It can be hard to know when you’re ovulating. Learning about the signs of ovulation can be useful if you’re trying to conceive – if you want to grow your family, knowing more about ovulation can help you massively. Ovulation varies for each woman, but thankfully there’s an array of signs you can look out for that can give you a clear indication of when best to try and become pregnant.
Although many women use ovulation signs as a guide to planning pregnancy, many individuals use them to avoid becoming pregnant. Knowing more about how your body works gives you a better understanding of your menstrual cycle and lets you recognise any abnormal symptoms that might occur later down the line. To find out more about the signs of ovulation, read on.
What is Ovulation?
What is ovulation? Ovulation is a phase during the female menstrual cycle, which involves the release of an egg. Typically, women begin ovulating roughly two weeks before a period begins, but this can vary for each woman. Once the egg is released from the ovary, the chances of getting pregnant increase.
The egg, also commonly known as the ovum, oocyte or female gamete, only releases when it’s reached full maturity. Once the egg releases from the ovary and makes its way down the fallopian tube, it can reach sperm and become fertilised – this is when pregnancy transpires.
Women are born with millions of unreleased eggs. One egg is released per month – if the egg fails to meet a sperm cell, your menstrual period should arrive shortly after. A period is a clear sign that you are not pregnant and the egg hasn’t met a sperm.
When Does Ovulation Occur?
When exactly does ovulation occur? Menstrual cycles last between 28 to 32 days, but once again this can vary per woman. It’s estimated that 14 days before your period is due, ovulation occurs. Ovulation can last for anywhere between 16 to 32 hours. It’s almost impossible for ovulation to happen if you’re on the contraceptive pill.
It can be confusing to understand ovulation and how it works. Each woman’s cycle is different – some lasting 21 days and others up to 35. If your cycle lasts 21 days, ovulation is set to occur on day seven, whereas those with a longer cycle lasting for 35 days will ovulate on day 21.
It’s a good idea to get familiar with your body and how it operates. Knowing more about your menstrual cycle and the duration it lasts can help guide you on when to have sexual intercourse to become pregnant and how to try and avoid pregnancy the best you can.
There are many disorders and diseases that can alter how your body operates, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure to name a few. Other setbacks for regular ovulation include taking antidepressants, anti-nausea medications and undergoing chemotherapy. Stress and weight fluctuations have also proved to play key roles in irregular ovulation.
Predicting Ovulation
Whether it’s to try and better your chances of becoming pregnant or simply because you want to gain a better understanding of your body, predicting ovulation can come with an array of benefits.
Ovulation predictor kits are great ways to help determine whether or not it’s likely for you to become pregnant at a certain period of time. Taking these tests is similar to taking a pregnancy test – using a urine sample, the test is able to detect a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH). If a rise in this hormone is found in your urine sample, it’s likely the ovary will release an egg.
Other efficient ways to predict ovulation include basal body temperature monitoring and menstrual charting. Often referred to as BBT, basal body temperature remains consistent at the beginning of your cycle, averaging between 97.2 and 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit. As ovulation approaches, your body temperature can raise up to 1.0 degrees more.
Menstrual charting is one of the more inexpensive ways to predict when you’re about to start ovulating. Keeping track of your period over the course of several months allows you to know how long your cycle lasts.
As you ovulate each month, we recommend keeping note of any apparent symptoms such as cramps, changes in your cervical mucus or breast tenderness. This way, when the cycle comes around the following month, you’ll be able to notice the signs much easier.
Signs of Ovulation
There are several main signs to look out for to give you an indication of whether you’re ovulating or not. Some women experience symptoms worse than others, whilst some hardly experience any at all. Let’s take a look at some of the most apparent signs that ovulation is happening.
- Changes in body temperature
- Discharge (red or brown in colour)
- Lower abdominal pain
- Heightened senses
- Slippery cervical mucus
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting
- Increased sex drive
- Headaches
- Nausea
How DAM Health Can Help
DAM Health provide access to friendly, NHS-trained GPs on demand. It can be tedious having to fit a clinic-based appointment around your work and social life. Our expert services allow you to book in with a healthcare professional who can assist you from the comfort of your own home.
There’s no need to dedicate time to stand in queues and sit in waiting rooms for long periods of time. Our services offer the same efficiency as appointments that take place face-to-face. We can provide referral letters and prescriptions, whilst remaining on hand to give you the advice and guidance you need.
We understand the importance of seeing a doctor in real-time. Whether it’s related to fertility issues or general health, we offer our services with the aim to get to the root cause of the problem. We deal with men, women and children. If you’d like to find out more information or book a consultation today, feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.