3 Things You Need to Know About Fertility Apps
Instead of “charting” your menstrual cycle like in the old days, technology has come up with Apps that help a woman keep track of her menstrual period, cervical mucus and all fertility-related issues. The twist is that most of these fertility apps operate on the basic scientific understanding of the menstrual cycles, and it is also known that most women’s bodies do not function primarily based on these scientific understandings.
Most of these apps end up asking you to input information such as your last menstrual period, last sexual intercourse, consistency of your cervical mucus, how your cervix feels like and so on, just to help keep track of your fertility cycle. It can be helpful to some women, but it is also important to note that they do NOT guarantee you getting pregnant. For those women who turn to these sorts of apps, here are 3 things you need to keep in mind:
1. They’re less likely to work if you have irregular cycles
These apps give you feedback based on the idea that your cycle is going to repeat itself, so they are best suited for women with regular cycles. If you get your period at the same time each month, that means that you have a regular cycle and they will be more on target. If your periods are not regular, coming at different times each month or not coming at all, a doctor is who you should see – an app may not be too helpful.
2. Don’t wait until the app says you’re ovulating to have sex
Because there is a possibility that your app might not be a 100 % correct, even for women with regular cycles, sex should be a constant thing between yourself and your husband, not just when the app says you should. Natural life changing occurrences such as stress, depression, exercise e.t.c tend to offset women’s menstrual cycle, so you have to constantly keep your sexual relationship alive.
3. Knowing the science behind fertility might help you
Knowing the science behind your fertile signals may help you better use your app. “Understanding the basics of the body is important for inputting the information and managing expectations when using these apps, They can help a woman improve her understanding of her cycles or provide a sense of control.” Clara Ward, MD, a maternal-fetal specialist with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital says.
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