Does the word 'ovulation' ring a bell? Yes, it is a concept you probably learned during your sex-ed class in school. Plus, if you use a period tracking app, you may receive predictions about your ovulation day every month.
A quick little revision: Ovulation is a part of your monthly cycle when one of your ovaries releases a mature egg. If the sperm meets the egg and fertilises it during this period, you can conceive. If not, you will get your period. Knowing when you are ovulating is helpful in both situations: when you are trying to get pregnant and when you are trying not to get pregnant.
Okay, but how on earth do you know your ovary has released an egg and your body is preparing for a possible pregnancy? Well, just like menstruation announces its arrival a week in advance with PMS symptoms, ovulation does the same with various physical and emotional changes. So, without further ado, let's get straight into understanding ovulation!
First Up, What Is Ovulation?
Girls are born with millions of immature eggs stored in their two ovaries. The ovaries remain dormant for long and become active during the preteen or teen phase, causing ovulation followed by the first menstrual period. From that stage on until menopause, the process of ovulation and menstruation typically occurs once every month.
Ovulation is preceded by the follicular phase when the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the ovaries to produce follicles or sacs containing several immature eggs. At this stage, there is a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) which triggers ovulation.
Only one mature egg is released and moves to the fallopian tube to be fertilised. Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the cycle (day 10-18 of a 21-35 days menstrual cycle) and lasts for about a day. If a sperm fertilises the egg during the 24-hour window, pregnancy can occur.
After ovulation, the body enters the luteal phase. The progesterone hormone surges to help thicken the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. However, if pregnancy does not happen, estrogen and progesterone drop considerably, causing the lining and egg to shed during menstruation. That marks the beginning of the four-stage menstrual cycle all over again.
Identifying Your Fertile Window: What Are the Signs of Ovulation?
Now that the concept of ovulation is clearer, let's move on to the main bit: How do you know you are ovulating? Unlike PMS symptoms, ovulation signs are generally subtle. You may experience them up to a week, including before, during, and after ovulation.
However, it varies significantly from person to person and cycle to cycle. You may notice all, some, or none of these symptoms. Remember that the absence of these symptoms does not mean you are not ovulating. That said, let's explore ten clues to help you predict your most fertile days.
Cervical mucus changes
As you approach ovulation, your cervical mucus appears different, thanks to the increase in estrogen. From the usual watery consistency, it becomes clear, stretchy, thick, and slippery, resembling an egg white! Additionally, the body produces more than usual cervical mucus. Why do these changes happen? Well, it has two purposes: to provide enough lubrication for comfortable sex and to help the sperm easily swim up its way to the egg.
Tender breasts and sore nipples
If you notice a mild, lingering pain in your breasts and nipples around the middle of your monthly cycle, ovulatory phase hormones are to blame! You may experience discomfort during high-impact activities or intimate breast play.
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Ovulation can cause minor cramping and discomfort in the pelvic or lower abdominal region. The pain usually occurs on either the right or left side, but it may shift sides from cycle to cycle. Ovulation pain, also called ‘mittelschmerz pain’, can last from a few minutes to a few hours and is known to be an effect of the follicle rupturing to release the egg.
Mild spotting
When the follicle bursts open, along with pain, it can also cause a small amount of bleeding. While it's not a common symptom, it is also not a cause of concern. You may notice some pink, red or brown discharge in your underpants for a day or two. However, if the spotting continues longer, it could indicate an underlying issue, and you must see a gynecologist.
Good mood and high sex drive
Have you noticed a particular time every month when you feel happy, energetic, attractive and have a greater desire to have sex? Well, experts say the feel-good emotions and high libido are simply the result of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone at work to encourage sexual activity for procreation.
Appetite shifts
If you pay close attention to your appetite throughout the month, you will realise it decreases slightly right before ovulation, when estrogen is the dominant hormone in the body. In contrast, after ovulation, as progesterone takes over, you crave more food than usual.
Basal body temperature changes
Basal body temperature is the temperature of the body at rest. You can measure it right after waking up before you get out of bed and engage in any activity. At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, it will be around 96 to 98°F. As you approach ovulation, it will reduce slightly and right after ovulation, it will increase by about 1°F, reaching 97 to 99°F. Tracking the basal body temperature for a few months can help you predict your most fertile days.
Headaches
Can ovulation make you uncomfortable? Yes, the hormonal changes during the process can cause headaches and interrupt your daily routine. You may experience symptoms like throbbing pain in one or both sides of the head, sensitivity to bright lights or sound, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. Ovulation headaches may last anywhere between a few hours to a few days.
Heightened senses
Hormonal fluctuations during ovulation may make you more sensitive to smell and taste than on other days of the menstrual cycle. While research has found evidence of this phenomenon, it is not always a foolproof indicator of ovulation.
Factors That Affect Ovulation: Is It Possible to Not Ovulate Every Month?
While ovulation is designed to be a monthly process, it may not always be that way. Various situations can interrupt the natural process of egg maturation and release for fertilisation every month. The most common signs of improper ovulation include irregular menstrual cycles, heavy or light periods, painful periods, mood swings, unexplained weight changes, and infertility. You may face ovulation difficulties if:
- You have conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, or endometriosis.
- You are taking certain medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, antihypertensives, thyroid medication, and chemotherapy drugs.
- Your BMI is less than 18 or higher than 25
- You have fluctuations in weight
- You are engaging in excessive high-impact exercise.
- You are facing chronic stress.
Ovulation may also temporarily be disrupted in your body if:
- You are using hormonal contraceptive methods such as birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
- You recently gave birth.
- You are breastfeeding.
A Game of Calculations: How Can You Track Ovulation?
As discussed, tracking ovulation is helpful when trying to conceive. Having sex in the days leading up to ovulation and during your 24-hour fertile window increases your chances of pregnancy. At the same time, knowing your fertile days is essential to avoid pregnancy. You can be extra cautious with intimacy during that time.
Predicting your ovulation involves paying attention to your body's subtle signs and mastering calculations. It can take a few monthly cycles to become in tune with your body, recognise patterns, and perfect your predictions.
Here are some popular ways to track ovulation:
- Ovulation symptoms journal: Maintain an ovulation journal and track the following details throughout the month: the appearance of your cervical mucus, BBT readings, and physical and emotional changes (cramps, breast tenderness, mood, energy levels, sex drive).
- Calendar method: Mark your menstruation dates on a calendar every month. Since ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, you can determine the average length of your cycle and accordingly predict ovulation. If manual calendar tracking seems complicated, you can use a period-tracking app for automated predictions.
- Ovulation home test: If tracking ovulation signs and using the calendar method are not working, you can explore ovulation home tests. The kit contains strips similar to pregnancy tests. You need to pee on the strip, which will measure your luteinising hormone (LH) levels. If they are high, you will test positive, suggesting you are fertile. You should then have sex for the next few days to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Remember that no ovulation prediction methods are reliable if you have irregular periods. Neither can they detect fertility issues (it is possible to have them with regular menstrual cycles too). Book an appointment with a fertility specialist if:
- You are under 35 years old and have been trying to get pregnant for around a year with no success
- You are over 35 years old and have been trying to get pregnant for around six months with no success
Takeaway
Whether you are attempting to conceive or avoid pregnancy, understanding your ovulation symptoms and predicting your fertile days is essential once you become sexually active. At the same time, addressing symptoms of ovulation disorders such as irregular periods is vital for receiving timely treatment and preventing complications such as infertility.
Do you have more ovulation-related queries? Talk to our fertility specialists at Proactive For Her today.