In comparison, due to the unique physiological structure of the female reproductive organs, women are much more likely and at greater risk of contracting reproductive organ diseases than men. Worse still, recent research indicates that, in addition to their unique physiological structure, women are more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections during ovulation than at other times.
How to accurately calculate the ovulation period?
The average menstrual cycle for women worldwide is 28 days. Generally, in a regular menstrual cycle with ovulation, the luteal phase, the time from ovulation to menstruation, is relatively fixed, averaging 14 days. Therefore, if your menstrual cycle is normal and regular, counting back 14 days from the first day of your next period will give you your ovulation day. The ovulation period includes the ovulation day, the 5 days before, and the 4 days after.
For example, if your menstrual cycle is 28 days and the first day of your period this month is August 1st, then the first day of your period next month will be August 29th. Subtracting 14 days gives you August 15th, which is your ovulation day. The 5 days before and 4 days after your ovulation, i.e., August 10th-19th, is your ovulation period.
It should be noted that this calculation method is only effective for women with regular and normal menstrual cycles.
The ovulation period is the best time to conceive, but it is also a time when immunity is at its lowest.
Women planning to conceive often choose to have intercourse during their ovulation period. A woman's lifetime egg count is limited, with one ovulation occurring each month. The ovulation period is the optimal time for conception, with a very high chance of pregnancy. However, experts say that during ovulation, to facilitate sperm entry, ensure sperm survival, and increase the success rate of fertilization, the body undergoes automatic regulation. At this time, vaginal secretions are thinner, which, while opening the door for sperm, also weakens the body's ability to resist bacteria, making it more susceptible to infection.
Researchers in Spain and Austria have found that women are more susceptible to infections, including Candida albicans and other sexually transmitted infections, during ovulation. Experiments showed that the sex hormone estradiol increases susceptibility to systemic candidiasis, a fungal infection, during ovulation. This may also explain why women are at higher risk of contracting STIs such as HIV and HPV during ovulation.
How to maintain good health during ovulation?
Since women's health barrier is relatively weaker during ovulation, making them more susceptible to pathogens, how can women reduce this risk or avoid unknowingly increasing the possibility of infection in their daily lives? Experts say the most crucial thing is to maintain personal hygiene. This includes daily cleaning of the reproductive organs, using personal towels, and avoiding the use of detergents for genital washing; choosing reputable sanitary products and minimizing the use of panty liners and toilet paper containing fragrances, dyes, or deodorizing ingredients; and choosing breathable, absorbent, and light cotton underwear, changing it frequently. In addition, it's important to avoid exposure to cold and, if necessary, supplement nutrition to promote blood circulation.
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