As each year comes to a close, it’s always nice to take one last look back and reflect on what that time brought. Although the pandemic continued on, 2021 delivered positivity and hope – vaccines and boosters became available and families that put babymaking on pause began to resume their TTC efforts, as evidenced by a recent spike in pregnancy test sales. So while we are looking towards 2022 with optimism and excitement, we are first taking a moment to look back on this past year and revisit some of your most asked questions. Keep reading below to learn about what the OvuSense community wanted to know, featuring some answers from a few of our experts.   

How can I encourage ovulation?

The best way to encourage ovulation is by supporting your overall fertility. According to Registered Nutritional Therapist Jen Walpole (DipCNM mBANT CNHC), this can be done through a series of lifestyle changes. You may also find it beneficial to reduce stress, ensure you are getting adequate sleep, and find time for gentle exercise.  

Not sure when you’re ovulating? Check out our ovulation calculator today. If you’re getting your period but not ovulating, you may find it helpful to read our blog. 

How long should I wear my OvuSense sensor?

You should wear your sensor every night, except during menstruation (unless you are using OvuFirst - then you can keep wearing your sensor). Simply put on or insert your sensor before going to bed, and remove it in the morning. From there, you can download the previous night’s data onto your OvuSense app. 

While you may be tempted to stop using your sensor after confirming ovulation, Fertility Nutritionist Rachael Robinson recommends continuing to wear it after ovulation and until your period arrives. This is because the sensor allows you to monitor the pattern of progesterone later in the month. Symptoms such as post-ovulation spotting, PMS, tender breasts, and low energy can all indicate a progesterone imbalance. Check out her guest blog on cycle tracking and tailored nutrition to learn more. 

When does progesterone rise in relation to ovulation?

One of the most important factors in getting pregnant and sustaining a healthy pregnancy is the relative level of progesterone throughout the reproductive cycle. However, progesterone is often misunderstood by medical professionals. While it is thought that progesterone rises after ovulation, we have seen through our clinical trials that it actually rises during ovulation. OvuSense is the only clinical ovulation monitor on the market that accurately tracks the rise and fall of progesterone in the body through continuous measurement of Core Body Temperature overnight in the vagina. Curious about your progesterone levels? Try tracking it with OvuSense today. 

What's an implantation dip?

If you’re actively TTC, you’ve likely heard the phrase “implantation dip.” But if you’re just starting out and unfamiliar with it, that’s okay! An implantation dip refers to a decrease in basal body temperature (BBT) following ovulation that can indicate implantation. While a dip in temperature can be an exciting sign, several other factors can also decrease BBT, such as stress, sickness, sleep disruptions, hormonal factors, and schedule changes. Often, there is a secondary estrogen surge halfway through the luteal phase that can cause this, as well. That being said, temperature dips may also indicate pregnancy, even before you get that big fat positive!

Does alcohol cause a temperature spike?

If you’re tracking your cycles with OvuSense, and drink a regular amount of alcohol each night, then your temperature should be stable from night to night. However, if you consume more alcohol on one or two nights than your usual intake, this may cause a rise in temperature. The OvuSense App has been designed with an intelligent filtering system that excludes ‘spikes’ when calculating ovulation, but the 'spikes' in temperature related to alcohol tend to be lower than a fever and can sometimes cause an ovulation result. If you’re looking for a reason to cut back on alcohol consumption in the new year, this could be it!

Which OvuSense sensor is right for me?

Determining which sensor is right for you shouldn’t be stressful or time-consuming. That’s why our fertility monitoring family consists of three solutions designed to support couples, no matter where they are on their fertility journey: 

  • OvuFirst - As the newest addition to the suite of solutions, OvuFirst is the most accurate skin sensor available on the market. OvuFirst is perfect if you’re interested in learning more about your cycle or just starting your fertility journey. It works for women that want to monitor their ovulation and cycles in a convenient, non-invasive way, or for women who are beginning their journey to start or grow their family. 
  • OvuCore - If you've been trying to conceive for a few months or you have a condition such as PCOS, our OvuCore sensor is right for you! It is a unique patented sensor that’s worn like a tampon while you sleep, designed to measure continuous Core Body Temperature overnight, giving you the best possible understanding of the fluctuations in progesterone that occur during your cycle.
  • OvuSense Pro - This solution allows for remote fertility analysis and monitoring, making it perfect for women who are trying to conceive and working with an OB/GYN or specialist. While the sensor is the same as OvuCore, OvuSense Pro allows you and your OB/GYN or specialist to remotely access detailed reproductive cycle information through an online portal.

Still looking for more information? Check out our blog to determine which sensor is right for you. 

How and when can I book a nurse consult?

If you still have questions about OvuSense and how it may help you along your fertility journey, you may find it beneficial to consult with one of our fertility nurses. Consultations can be used to assess your fertility potential, answer your burning questions, get recommendations on how to optimize your fertility, have your charts analyzed, and more. 

Current annual subscription members of the OvuSense community are entitled to a free one-hour consultation after their third cycle. Consultations are held by Skype or telephone. Interested? Book your consultation here! 

Cheers to 2021 & A Bright New Year

Now that we have reflected on the past year, and answered all of your top questions around fertility and trying to conceive, we are eagerly looking forward to a bright and prosperous 2022! A new year is a wonderful opportunity to begin with a clean slate and learn even more about ourselves and our health. We are so grateful to have been part of your 2021 and we can’t wait to accompany you along your fertility journey in the upcoming year.