Monthly Archives: March, 2021

A year after the announcement of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is time to look back at much our lives have changed. The “new normal” has had an impact on everything – work, education, travel, social life.

One of the most significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is on partnerships. COVID-19 has created an environment that has changed and strained the dynamics in many relationships. Yet these connections are needed more than ever because of the support they bring.

THE CHALLENGES FOR COUPLES

Social distance as a proven strategy to reduce morbidity forced us to stay at home. On the one hand, the time spent with the partner gives a sense of security and stability. On the other hand, the lack of some independence (for example during the working day) destroys the relationship.

Uncertainty about work, finances, children’s education, fear of possible infection play the role of stressors. All this plus the change in the daily routine of the partners leads to tension and conflicts. Conflicts, on the other hand, affect the intimacy of the relationship, including both physical and emotional intimacy. Therefore, our own feelings about the unusual situation we are in could affect our relationships with others.

HOW CAN PARTNERS HELP EACH OTHER?

Disagreements in your family caused by the coronavirus do not mean that your relationship should end. On the contrary – now is the perfect time to strengthen your relationship and learn to deal with difficulties together.

One of the most important moments in overcoming the crisis is communication. It is perfectly normal to be anxious about the changes this pandemic has brought which causes you to act in a rather short-tempered way. However, don’t expect that your partner will guess how you feel. Instead, talk about your feelings and needs and how you would like to help each other. These conversations can bring you two closer. Furthermore, your partner won’t feel as if they did something to hurt you.

On the other hand, you must not forget that your partner is also experiencing the “new normal” in their own way. That’s why some emotion control is needed. This means staying calm and taking a moment to think in a situation where you would otherwise start a fight. For example, instead of making a scene every time your partner forgets to buy something from the store, think about how your behavior would affect the future of the relationship. Emotion control helps couples to make adequate decisions without unnecessary drama and conflict, which increases the satisfaction of being together.

Last but not least, try to make the most of all this time spent at home. Now is the time for spring cleaning or training or learning something new together.  Restaurants and shops may not work, but there are other ways to pamper each other, for example with a fancy dinner.

As hopeless as the Covid-19 situation may seem to us, we must not forget that this will pass and soon we’ll be back to our normal routines.

RELATIONS BETWEEN PARTNERS CHANGE DURING IVF?

HOW TO DETERMINE THE FIRST DAY OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE?

Menstrual irregularities are common and are usually a symptom of a variety of gynecological problems. Therefore, menstrual cycle tracking is extremely important for every woman, regardless of her reproductive plans, and nowadays modern technology makes it easier than ever.

THE NORMAL MENSTRUAL CYCLE

By “menstrual cycle” we mean the period from the beginning of one menstrual bleeding to the beginning of the next. Normally its duration is 21-35 days (average 28 days).

Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your period, which means the first day of red bloody discharge (spotting does not count). During this time, the uterus sheds the surface layer of its lining. Between days 1-5 of your cycle, new follicles (fluid sacks containing eggs) begin to develop in the ovaries.

Between days 5 and 12, one follicle grows significantly larger than the others and is referred to as dominant. It begins to secrete estrogen, which in turn increases the thickness of the lining of the uterus, preparing it for pregnancy.

Around day 12-16, the mature egg is released (ovulation). In women with a longer menstrual cycle, ovulation can occur around day 21. The egg is viable for fertilization up to 24 hours after ovulation. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days. Therefore, regular sexual intercourse a few days before ovulation increases the chances of getting pregnant.

In the place where the egg was released, corpus luteum is formed, which produces progesterone and estrogen and prepares the lining of the uterus for embryo implantation. If pregnancy has not occurred, around day 28  corpus luteum degenerates, stops secreting hormones and menstruation occurs.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE FIRST DAY OF MY MENSTRUAL CYCLE?

Knowing which is the first day of your menstrual cycle, you can easily calculate the approximate date of ovulation (day 12-16), therefore the most appropriate days for conception. This is more difficult in women with large variations in the length of the menstrual cycle. Today, there are home ovulation tests that make it much easier for couples who are trying to have a baby.

Some hormonal tests are done on a specific day of the menstrual cycle. For example, estradiol, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are tested on day 3 and progesterone on days 19-23.

Some drugs are taken at a specific stage of the menstrual cycle. For example, taking oral contraceptives starts on the first day of the menstrual cycle, and some women need to use progesterone from the 14th day.

HOW TO TRACK MY MENSTRUAL CYCLE?

Nowadays, there are various apps that completely replace the standard menstrual calendars. Most applications are free and have many benefits – adding input for other symptoms (headache, breast tenderness, etc.), a better description of your current period (amount of blood, pain), a reminder to take medication and even the option to share the information with a doctor or partner.

Every woman’s menstrual cycle is unique. However, significant fluctuations in the duration, frequency and amount of blood loss during your period should be discussed with your obstetrician-gynecologist.