What is ovulation?
Women experience ovulation every month from puberty until menopause. It is the process of releasing the mature egg from the ovary, which is ready for fertilization. When your body is ready for ovulation, you may notice some signs and symptoms, which we will highlight in this article.
Why should you track your ovulation?
- Planning for pregnancy
Knowing your ovulation date is crucial if you're trying to conceive; your fertility peaks in the few days leading up to and during ovulation. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive system for up to five days, but the egg remains viable for about 12-24 hours after ovulation. Therefore, having intercourse on the days before and the day of ovulation increases your chances of pregnancy.
- Natural birth control
Some couples use ovulation tracking as a natural birth control method by avoiding intercourse during this fertility window. However, this method is less effective than other contraceptive methods, like condoms or hormonal methods like birth control pills or IUDs.
- Monitoring reproductive health
Regular ovulation and menstrual cycles are essential indicators of healthy reproductive health. Irregular periods or ovulation may indicate health issues like polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, or other hormonal disorders.
- Treating menstrual disorders
Understanding your ovulation patterns can assist your gynecologist in diagnosing and treating any underlying condition.
- Assisting in fertility treatments
Tracking ovulation is vital for couples undergoing fertility treatments. Procedures like IVF or artificial insemination require precise timing based on ovulation.
Main signs of ovulation
- Increased vaginal discharge
You might notice that your vaginal discharge becomes clearer and thicker, like egg whites. This mucus helps sperm travel and reach the ready-to-be-fertilized egg, increasing the chances of conception.
- Intermittent abdominal pain on one side
Some women experience mild, intermittent pain on one side of the lower abdomen, known as ovulation pain.
- Increased sex drive
Some women report increased libido during ovulation due to elevated Estrogen and testosterone levels.
- Sensitivity
Breast or nipple sensitivity may increase.
- Slight abdominal bloating
This occurs due to hormonal changes during ovulation, particularly elevated Estrogen levels.
- Changes in basal body temperature
Your basal body temperature might rise slightly after ovulation.
- Light vaginal bleeding
This is a rare ovulation symptom; you might see a few blood spots or pink or brown vaginal discharge.
- Headaches and nausea
Some women complain of nausea and headaches during ovulation due to hormonal changes.
- Enhanced senses
When does ovulation happen?
The ovulation window is usually between the 10th and the 20th day of the period if the period happens every 28 to 35 days. If the menstrual cycle occurs after 28 days, ovulation typically happens between the 12th and 14th day of the cycle. It is noteworthy that ovulation days differ from one woman to another, depending on the cycle length. If the period is extended, ovulation might occur on the 17th or 20th day of the cycle. If periods happen at shorter intervals, such as every 21 days, ovulation will occur on the 7th or 9th day of the cycle, even before the period bleeding stops.
For best results, use this accurate ovulation tracker from Omooma.
