Birds, Bees, & Fertility

A woman's reproductive system is an intricate labyrinth and is as unique as a woman herself. Like the female body, fertility is complex. Each cycle and phase has their own powerful purpose. If you’re trying to conceive, it's worth exploring and learning about the layers of fertility and the many ways it can be unlocked.

Phases and Ovulation

Typically, a woman will ovulate every 12-14 days before her menstrual phase/cycle begins. If her eggs aren't greeted by sperm, it's time for mood swings and ice cream. If a sperm does successfully fertilize her egg, motherhood may begin to bloom! But what's going on behind the scenes?

There are many layers that make up a fertile woman. The main phases that set fertilization up for success are the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is the recruiting phase. When a woman is born, her ovaries contain all of the immature eggs that her body will use in her lifetime. Our brains will signal our follicle stimulation hormones to recruit several follicles to mature each month. Just as sperm race to a mature egg, follicles race to become one. The healthiest and fastest follicle will be the one to release an egg at the time of ovulation.

After the ovulation phase, the luteal phase begins. The health and function of this phase is just as crucial as the follicular. Now that a healthy egg has met her match, the body must maintain the space in which an embryo can grow and thrive. The two main hormones that drive a woman's system are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen promotes egg fertilization and the growth of uterine lining, and progesterone maintains that lining and creates a healthy and welcoming space for baby. Progesterone levels will increase in the luteal phase to help the fertilized egg attach itself to the uterine lining.

Enriching Fertility

Even though our bodies have the blueprint for fertility, they don't always follow the map with ease. When something is off balance, the phases aren't as productive, or should we say as reproductive, as they could be.

There are many natural and safe herbs that encourage fertility, womb health, and sexual desire. Maca root helps to increase libido and helps to balance hormones. Damiana is an aphrodisiac that has an affinity for women's health and promoting sexual desire. Cycle Vitality 1 Follicular Phase Estrogenic Support assists in healthy Estrogen levels during the Follicular Phase, while Cycle Vitality 2 Luteal Phase Progesteronic Support assists in healthy progesterone levels during the luteal phase. Fertility Prep Conception Support supports optimal reproductive function and prepares the body for pregnancy. The Wild Yam, Vitex, and Raspberry Leaf in Fertility Prep help to balance and maintain healthy cycles. The Black Haw Bark tones the uterus and promotes a healthy uterine lining. Once a woman discovers she is pregnant, she should always consult with her birthing practitioner before incorporating herbs or supplements into her regimen. There are many safe herbs to use, but some are contraindicative during pregnancy.

Its important to combine fertility promoting plants with a nutrient and mineral rich diet, stress relieving activities like walks or meditation (especially womb meditations), and open communication with your sexual partner. When the mind and body are at ease, it's more fun making babies!

Rebecca Younger aspires to spark an interest in herbs within her community through education and incorporating herbs into everyday life in exciting and innovative ways. She studied Herbal Medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver. She is a customer journey representative at WishGarden Herbs.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.