Fertility Awareness Method for PCOS | Finding Your Fertile Window and Cycle Tracking with PCOS

🧘🏾‍♀️ Connect to your body, nourish your heart, and calm your mind to support your fertility. Join the Create Life Mindfully Membership for access to exclusive fertility yoga practices, meditations, journal prompts, monthly Q&As, and virtual fertility yoga retreats. www.livefertile.com/create-li...
    
     In this video, Caitlin Johnson, RD walks us through how to use the Fertility Awareness Method for PCOS.
Whether you're trying to conceive or not, cycle charting can give you invaluable insight into your health and hormones. Learn to properly identify your fertile window, confirm ovulation, what your cervical mucus is communicating, and the three biggest mistakes women make when trying to time sex to get pregnant. Hint: Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) might not be the most accurate way to predict ovulation if you have PCOS.
Learn more about tracking the phases of your cycle and getting pregnant with PCOS from Caitlin Johnson, RD at the links below:
Caitlin's Instagram
/ pcosfertilitynutrition
Caitlin's Podcast
www.foodfreedomfertility.com/
Caitlin's Course
www.pcosfertilitynutrition.co...
Caitlin's PCOS Ovulation Webinar
www.pcosfertilitynutrition.co...
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:00 What is the Fertility Awareness Method?
15:34 Three Biggest PCOS Cycle Tracking Mistakes
26:17 Benefits of Cycle Charting
34:24 You Can Get Pregnant with PCOS
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www.livefertile.com/yoga-for-...
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DISCLAIMER
Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT recommends chatting with your health care team before making changes to your lifestyle. The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only.
#PCOSOvulation #LiveFertile #fertilityawareness

[@LiveFertile]

Thanks for watching! Let me know in the comments below one thing you learned from this video!

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there! I certainly hope the videos I share here on KZbin help you reach your goal of conceiving. This particular video can help you identify your fertile window. I find a lot of people aren’t getting the timing right when TTC. This video definitely clears up some misconceptions people have about when to try. Is there a specific question you have? I can’t give personalized advice without doing a full assessment (and I’m not taking new clients at the moment) but I might be able to give some general guidance. I recommend checking out this webinar and course: the-hormone-dietitian.mykajabi.com/a/42384/bcDB8X2W It was created by one of my colleagues and I contributed six-exclusive yoga videos to it. Caitlin Johnson, the other dietitian in this video also has a course that might help. Best wishes!

[@LiveFertile]

I see. Caitlin answers your exact question in the video. I recommend watching it if you haven’t already. And of course, I recommend talking to your healthcare team. They know you personally and might be able guide you. Be well!

[@LiveFertile]

Unfortunately, that seems to be the go-to for a lot of providers. I really hope you and your husband find the answers you’re looking for 🤞🏾

[@itskennnnnaaaa]

This was a fantastic interview. You asked every question I was thinking! Thank you =)

[@LiveFertile]

So happy you found it valuable! 🤗

[@dreamy665]

Wow! Amazing video!! So informative and helpful thank you so much ❤❤❤❤😊😊

[@LiveFertile]

You're so welcome! I'm so grateful Caitlin shared her knowledge with all of us. She's a real gem.

[@Michtify]

This was the most helpful video on PCOS and pregnancy that I've ever watched!

[@LiveFertile]

So happy you found it informative. Caitlin is incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate. Be well!

[@donandjessica9782]

Just came across this Video thank you for making this!

[@LiveFertile]

You are so welcome! 🥰

[@bengxo]

Just came across this video and watched the whole thing. I have PCOS and just finished a period following my 9th failed cycle at TTC. I was feeling very upset and hopeless but this wonderful, informative video has given me the energy to keep going. Every cycle is a fresh start and chance at TTC. I will definitely start paying more attention to CM especially now knowing what exactly to look for. Thank you so much. You both are such positive and beautiful human beings.

[@LiveFertile]

I'm so happy you found this video. Caitlin is a real gem and a wealth of information. I'm wishing you all the best as you continue on your fertility journey. Be well!

[@piscesbaby1986]

I love that we learned the samething!!! I always wonder what that stuff is and now I'm excited to know about it and when to have sex. 😁😁 we can do this 💪 🙌

[@guerraangela2003]

Love this

[@LiveFertile]

Yay! Happy to hear it. Caitlin is great!

[@Lmartinezwilliams]

Hi there! Thank you for sharing this video. I have PCOS and this is definitely needed ❤️❤️❤️!!

[@LiveFertile]

I'm happy you found it helpful, Leticia!

[@meghashreer4426]

Hellow mam ..I hv been following your yoga video since 3days...practicing your yoga video making me soo much relaxation n am feeling calm , in short daysam getting positive vibes.. I am going to continue ...thank you so much mam🙏😍

[@LiveFertile]

Thank you for your kind comment! I'm so happy you're enjoying the yoga videos. Be well!

[@maureenjenkins6475]

Also I just hit tht notification 🛎so I don’t miss all the juicy details can’t wait for u to hlp me out with much needed baby dust @ age 36 I’m on a as they say biological clock tht is definitely ticking away and in my mind driving me crazy 😜 lol

[@LiveFertile]

Hi Maureen! I'm wishing you all the best on your fertility journey!

[@sofiavaldez2753]

Could you talk more about the diaphragm method to prevent pregnancy in PCOS women? Thank you this was a very informative video!

[@LiveFertile]

I'm happy you enjoyed it! I'm thinking a fertility awareness educator, sex educator, ObGyn, Midwife, or women's health NP might be better equipped to share more about diaphragms.

[@sujivasudev]

Can u please do a vedio on hyperthyroidism and low sperm count......foods to include

[@LiveFertile]

Great ideas! I"ll ad them to my list!

[@myshanson7182]

What an amazing smile

[@LiveFertile]

Very kind of you!🤗

[@aubreydh1976]

I have PCOS. And currently TTC going on 2years. It’s hard. I’m in my 2week wait after my 3rd IUI

[@LiveFertile]

Best wishes, Aubrey!

[@aprilrodriguez5377]

I have not found a good basal temp thermometer. Any recommendations would be great.

[@LiveFertile]

I've been using this one for a few weeks and I really like it: amzn.to/3SSZIel *. I was using this one for years: amzn.to/3kNcIpc *. I decided to upgrade to the one I'm using now because it's backlit and saves up to 30 previous temps. *affiliate links

[@aprilrodriguez5377]

@@LiveFertile thank you

[@lichatalks746]

I haven’t had a period since April and now we’re in august .my bf n I always have u protected sex . I recently noticed the last few days my cm has been clearly ,sticky ,and stringy . It’s it’s a a lot . What does that mean ? Could I be ovulating? Or is there a cha de I could be pregnant ? My aunt who’s a nurse told me just because I haven’t had a period doesn’t mean I cannot get pregnant .

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there! It sounds like you have a wonderful resource at your disposal with your aunt being a nurse. I really can't say what the signs you're seeing might mean (I don't know your health history, I haven't reviewed labs or menstrual cycle charts, asked the necessary questions, etc.) I highly recommend speaking with a health care provider who's familiar with your personal health history. They're better equipped to give you the specific answers you're looking for. Be well!

[@aubreydh1976]

Thanks for this. I have PCOS. I’m on CD 16 and still haven’t gotten a positive ovulation test..

[@LiveFertile]

You’re welcome!

[@lourdeblanc3355]

Hi, I’m having trouble because my cm literally stays creamy throughout the month. (Lotion like) I have PCOS. I’m having trouble knowing if I ovulate or not.

[@LiveFertile]

That sounds really frustrating, Lourde. Have you tried working with someone one-on-one to help you uncover and address your root causes?

[@sierraherring9114]

I’m in the same boat , I have pcos & only get creamy lotion like discharge

[@LiveFertile]

I recently came across something from a fertility awareness educator who said everyone’s fertile mucus is different. Not everyone is going to have stretchy egg white like mucus in copious amounts. This website has images of user submitted CM and shares that amounts and textures will vary from person to person: cervicalmucus.org/images/ I also recommend meeting with a Fertility Awareness Educator one-on-one to help you figure out what your unique body is telling you. Maven Clinic has at least one you can meet with virtually. Hope this helps!

[@phyang91]

The only way to know if u r ovulating i to test. If u have normal cycle or any cycles at all, test afterwards to see if u r ovulating. I never knew if I was too n I never tested before to find out til now. And after my cycles I would test. Apparently I am ovulating and I have pcos too

[@amandajewett7031]

What about when you have shorter cycles like 25 day cycles?

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there. That depends on what your goal is, which part of your cycle seems too short (the follicular phase or the luteal phase?), the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing throughout your cycle, and what your exact question is. What Caitlin shared about how to track your cycle, identify your fertile window, and confirm ovulation would be the same for all cycle lengths. You might want to work with someone one-on-one so you can get personalized advice. Best wishes.

[@Taz48930]

Soxi have pcos but not the typical pcos I also have coeliacs so im gluten free and now vegan as dairy and aoya triggered my pcos Im not overweight, i dont have insulin or thyroid issues, my cycles are regular and i can feel ovulation pains around the day 12-14 and i have sex every other day anyways but still 11 years on ive never been pregnant naturally Ive tried operations, clomid, metformin and now IVF I dont know what im doing wrong

[@LiveFertile]

That sounds incredibly frustrating. Maybe you're not doing anything wrong. There's a degree of mystery to reproduction. I do hope you find the answers you're looking for though.

[@starlover127708able]

Hi how do u track if I literally have had my period for next month will be 11 months. Almost a year. Been to doctor looking for a good endocrinology in Florida. before the 11 months of period I didnt have my period for 9 months.

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there! Hmmm... You would track the same way someone with a more regular menstrual cycle would track. You would track your temperature, symptoms, and cervical mucus changes (as well as the date of your last period.) I recommend reaching out to a fertility awareness educator to help you track your cycle. The book, The Fifth Vital Sign might also be helpful.

[@starlover127708able]

@@LiveFertile thank you so much I can't see Abby mucus change cause I've had my period for months now but the others ill do

[@rosechristynnabuorujohn194]

Please can you help me I last saw my period 3 November 2020 but am not pregnant I've been seeing a gynaecology since last year but he couldn't tell me what my problems are even though he sent me to do alot of test and scan but when I was really worried he prescribed this medication's for me without telling me why I have to take them CHIROFERT and every thing is written in Italian language which has no explanation except food supplement based on D-chiro-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, superoxide dismutase, folic acid and manganese so I don't understand. Are my a PCOS patient? Please reply me am Christy and I live in Italy

[@rosechristynnabuorujohn194]

And I also feel pain's in the both side of my ovaries from time to time

[@LiveFertile]

@@rosechristynnabuorujohn194 Hi there. It sounds like you're, understandably, eager to find an answer. That's not something I can legally provide. I recommend going to a different gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist. Only a personal health care provider can diagnose you. Once you have a diagnosis, you'll know how to address your concerns. I'm wishing you all the best!

[@mohinidhawan3538]

I m trying to conceive with pcos from last 1 year . I need some help

[@LiveFertile]

I hope this video and the other videos provide some guidance while you work with your personal health care team. Best wishes!

[@ziyaziya4570]

Mam, my last period was September 25th 2020... ds year 4rm January all symptoms like pregnancy is it possible to conceive? But no period ago 4 months

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there! There are so many things to consider when assessing fertility. I really can't say based on the information you shared. Your best bet is to speak with your personal health care team. Best wishes!

[@totesmegoatscrystal9688]

You need to balance your insulin. Inositol helps, cinnamon and omega 3 as well. And of course try not to eat things with added sugar or eat low sugar, low carbs. The inositol I use is PCOSense or Ovasense, it has myo-inositol, chiro-inositol, folate and b12...helps with pcos, insulin, normal cycle and fertility..It is a little pricy at $31..may have to find it in a while foods store or online..it comes in powder form, lasts for a month 2 scoops a day. My cycles have been regular after a couple months of using it and had 2 periods since around same date each time. I'm hoping to have another baby..because I eventually need a hysterectomy due to have had endometrial hyperplasia with atypia(precancer), before that we were trying 8 years for another baby...this is our last year of trying so I'm looking for anything cuz I do not want to take metformin and I discovered this and so far it's working as far as my menstrual cycle. Good luck to you

[@starwillows2836]

What is your answer for someone who doesn’t ovulate at all?

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there. I’d recommend getting a clear picture of what is driving the anovulation. Is it PCOS? Ok, if it is then is it insulin resistance, high androgens, excess chronic inflammation, excess chronic stress, undereating, overexercising, a combination of some or all of the above? Then address those root causes. Is it a thyroid condition? Is it HA? You have to know why to know what to do.

[@amyalexander4043]

Hi Kendra! I have PCOS (diagnosed around 18-19) and have always struggled with abnormal cycles (long cycles). My obgyn has never gave me insight as to what is causing my PCOS. Now that I’m 25 and am TTC, I want to know more about my PCOS but don’t know how to ask my doctor to search more into the root causes. Can you help?

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there! I do work with people one-on-one to provide personalized guidance. You can learn more here: www.livefertile.com/embodied-preconception-preparation-services I also contributed to course that goes into the root causes that you might be interested in. Learn more here: the-hormone-dietitian.mykajabi.com/AW-PCOSRCR-Long#section-1664577471385 Best wishes!

[@fruitdemer201]

It would be much easier if the medical world helped women with pcos with a device that detects ovulation 5 days before it is due because like you said it would help to get the egg fertilised and hey presto get your much wanted baby. It is difficult to track mucus etc and using ovulation tests knowing that they don't work. 😅😅😅😅

[@LiveFertile]

I’d be interested in hearing more about what feels difficult with tracking mucus, if you’d like to share.

[@ginastyles9776]

How long should the egg white cm last?

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there! It's different for each person, so I'm not sure that there's an ideal amount of time or a length of time that it should last. Perhaps check out the work of Lisa Hendrickson-Jack or Clara Bailey. Both go into more detail about cycle tracking. Working one-on-one with a fertility awareness educator could also be a good idea. Be well!

[@ginastyles9776]

@@LiveFertile thank you

[@LiveFertile]

@@ginastyles9776 You're welcome!

[@ABCkidcorner]

@@LiveFertile mam.. will the ovulation discharge will be white (pure white not egg white)

[@LiveFertile]

@@ABCkidcorner Hi there! Cervical mucus varies in color, texture, and amount from person to person (and throughout the cycle). I highly recommend meeting with your personal provider or a fertility awareness educator for specific details about your cycle. Be well!

[@glogloCrosby]

But some pcos woman don't get cm like other women like me I have ovulated without seeing egg white cm and ovulation was confirmed at my Dr's office.

[@LiveFertile]

Hi there! You bring up such an important topic. Everyone produces varying amounts of cervical mucus. Some larger quantities, some smaller quantities. And it’s not always visible when wiping or like the images we see of large amounts stretching between fingers. There’s a form of FAM that focuses more on the sensation at the vulva rather than what you may or may not see on fingers, underwear, or while wiping. Thank you for sharing your experience and how it differs from what was discussed here.