breathe ilo Knowledge Base

How can I increase my fertility as a woman? If pregnancy does not occur after one year, despite actively trying, one can speak of having issues with conception and fertility. About one in four couples who want to have children comes across fertility problems. 10 to 15% of all couples are actually involuntarily childless. For...

Is a fluctuation in weight during the menstrual cycle normal? The bad news first: Yes, the natural hormonal changes during the female cycle can cause weight gain because they can increase water retention. In the days leading up to your period, estrogen and progesterone drop rapidly. This signals the body that it is time to...

How to eat for conception - is there an ideal diet to boost fertility? If the goal is to conceive, a balanced, wholesome diet is recommended in any case. In this way, the body is optimally supplied with nutrients. This should include:   adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables - ideally 5 servings per day...

The effect of Vitex Agnus Castus - could it be a miracle cure for your cycle? Monk's Pepper is also known as Vitex Agnus Castus. It’s the berries of the Mediterranean tree of the same name, Vitex Agnus Castus. Incidentally, Monk's Pepper is also called chaste tree or chaste berry, because it is said to...

Is my cycle to blame for my mood swings? Our mood and self-confidence are affected by the ups and downs of our hormones over the course of our menstrual cycle. But does that mean we are at the mercy of our hormones? Our hormones can have a huge impact on our mood, but even so,...

How does alcohol affect your cycle? Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to the question of whether alcohol really has a direct influence on cycle health, because here, as in many other areas, the results from research seem to be somewhat contradictory. In some studies a connection between the consumption of alcohol and cycle irregularities...

Does coffee affect fertility? A 1988 study seemed to show that women who drank about a cup of coffee a day were half as likely to fall pregnant. This set the stage for a great deal of excitement and debate on the topic of coffee and fertility. Although this study has been cited repeatedly over...

What are endocrine disruptors? Endocrine disruptors are substances that have an effect in the body similar to natural hormones. Unfortunately, they are associated with a variety of health problems that have become increasingly observable worldwide in recent decades. These can include: decline in sperm quality certain hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate and testicular cancer...

Temperature method and CO2 method for cycle tracking in comparison With the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple is making cycle tracking a mainstream topic - and we're here for it! This is a natural evolution of menstrual tracking, which was first introduced with WatchOS 6. How is it supposed to work though? According to Apple,...

Breast health - how to take good care of your breasts Have you ever thought about what your relationship with your breasts is like? Aside from the usual beauty trends that have surrounded us as women since childhood, most women have an image of the "perfect breasts" in their minds that they compare their own...

Mittelschmerz: Can you ‘feel’ ovulation if you experience pain in the ovulation phase? Some women report that they can "feel" their ovulation when it happens. But what exactly do they feel and is it really ovulation? This article is about the so-called mittelschmerz or intramenstrual pain, the cause, and its meaning. What is mittelschmerz and...

PMS and menstrual pain from the perspective of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) First of all, what does the term TCM mean? TCM = "Traditional Chinese Medicine"  TCM is a medical science that developed in China more than 3000 years ago. The medical approach at that time was already preventive - that is, the prevention of...

Painful periods? This is what really helps Having painful periods is an everyday occurrence for many people, which is why they simply settle for popping one or more painkillers every month and cursing being a woman for a few days. If you are one of those people, then you will find some helpful tips in...

Ovulation Ovulation: the most important event in the cycle. At ovulation, an egg, ready to be fertilized, is released from the ovary and picked up by the fallopian tube, and moved towards the uterus. But when does ovulation usually occur and when are you fertile? What happens after ovulation and how can ovulation be determined?...

Spotting The term spotting refers to light, irregular bleeding that is usually characterized by a brown or dark red color, often resembling prune juice. Spotting is noticeable, but it is not heavy enough to soak a tampon or pad. The consistency of the bleeding tends to be rather ‘greasy’. Spotting usually does not last longer...

The 5 best yoga poses for PMS and period pain The key to a feminine yoga practice that truly serves your body is to adapt your yoga practice to your cycle. That means, that every time you step on your yoga mat, your yoga practice is different. It's all about listening to your body and...

Yoga to boost fertility What exactly is fertility yoga? How can it support and does it really help to get pregnant faster? You will find all the answers to these questions in this blog post. Fertility yoga serves as holistic support during the time of trying to conceive (TTC). Just as many of us think...

Can endometriosis negatively affect conception? The disease endometriosis, which is often associated with infertility, is unfortunately often not taken seriously. Yet endometriosis is widespread and approximately every 10th woman is affected. It is a disease of the endometrium, the leading symptom of which is often associated with severe pain during menstruation. Women who experience their...

Giving birth - What happens when giving birth?Preparing for birth There are a few ways to prepare for the arrival of a baby. In addition to the preparations made for life with a baby, such as shopping for clothes, preparing the baby’s room, and coming to terms with parenthood, one may also prepare for birth...

Why we should pay more attention to the postpartum periodWhat is the postpartum period? When you talk about the birth of a child, you inevitably hear the term ‘postpartum’ at some point. Some families make a big fuss about it, it is well-prepared, arrangements are made, people are invited or denied access. Others don't know...

Endometriosis: An invisible disease! Endo - what? Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory and the second most common gynecological disease in women. Up to 40,000 new cases are recorded each year and about one in ten women is affected. And yet, shockingly, endometriosis is still fairly unknown, initially raises many question marks among newly diagnosed patients,...

Does the menstrual cycle affect our mood? Most women have a pretty good sense of when their period is coming. Not only because they experience physical changes, but also because they notice subtle changes in their behavior and emotional state. Yes, it's probably not a big surprise, but a woman's cycle naturally also affects her...

Estrogen deficiency Estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries. When estrogen levels are low, this can have a wide variety of effects on the body. Estrogen levels can also fluctuate or be too low for a variety of reasons. Any condition or illness that affects or damages the ovaries can cause a drop in estrogen...

Do you have to live with PMS symptoms? Most women grow up believing that PMS - the pre-menstrual syndrome - is an inevitable and normal part of being a woman. After all, so many of us experience PMS symptoms on a regular basis, it totally makes sense that we believe that that’s just the way...

Everything you should know about estrogen dominance If a woman's estrogen levels are too high, there can be many signs. If a woman has not yet reached menopause, for example, she may miss her period, she may experience frequent spotting, or she may have trouble conceiving. The hormone estrogen plays a crucial role in the...

Estrogen in the female cycle The hormone estrogen plays an important role in the first half of the cycle, because under its influence the body prepares itself for a possible pregnancy. If ovulation has taken place, there is initially a drop in estrogen. However, together with progesterone, it then slowly rises again and remains elevated...

Everything you need to know about irregular cycles If your cycle is irregular, it usually means that your period is irregular. In science, regular cycles with a length of 24 to 36 days are considered healthy cycles. Of course, it should be noted that not every cycle is always the same length. There are natural...

How important is folic acid if you want to have children? In general, folic acid can support the fertility of women and men. After all, vitamin B9 is involved in many important processes in the body. In terms of fertility, however, it is said to help women in particular to produce healthy egg cells and...

The follicular phase This phase in the female cycle is all about the growth and development of the follicle in the ovary and the maturation of the egg. The Follicular phase: Definition The follicular phase is often also called the growth phase, follicle maturation phase, preovulation phase or proliferation phase. Symbolically, this phase of the...

Does vitamin D affect fertility and conception? We all know it: too much sun should be avoided, right?  Well, avoiding sunlight altogether is not an option either, because we need vitamin D. Sufficient sunlight exposure not only helps plants grow. It also slows down our biological clock and keeps us in a good mood and...

Is insomnia linked to our hormones? When it comes to hormone health, getting enough quality sleep is incredibly important. It helps women balance their hormones, alleviate or get rid of period-related problems and just feel good all around. We can conclude: Sleep is very important. But we would like to go into more detail about...

The luteal phase in the female cycle The luteal phase in the female cycle begins immediately after ovulation. The luteinising hormone (LH) is responsible for the formation of the corpus luteum from the follicle after ovulation. This phase of the cycle symbolizes autumn. When hormone levels drop, you feel calmer, more reflective and perhaps sensitive,...

Getting pregnant at 40 Many women report this, but do people really hear the biological clock ticking? Well, science confirms it: if and when you can get pregnant of course also depends on your age. In fact, when it comes to fertility, the earlier you have children, the better. This also applies to the risk...

Herbs for the cycle - how herbs can support your cycle health Are you struggling with PMS, cramps or a cycle that's too long (or too short)? It is widely known by now that our cycle is about so much more than just menstruation and ovulation. Nevertheless, many women struggle with cycle-related symptoms that decrease...

Can you get pregnant without an orgasm? It is complex and always provides the basis for hot discussion and debate: the female orgasm. Women climax in different ways and with different intensity. Even though it is often unfairly claimed that women have a harder time reaching climax than men, women seem to have a benefit...

The second half of the cycle When we talk about the second half of the female cycle, we are actually referring to the luteal phase, which begins immediately after ovulation. The luteinising hormone (LH) is responsible for the formation of the corpus luteum from the follicle after ovulation. As hormone levels drop towards the end...

The first half of the cycle The first half of the cycle describes the part of the female cycle in which the eggs mature. This phase is also called the development phase, follicular (maturation) phase, pre-ovulation phase or proliferation phase. When does the first half of the cycle take place? The first half of the...

8 ways to regulate menstruation Problems with periods can take many different forms. Think of symptoms such as very heavy or light bleeding, missed periods, very irregular periods, severe PMS symptoms, weight loss or weight gain, bloating, tiredness or fatigue, mood swings or acne. Anyone who struggles with problems in this area knows that their...

How can I monitor my cervical mucus? Many women have never even heard about cervical mucus even though it is a simple way to gain insight into your fertility and get to know your body better. Actively dealing with your own cycle helps you to get constant feedback from your body. This also allows you...

Our guide to come off the birth control pill So many (and especially young) women have the argument that they can't stop taking the birth control pill because they are so scared of getting pregnant. Considering how sex, fertility and reproduction are explained to us in school, this fear is completely understandable. After all, young...

Can exercise affect fertility, pregnancy, and conception itself? In one of our recent articles we’ve already described in detail how exercise influences the female cycle. But what about exercise and fertility, exercise and pregnancy, or exercise and conception itself? This is the question we want to answer in this blog post and we have compiled...

Syncing your diet with your cycle - Does the way we eat actually affect our cycle? So many women end up curled up on the couch with a hot water bottle each and every month and have to numb the cramps with painkillers. When they start to learn more about their bodies and their cycle...

Why am I not getting pregnant? More and more often we hear from women, or rather couples, who are perfectly healthy, but still do not get pregnant. Yes, trying for a baby with no success can be exhausting for a couple: it requires patience, many attempts & quite often tears are involved as well. However,...

Your cycle & exercise: How your cycle plays a role when it comes to adapting your workouts Last week you energetically ran several kilometers in the park and it wasn't even difficult for you? Today you almost couldn't reach the 5 km mark? This is not at all unusual and is often related to your...

How do I know I'm pregnant? We all know the popular movie scenes: you pee on a test strip and a few minutes later it announces the joyful news - congratulations, there are two lines! Often only visible with a lot of fantasy. Nevertheless, it’s a signal of immense joy for those who want to...

Thanks to breathe ilo our family became complete! My experience on the journey to get pregnant. I have been with my boyfriend since my teenage years. When we were both settled in our professional lives, we decided that it’s time to start trying for a baby. Although we were both healthy, fit and in our...

breathe ilo put a beautiful end to my long journey of wishing for a baby! Last week my baby, whom I had prayed for such a long time, turned three months old! Often I still can't believe it when I’m holding my child in my arms, because it took us such a long time to...

How breathe ilo made my biggest wish come true - to be a mom! I have been an overjoyed mom of a son for a year now and I would like to share my personal story of becoming a mother with you. I have been married for four years. We met while we were still...

5 facts you probably didn't know about the female cycle Surprisingly, most women know surprisingly little about the female cycle. However, every woman probably remembers her very first period. Many of us were surprised by it in the school toilet. In the worst case, without being prepared. Or was it at the pajama party with...

The 10 best reasons why women should track their cycle Our cycle significantly influences all areas of our life and well-being. Depending on the cycle phase, our feelings, our performance, and energy levels, how social we feel, even our appetite and digestion change. Therefore, doesn't it make sense to take an in-depth look at your...

My experience with breathe ilo and how I conceived my little babygirl with it To be able to hold my daughter in my hands now is the greatest happiness for me. Even in times of Corona, I can't complain a day, because I am overjoyed that I can watch this little human being grow up...

My experience with the cycle tracker breathe ilo Since last year there is a novelty on the market for cycle tracking. Namely, the breathe ilo breath analyser. Yes, exactly, you can determine your fertile days through your breath. This was also new to me, but it is actually scientifically proven. This is exactly why I...

Progesterone in the menstrual cycle - how it affects the desire to have children and subsequent pregnancy There are days when you feel completely balanced and energetic and then there are days when your mood is in the basement and you feel drained. Many hormones in your body are responsible for these moods, because they...

Does gut health play a role in conception? Expert interview with Dr. Eva Maria Hoffmann-Gombotz The fascinating world of microorganisms is invisible to us, yet it has an insanely large impact on us. The human microbiome in particular has been of great interest to researchers for a long time. Recently, the topic of gut health...

Can supplements increase your chances of getting pregnant? Yes, it is always assumed that a balanced and healthy diet is enough to be provided with an adequate amount of vitamins. Still, researchers have started to shed light on the role of vitamins when it comes to conception and the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. It...

Menstruation - a historic overview Menstruation has been a part of women’s life since...well, since the beginning. But have you known that before the 19th century, doctors did not even know that menstruation is a part of a healthy menstrual cycle and thus is linked to ovulation? They thought women had to bleed to 'cool...

How your cycle influences your skin Many of us know from experience: Acne can make us feel uncomfortable in our own skin. Your skin can, at times, even be the reason for low self-esteem. Once you understand what is happening in your body and why acne can also occur in adult women, you can learn...

Get to know the female cycle and cycle phases The female body and cycle are all too often still considered a mystery. No wonder, because many women themselves don’t really know what’s happening inside their bodies. Especially for women, however, it is particularly important to understand their own bodies and to be able to interpret...

7 things that can make quarantine more fun It’s safe to say that the current developments regarding the Corona virus pandemic are challenging for all of us. Being stuck at home can seem boring at first, especially if you can't work from home. We have done some research and can assure you that there are...

7 must-have items to make your pregnancy easier Pregnancy can certainly be a wonderful but also exhausting time. For this reason, it makes sense to make it easier on yourself and your body with certain tools and items. We’ve done some research for you and came up with a list of 7 must-haves to make...

Pre-Christmas with our newborn- a breathe ilo user talks about her routine Now it's finally christmas time At the beginning of November our long-awaited baby came into the world and now we are finally experiencing the pre-Christmas time as a small family. That's what we've been waiting for years. We are overjoyed that breathe ilo...

Dietary supplements and vitamins before pregnancy Before trying to conceive, many experts recommend taking dietary supplements and vitamins to prepare the body for the upcoming pregnancy. The baby should also benefit from the nutrients. Most people are familiar with dietary supplements such as magnesium for increasing sport performance. However, even if the desire to have...

Hair dyeing allowed in pregnancy or not? Once you are pregnant, there are more and more questions about what you should do or what is still harmless. The same goes for the question "Can I continue to dye my hair during pregnancy?” Till now, there have been no studies to show that dyeing hair has...

May we introduce? Your menstruation, also called period Menstruation is also called period and other names such as the Red Wave, Strawberry Week, Bloody Mary, or ‘visit from Auntie Rosa’. The many synonyms testify to decades of tabooing menstruation. We think it’s about time that we all stop referring to a woman's period as an...

Take some time off and say no to stress! You're probably aware of the fact, that physical and psychological stress can influence our hormones and are a strain on the mind and organism in the long run. Even if it may sound impossible in our stress society at first, try to bring calm and serenity...

Can cough syrup boost fertility? As bizarre as it may sound, one tip for boosting fertility keeps making its rounds: drink cough syrup.   The guaifenesine contained in cough syrup is said to have an effect on the cervical mucus and to dilute it, thus facilitating the passage of sperm into the uterus. However, this...

Does a heavy period lead to increased fertility? However we experience our periods, they are simply part of our lives as women and are also necessary for female fertility. So you can definitely see your period as a means to fertility. If regular menstruation occurs, we can assume that ovulation takes place regularly as well....

How to accurately determine your fertile days You want nothing more than a baby? How wonderful! Now the only question is when you are fertile and the chances of pregnancy are particularly high. But even if you don't want to get pregnant at this very moment, it makes sense to track your cycle and know...

Is ovulation always happening at the same time? Many women (and men) still believe that ovulation always takes place on the 14th day of a woman's cycle. Every time. On the same day. Always. That sounds too good to be true? Well, it is. What happens during ovulation? A strong increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),...

Can sperm boost fertility? Can sperm do more than assumed? Can it actually boost a woman's fertility? Male sperm consists mainly of water. Different hormones and proteins are only contained in traces, not in large quantities, as many mistakenly assume. Perhaps the myth that the consumption of sperm would lead to an increase in fertility...

How long does it take to get pregnant? It makes sense: if you want to have a baby, you would naturally like to know exactly how long it takes to get pregnant. In general, we can say that about 80% of all couples get pregnant within a year of trying - provided that they have...

Does the moon influence the female cycle? Full moon, low tide and then blood? The fact that the lengths of the menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle are so similar has been a reason for assuming greater importance for centuries and in many cultures. What history has to say about it The words "menstruation" and...

Can yams help with boosting fertility? Eating yams for twins? No myth is so absurd that one could not gain a little truth from it as well. With this one you not only grab your head in riddles, you might also get hungry: The consumption of yams should lead to the conception of twins. Can...

Do tampons have an effect on fertility? It's one of those things about monthly hygiene and especially tampons. The perfect solution for everyone does not (yet) seem to exist. Every product has its advantages and disadvantages. Pads, for example, can itch and lead to unpleasant sweating moments in the underpants, especially in midsummer. The advantage,...

The fertile phase in the female cycle The female cycle, and especially the fertile phase, is a fascinating but complex affair. It is divided into different phases, which in turn are directed by different hormones and factors. It is therefore not too surprising that the question of how long the fertile phase of the woman's...

The female sexual organs As a girl's body develops into a woman's body it usually changes quite significantly. Some of the sex organs, for example primary sex organs such as the uterus and ovaries, are present from birth but change over time. Others develop over time, for example the breasts. The function of the female...

Multiple ovulation / Hyperovulation In order to reproduce, the human species needs the following things: a uterus, sperm and an egg. But the exception proves the rule and so it happens that sometimes not just one, but two or more eggs mature in one cycle. Ovulating with several eggs? When this is the case may...

Can you get pregnant during your period? Every one of us has heard the question before: Can you get pregnant during menstruation? Well, even though this sounds very unlikely, it is not impossible to fall pregnant while you’re on your period. If the first half in a woman’s cycle is short, ovulation is also likely...

The inconsistencies of the female cycle The female cycle is like life itself: things don't always work according to plan. After all, it takes years for a cycle to find its balance and even then it does not always have the same length or is less irregular. A cycle comes with annoying things like cravings,...

Biochemical pregnancy What does it mean if the pregnancy test shows a correct positive result, but the ultrasound examination cannot confirm the pregnancy? Well, this is called a biochemical pregnancy. A biochemical pregnancy means that it is a pregnancy that stops growing and resolves before it becomes large enough to see it in an ultrasound...

Experience adventures together! A strong relationship functions as the best foundation for bringing children into this world. To counteract the daily grind's effects on couple life, new adventures that are experienced together as a couple can bring a welcome change into everyday relationship life. Whether going climbing, a parachute jump, a visit to an amusement...

Have breakfast in bed together! Sunday mornings are perfect for breakfast in bed. Whether you prepare it together or let your significant other pamper you, there is nothing in the way of enjoying a healthy snack. If you know what I mean. And perhaps best of all, you help boost your fertility by having a lavish...

Watch your diet! Stay healthy and support your fertility It should be balanced and healthy because essentially you are what you eat!   A healthy body masters the challenges of life with greater ease. Therefore, pay attention to your diet. Although there is no miracle recipe or product you could take, there are certain guidelines...

Does daily sex increase the chances of conception? How often should a couple have sex for 'the equation 1 + 1 = 3' to work out? There is no strict key nor beat for the dance of conception, but there certainly is a recommendation from fertility experts. Within the fertility window, there should be intercourse...

Fertility awareness - Know your cycle! Women who observe their cycle and use fertility awareness methods significantly increase their chances of getting pregnant. Every woman has been keeping track of her cycle since her first period. In the modern age, an abundance of different apps and wearables makes it easier to track cycle and symptoms...

Water - Why being hydrated is so important An adult's body consist of 50 to 65% water. Quite a lot, which is why it is vital to drink enough of this precious liquid. Water is an important component of various processes in the human body and takes on essential functions. The adequate supply of fluids...

Take time for yourself Spend quality time with the most important person in your life: yourself. To be alone does not mean to be lonely. Retreat, reflect, and regenerate are the three "R's" of solitude; cornerstones that can provide support and perspective in any situation in life. The path to having children can be a...

What are the effects of stopping the pill? The contraceptive pill has become a controversial topic these days and more and more women report side effects when taking the pill and also when stopping it. However, many doctors still recommend the pill to "treat" period problems and other hormonal symptoms. It is important to remember...

How can ovulation be determined? Quite a few couples with an active desire to have children take ovulation test strips in order to gain more insight into their fertility state. When we’re talking about the 'fertile window’ – we're referring to the days in a woman’s menstrual cycle when conception is possible. The ‘fertile window’...

Does breastfeeding affect fertility? To bury the myth once and for all: women who are breastfeeding are not necessarily infertile. They can, in fact, get pregnant during this time. However, women who breastfeed have anovulatory cycles over the course of several months. This means that during this time, no egg cells are maturing and therefore...

The probability of conception - When is the best time to get pregnant? Getting pregnant is, indeed, a bit like playing the lottery. You place your best bet and hope for the jackpot because conception and pregnancy do, in a way, still resemble a miracle. A lot of things have to happen for new life...

When am I pregnant? You’ve either seen it in movies or had the honour yourself: a test strip you’ve had the pleasure of peeing on, reveals the happy news – Congratulations … you're pregnant! Sometimes only discernible by squinting the eyes. Nonetheless, a signal of joy for those who wish to conceive. But what is...