Identify your fertile window and take control of your reproductive health.
Cracking the code of ovulation is a basic part of reproductive wellness—whether you're trying to get pregnant or simply wanting to better understand your body. But many are unaware of the physical cues that point to ovulation taking place.
"When we're a little bit older as women, we're more attuned to their bodies," according to Dr. Chavone Momon-Nelson, an OB-GYN from Pennsylvania. "You don't necessarily have to be symptomatic, and sometimes they're very subtle. But some people are very sensitive when they're ovulating."
Here in this article, we clarify what ovulation is, when it typically happens, and the most common signs to look out for.
Ovulation is the time in your menstrual cycle when your ovary discharges an egg. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it may meet sperm and become fertilized. If you are trying to get pregnant, this is your peak fertile time.
Ovulation typically occurs in the middle of your cycle. In a standard 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs around day 14 and lasts three days.
When Do You Ovulate?
Most menstrual cycles are between 25 and 35 days. Ovulation usually happens around 14 days before your next period arrives. That is to say, if your cycle is regular, you can calculate your fertile window by knowing the length of your cycle. You're most fertile in the pre-ovulation days and at the time of ovulation.
8 Ovulation Symptoms to Look For
Some symptoms of ovulation are difficult to distinguish from PMS. If any symptom is severe or interruptive, it's better to seek a healthcare provider.
Following are the most frequent ovulation symptoms, as recommended by OB-GYNs:
1. One-Sided Pain or Cramping
Ovulation cramps, or mittelschmerz, affect about 40% of women. It is usually a dull cramp on one side of the lower abdomen and usually occurs about two weeks after the period.
"There can be pain from whichever side you dropped the egg," says OB-GYN Dr. Christine Greves. "It usually won't last more than a day and a half."
Hormonal changes during ovulation can lead to sore or heavy breasts.
"If your breasts are very slightly tender, that can mean a surge of your hormones," Greves says.
3. Bloating
Feeling bloated or having fullness in the stomach is a sign that ovulation has started. "Some women report that they start to feel bloated," Momon-Nelson says.
4. Improved Sex Drive
Peak libido at ovulation is felt by most people.
"Women will say they're more in the mood for sex when they're ovulating," says Momon-Nelson. Greves continues that it is simply because the body has a urge to reproduce.
5. Mood Swings or Irritability
Some will be more romantic, while some might be less so.
"Women are just so irritable and have mood swings," says Momon-Nelson. Women in perimenopause may also experience sexual desire change during this time.
6. Changes in Cervical Mucus
Ovulation causes cervical mucus to be clearer, more stretchy, and slippery—more like egg white. This facilitates sperm to pass more smoothly through the cervix.
"Most women notice the difference but don't necessarily think they owe it to ovulation," Momon-Nelson says.
7. Light Spotting
There might be some light spotting when the egg is discharged.
"Although you can have a little spotting when you're ovulating," says Greves, "not a great deal, just very tiny amounts."
8. Small Increase in Basal Body Temperature
Taking your basal body temperature (BBT)—the temperature when you're completely still—can be used to identify ovulation. A very small increase (about 0.5°F) might be a sign that you're ovulating.
However, BBT monitoring requires consistency and precision, and other factors like illness or stress impact the readings. "It doesn't always work," Momon-Nelson cautions.
How to Monitor Ovulation
Use a Calendar or Period Tracker
Start by tracking your period for several months. Mark days between cycles to estimate your average cycle length. This can help you find when ovulation is most likely to occur.
You can get an idea of when you would be due for your period each month," says Greves.
Try an Ovulation Test
If your period is unpredictable or you require more accuracy—especially if you're attempting to conceive—try using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK). These over-the-counter home urine tests detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that triggers ovulation.
"If you are having trouble conceiving, all of this is time-sensitive," Greves emphasizes. "If you want that confirmation, just pee on the stick."
Last Thoughts
Learning the signs of ovulation can empower you with greater control over your reproductive health—whether you are planning for pregnancy or simply learning more about your body. If your symptoms become too much or your cycles become irregular, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor.
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