Ovulation is a phase of the monthly cycle every women goes through after puberty. In this phase, one of your ovaries releases a mature egg for fertilization to enhance the chances of conception in case of successful intercourse. This phase usually occurs fourteen days before mensuration. Many physiological changes occur during this stage, including the thickening of the uterus lining, slight rise in the body temperature and increase in cervical mucus lining along with other changes that all prepare the body for successful pregnancy.

Cessation of ovulation occurs during pregnancy and menopausal stages, but some women may have irregular or complete absence of ovulation despite the fact that they are not in any of the above-mentioned stages.

Not Ovulating Every Month—Is It Normal?

The menstrual cycle lasts between 28 to 35 days, but this number is not absolute for all women. Some women may have a cycle of 45 days while some may have extremely short cycles (less than 21 days). However, the important thing to remember is that women usually ovulate halfway between the cycle. If an average of 28 day cycle is considered, which is normal for 90% of women, then day 14 marks ovulation.

Cycles are delayed due to endogenous and exogenous factors. Such delays result in disturbance of the ovulation phase as well. These factors include stress, pathological conditions resulting in hormonal disturbances and genetic factors.

If the ovary follicles are unable to make mature eggs, no ovulation occur, a condition commonly called anovulation menstruation, but the remaining cycles will not be disturbed because of anovulation. In some cases one or two ova are released for a short period of 24 hours and if the egg is fertilized during this time, consequent hormonal changes will proceed.

You will probably hear some of your friends telling you how they have been trying to get pregnant for so long but have had little luck with doing so. In such case, the first thing to do is visit a fertility doctor who will determine whether you are ovulating properly or not. In addition, some women who have been using contraceptive tablets for long time may experience anovulation or irregular ovulation once off from such pills.

What Causes Not Ovulating Every Month?

Ovulation is a result of many hormonal interactions and physiological changes, any disturbance in either one of the steps can result in disturbance of an entire cycle. Hormones such as FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) are primarily involved in the normal functioning of menstrual cycle.

There are two primary manifestations of irregular ovulatory cycles.

• The first one is the complete termination of ovulation also known as anovulation
• The second one is irregular ovulation commonly known as oligo-ovulation

Women who are suffering from or have a family history of PCO (polycystic ovary) are most likely to experience oligo-ovulatory cycles. This disorder results in the development of cysts in the ovaries resulting in ovulation difficulties and even inability to bear children, cancer is yet another complication of untreated PCOS.

What to Do When I’m Not Ovulating Every Month

1. Visit a Doctor

Women who are not ovulating every month should visit their gynecologist on immediate basis, because even if you do not intent to get pregnant, irregular ovulation can mean an underlying disorder that must be treated as soon as possible. Once your doctor has determined the cause of your disorder, he will put you on an anti-estrogenic drug called clomiphene, this drug stimulates the release of LH and FSH hormones, which are released by the pituitary glands. Most women can start ovulating regularly with only three to five cycles of therapy, although some may take more time. Success rate of ovulation is as high as 80% in women. Sometimes clomiphene is coupled with metformin in drug therapy; metformin is an anti-diabetic drug that blocks insulin. This drug has shown greater success rate in ovulation disorders than clomiphene alone. For long-term treatment, oral clomiphene is not a preferable choice; therefore, intra venous drug therapy may be needed over time. This combination also reduces incidence of miscarriages in patients with ovulatory disorders.

2. Use Medications and Keep a Healthy Lifestyle

Other reasons why not ovulating every month can occur include hyperprolatenemia, hyperthyroidism, smoking and stress. In such a case, drugs treatment with subsequent thyroid and prolactin reducing drugs should be consumed. Women are also advised to stay away from stress and smoking if they have a family history of PCOS.

How to Increase My Chances of Ovulation

To increase chances of ovulation, women can take certain measures. These measures are simple life adjustments that may not disrupt your life much, but can help you a great deal if incorporated in your daily routine.

Here is a video to help you educate you on things to do if you are not ovulating every month: