How to Assess the Reproductive System
Though men and women's reproductive cycles are different, they both have the same goal: fertilization. To know if your reproductive cycle is working properly, first you must understand the basic phases of the fertility cycle and the importance of a normal sperm count and motility. If and when you detect a problem, see your doctor or fertility specialist for further assistance.
Things You'll Need
- Basal body thermometer to check mucus
- Vitamin B6 for luteal phase inadequacy
- Zinc for male sexual dysfunction
Instructions
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Assessing the Female Reproductive System
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Determine the length of your menstrual cycle. Women can expect, on average, to have 28-day cycles; however, variations exist. If your cycle is noticeably shorter or longer than 28 days, there could be an underlying issue. "The Art of Natural Family Planning" by John and Sheila Kippley divides the reproductive cycles into three phases. During the first phase, menstruation, a woman can expect blood flow. If, for some reason, you experience heavy bleeding, it could be indicative of another problem, such as endometriosis. If your bleeding lasts longer than six or seven days, Marilyn Shannon, author of "Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition," says you're experiencing heavy menstruation.
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Check for fertile mucus and basal body temperature during phase two. Before ovulation, the Kippleys say you can expect to have mucus that resembles an egg white the closer you get to ovulation. Check for cervical mucus internally at the cervical os or externally on the labia. Also, immediately following ovulation, you can expect your basal body temperature to rise by 0.4 degrees. Purchase a basal body thermometer at your drug store. If your cycle is noticeably longer than 28 days, you may be experiencing delayed ovulation. In addition, Shannon says that being overweight can contribute to cycle irregularity, amenorrhea (not having a period) or infertility. The Mayo Clinic says that breast-feeding, hormonal imbalances, low body weight and excessive exercising can also contribute to amenorrhea and cycle irregularities.
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Expect a period of 10 to 14 days after ovulation before your next menstrual period. If you find that this phase---the luteal phase---is shorter than 10 days, you can try to lengthen it by taking the supplement Vitamin B6. Shannon recommends taking 200 to 600 mgs daily to lengthen your luteal phase. Luteal phase inadequacies can lead to fertility problems.
Assessing the Male Reproductive System
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Assess the count and motility of your sperm. Ejaculated semen normally contains 60 to 120 million sperm. This large number is necessary to overcome the acidic environment in the vagina, says Shannon. Lower sperm, then, can affect your reproductive capabilities.
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Check your sperm's motility. Spermagglutination---the clumping together of sperm---should only occur in fewer than one quarter of the sperm. See your doctor or fertility specialist to determine if your sperm motility is adequate.
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Add a zinc supplement if you're experiencing low sex drive or impotence. Shannon recommends taking 50 mgs a day for sexual dysfunction in men. Zinc may also help increase testosterone levels and your sperm count.
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Tips & Warnings
To help you track your cycle, use an online fertility chart. These sites help you track your fertility signs and menstruation and even pinpoint possible fertile days.
