Knowing the signs of ovulation can help you learn more about your menstrual cycle and when you are most fertile. Ovulation happens when an ovary releases an egg. This usually happens once in a menstrual cycle.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, or if you just want to know more about your body, it can help to recognise these changes. However, not all women notice symptoms, and symptoms alone are not a sure way to tell if ovulation has occurred.
1. Vaginal discharge changes
One of the most visible Signs of Ovulation is a change in cervical mucus. Around the time you ovulate, your vaginal discharge can be more clear, wet, slippery and stretchy – like raw egg white.
This mucus lets sperm travel through the reproductive tract. Discharge may be thicker, stickier, or less noticeable after ovulation.
These changes can help you to identify fertile days, but if you have unusual discharge that has a strong smell, or itching or pain, see a healthcare professional.
2. Slight cramping or pelvic pain
Some women have a little pain on one side of their lower abdomen around ovulation time. This is sometimes referred to as mittelschmerz.
The discomfort might last a few minutes to several hours, but sometimes it can last even longer. It may switch sides between cycles or stay on the same side.
“Don’t automatically blame ovulation if you have severe, persistent or unusual pain in your abdomen. Seek medical help especially if you have fever, heavy bleeding, or dizziness along with the pain.
3. Increased sexual desire
Some women feel an increase in sexual desire around their fertile days. This could be related to the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
But sexual desire is very different from one person to the next. Changes in libido are not a reliable way to confirm that ovulation is happening.
4. Tenderness of the Breasts
Hormones that are produced during the menstrual cycle can cause the breasts to become sore or tender. Some women notice this around ovulation, but some feel it more strongly before their periods.
Breast tenderness alone cannot tell you exactly when ovulation will happen because it can happen at different stages of the cycle.
5. A Small Increase in Basal Body Temperature
Your basal body temperature is your body’s resting temperature, taken first thing in the morning before you get out of bed.
After ovulation progesterone usually causes a small rise in basal body temperature. You might see this pattern by taking your temperature every morning for a few cycles.
The rise usually occurs after ovulation, so it’s more useful for knowing that ovulation has already occurred rather than predicting the most fertile days to come.
6. Cervix changes
During the time of fertility, the cervix may become softer, higher and slightly more open. These changes may also be accompanied by increased cervical mucous.
But it can be difficult to check your own cervix and the results vary from person to person. This sign works best in conjunction with other tracking methods, not by itself.
7. Positive ovulation test.
An ovulation predictor kit detects an increase in luteinising hormone (LH) in urine. This increase generally occurs approximately 24 to 36 hours prior to ovulation.
If the result is positive, ovulation may be near, which is helpful if you are trying to conceive.
An LH surge, however, does not ensure that an egg will be released. Some conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can make test results more difficult to interpret.
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How Can You Track Ovulation More Precisely?
For a more accurate idea of your fertile window, consider using a combination of methods, such as tracking your period, checking your cervical mucus, and using ovulation test kits. Fertility apps can help you to keep track of patterns but their predictions are only a guess.
If you always have irregular or missing periods, discuss possible causes with a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Typical Signs of Ovulation are clear stretchy cervical mucus, slight pelvic pain, breast tenderness, changes in sex drive and basal body temperature increases. Symptoms, however, differ from woman to woman and some women have no noticeable signs.
By combining these observations with the right tracking methods, you can get to know your cycle and plan for pregnancy. If you are concerned about ovulation or fertility, a qualified health care professional can give you personalised advice.