The
wonderful thing about women, is we are all different and this is reflected
throughout our menstrual cycle as well. So there are no typical reactions
during ovulation, only personal experiences that we can often explain in both
western medical terms and eastern medical terms. Around the time of ovulation,
if a woman feels particularly moody we can usually attribute this to the rise
in estrogen that occurs right before the LH (luteal hormone) surge that enables
her to release a mature egg ready for conception. From a Chinese medical
perspective we differentiate further asking if the moodiness is more crying,
more anger or more despondency. Each emotion has a different pattern we can
identify and treat from Liver Qi Stagnation to Heart Blood Deficiency.
Each woman has different
experiences with their libido during ovulation. Some women report they actually
feel more turned on and even find their partner more attractive during
ovulation. They may also notice an increase in cervical mucus that makes
intercourse more comfortable with the natural lubrication that helps sperm
travel faster. Other women, typically
those who experience breast tenderness or mittelschmerz (mid-cycle ovulation
pain) , are unfortunately less inclined to want to have intercourse due to
their pain and sensitivity. It’s nothing to worry about and acupuncture can
alleviate pain, inflammation and even increase libido if this is a concern.
Each couple has their own story when trying to conceive (TTC)
and some can find ovulation a really exciting time where they make the time to
connect and be intimate with one another. However, many couples who have been
TTC for a long time can get extraordinarily stressed from the pressure of
timing and performance. It’s not uncommon for their husband to struggle with
impotency if the pressure mounts too high. Many couples struggle with the
monotony or forced timing of ovulation that can put a damper on their passion.
Additionally, having had years of failed attempts at getting pregnant, it can be really stressful to continue to try month after month with so many negative pregnancy test.
To help ease the stress, a woman can wear a watch at night to help find her most fertile window. This is the easiest way to figure out your best timing for conception and there is less pressure for one moment: it often gives you a 5 day window when you are most fertile so couples can have a more relaxed approach to when they have intercourse.
Additionally, having had years of failed attempts at getting pregnant, it can be really stressful to continue to try month after month with so many negative pregnancy test.
To help ease the stress, a woman can wear a watch at night to help find her most fertile window. This is the easiest way to figure out your best timing for conception and there is less pressure for one moment: it often gives you a 5 day window when you are most fertile so couples can have a more relaxed approach to when they have intercourse.
However, a skilled Acupuncturist and herbalist who specializes in infertility can strategize
for ways to make their intercourse during her fertile window fun and exciting
again. Sometimes we even encourage couples to stop tracking ovulation less
diligently so that they can just enjoy one another and recover some of the
passion they have lost. For those who still want to get pregnant we just
encourage intercourse two to three times a week so they at least have an opportunity
to conceive but with a lot less pressure.
If a woman feels extreme shifts in mood
around the time of ovulation I would strongly suggest she sees an acupuncturist
who specializes in women’s health or infertility. Within three months we
typically can balance hormones, regulate the Traditional Chinese medical
pattern and disharmony that is causing the emotional imbalance. Exercise,
massage, and guided meditation to treat anxiety or depression too can help calm
women during this time as well.
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