normal ovarian hormone function to stabilize the endometrium, allowing for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Additionally, healthy sperm and eggs are required to form a fertilized egg.
Sperm comes from the male partner, while eggs are the result of ovulation from the ovaries.

4.
Typically, the eggs in the ovaries gradually mature to the point of ovulation.
As the eggs grow, the surrounding cells also produce hormones and progesterone, with both processes occurring simultaneously.
Therefore, healthy ovaries have the capability of both ovulation and hormone production.
The ability to ovulate is necessary for the potential to conceive, while hormone production can stimulate the uterus to produce menstruation.

5.
Thus, under normal circumstances, the ovaries have both ovulatory and hormone-producing functions (stimulating the uterus to produce menstruation).
However, there are a few women who only have hormone-producing functions (stimulating the uterus to produce menstruation) without ovulation.
Even in the absence of ovulation, hormone production can still stimulate the uterus to produce menstruation, so menstruation can still occur.
Therefore, a woman may have menstruation without necessarily ovulating, which means she may not have the ability to conceive.

6.
If the food consumed has a negative effect on fertility, then the uterus should be the first to feel discomfort, right? Most foods are healthy, and as long as one maintains a balanced diet without specific dietary restrictions, there is no need for concern.
Currently, research in Western medicine does not seem to indicate any specific foods that cause infertility, nor do they lead to discomfort in the uterus.

Wishing you peace and health,
Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu
Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2011/10/05

More Info

Understanding menstrual cycles and fertility is crucial for women who are trying to conceive or are simply curious about their reproductive health. The relationship between menstruation and fertility is often misunderstood, leading to myths and misconceptions.
Firstly, it is important to clarify that while menstruation is a sign of a functioning reproductive system, it does not necessarily indicate that a woman is ovulating. The menstrual cycle is divided into several phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and menstruation. During the follicular phase, the body prepares for ovulation, which typically occurs around the midpoint of the cycle. If an egg is not fertilized during ovulation, the hormone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining, which is what we recognize as menstruation.

The key point here is that some women can experience regular menstrual cycles without actually ovulating. This condition is known as anovulation. In anovulatory cycles, the body may still produce hormones that lead to the thickening of the uterine lining, but without the release of an egg, there is no possibility of conception. Therefore, a woman can have a regular menstrual period but may not have the ability to conceive if she is not ovulating.

Regarding the question of whether certain foods can affect fertility, it is essential to understand that while diet plays a significant role in overall health, there is no definitive evidence that specific foods directly cause infertility. However, a balanced diet rich in nutrients can support reproductive health. For instance, diets high in trans fats and low in fruits and vegetables may negatively impact fertility. Conversely, a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and whole grains can promote better reproductive health.
Moreover, the body’s response to food and nutrition can vary from person to person. Some women may experience hormonal imbalances due to poor dietary choices, which can lead to irregular cycles and affect fertility. Therefore, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is advisable for women who are trying to conceive.

In summary, while menstruation is an essential aspect of the reproductive cycle, it does not guarantee ovulation or fertility. Women can have regular periods and still face challenges in conceiving due to anovulation or other underlying health issues. It is crucial for women to monitor their menstrual cycles and consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns about their fertility. Regular check-ups and discussions about reproductive health can provide valuable insights and help address any potential issues early on.
If you are trying to conceive and have concerns about your menstrual cycle or fertility, consider tracking your ovulation through methods such as basal body temperature charting or ovulation predictor kits. These tools can help you identify your fertile window and increase your chances of conception. Additionally, if you have been trying to conceive for an extended period without success, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a fertility specialist who can provide personalized guidance and support.

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