Knowing when you’re ovulating is a great way to determine the best time to get pregnant or even avoid having unprotected sex. Even if you’re not planning to conceive at the moment, knowing your fertile window can give you a clear picture of your menstrual cycle.
It can also help spot any abnormal symptoms down the line. Moreover, for women who are actively trying to conceive, keeping track helps determine if there are any complications, or should you need to visit a gynaecologist.
Here’s everything that you need to know about ovulation and why knowing the signs and symptoms of ovulation is important.
What Is Ovulation?
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During ovulation, the ovary will release a mature egg. It then travels down the fallopian tube where it may meet the sperm and fertilise. For most healthy women, ovulation takes place once a month, a few weeks after menstruation begins.
On average, an egg will fertilise in about 24 hours after releasing from your ovary. Do remember that the sperm can also live inside your reproductive tract for as long as five days after sexual intercourse under the right conditions.
When Does Ovulation Start
If you’re trying to conceive or simply want to understand your body better, knowing when you ovulate is essential. Ovulation is a crucial phase in the menstrual cycle, and it plays a significant role in the chances of getting pregnant.
The menstrual cycle is the period from the first day of bleeding (day 1) to the day before the next menstrual bleeding begins. On average, a menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, but it can range from 26 to 32 days.
In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs between day 12 and day 15.
Fertile Window
To estimate when you ovulate, subtract 14 days from the total number of days in your cycle. Alternatively, you can use an ovulation calculator to pinpoint your fertile days.
The fertile window refers to the days leading up to ovulation when conception is most likely to occur. The egg survives for about 24 hours after ovulation, so it’s crucial for sperm to be waiting to increase the chance of conception.
If you are really keen on getting pregnant, you may want to invest in ovulation test kits which can also help you confirm when your fertile window is.
When Is The Right Time To Have Sex?
The process of ovulation typically starts four days before or after the halfway point of your menstrual cycle. That’s why the 3-5 day period or even the day of your ovulation can be considered as your fertile window.
You can plan to conceive around these days to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Do note that the ovulation cycle varies from person to person and it’s important to track your own body symptoms to better understand when you’re ovulating. Your body will go through some changes and it is mainly due to the increased levels of hormones, especially estrogen during your fertile window.
Signs And Symptoms Of Ovulation
1. Clear and stretchy vaginal discharge
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Your cervical mucus will be clear, wet, slippery and stretchy during ovulation. This helps the sperm to swim to the egg.
Here’s how to check:
- Wash your hands and insert your clean finger into the vagina.
- Remove some of the mucus and then stretch out the secretion between the thumb and the finger. This will help you to see the texture of your vaginal discharge and help you identify whether you are ovulating.
2. Change in basal body temperature
When you’re ovulating, your body’s basal temperature slightly increases.
Here’s how to check:
- Use a thermometer specifically designed to measure basal body temperature.
- Take your temperature reading every morning before you get out of bed.
- Maintain a record of the results and look for a pattern to emerge. You are actually at your most fertile period during the two to three days before your temperature rises.
3. Tender breasts
Sore nipples and tender breasts are another sign of ovulation. It is due to the surge in hormones in your body during this time.
While you may experience this tenderness just before ovulation, others may feel it right after ovulation occurs.
4. Increased senses
Many women experience a more sensitive sense of smell in the latter half of a normal menstruation cycle. This can be a sign of ovulation. Some women may also have a heightened sense of taste. During this fertile period, your body is primed to be attracted to the male pheromone androstenone.
5. Changes in saliva
Hormones–progesterone and estrogen–may alter the consistency of dried saliva before or during ovulation, causing patterns to form. You may see that patterns in the dried saliva may look similar to crystals for some women.
However, smoking, drinking, eating and even brushing your teeth can mask these effects, thus making it a less conclusive ovulation indicator.
6. Ovulation spotting
During ovulation, there are some women who have brown discharge or spotting. It’s extremely normal.
This sign can be visible when the follicle that surrounds and protects the developing oocyte, matures, grows and then ruptures. Thus, resulting in a small amount of bleeding.
As the blood gets older, it gets brown in colour. It is usually not a sign of major concern but if the spotting persists, you need to visit your doctor to check if there are any signs of infection.
7. Bloating
Feeling bloated during ovulation is not uncommon, and it can be quite uncomfortable. The surge in estrogen and luteinizing hormone levels just before the onset of ovulation may trigger water retention and swelling, leading to bloating during this time.
Bloating refers to increased abdominal pressure without a corresponding increase in abdominal size, and swelling is when your body’s tissues retain fluid. These hormonal shifts can also cause gastrointestinal complications, contributing to the feeling of bloating during ovulation.
Fortunately, for most people, ovulation bloating tends to resolve on its own within a few hours to a few days. However, if bloating during ovulation persists or is accompanied by other medical issues, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts, it is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare provider
8. Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
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Some women may experience pelvic or lower abdominal pain before or during ovulation, or mittelschmerz. You may feel like a dull cramp or a sharp pain on the side of your abdomen when the ovary is releasing the egg.
You may also experience nausea, which is usually mild and short-lived during this period.
9. Increased sex drive
During ovulation, the output of hormones increases, leading to an increase in sexual desire. This heightened libido typically occurs as you approach ovulation, lasting for about six days.
Studies show that a woman’s sexual desire starts to increase around three days before her luteinizing hormone (LH) levels peak, which happens 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. This is when your chances of getting pregnant are highest.
The increase in sexual desire during ovulation is primarily attributed to hormonal fluctuations. Higher estrogen levels, which typically start earlier than LH but peak at the same time, seem to play a role in this surge of libido. Conversely, after ovulation, when the hormone progesterone rises and remains high until the next period, sexual desire may decrease.
10. Mood Changes
This rise in estrogen can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood and emotions. Additionally, the increase in estrogen can cause changes in other hormones like progesterone, which may also play a role in mood changes.
These hormonal shifts can result in mood swings, irritability, and heightened emotions during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle.
But note that not all women experience mood changes during ovulation, as individual responses to hormonal fluctuations can vary.
Ovulation symptoms may not be quite visible in every woman. Remember, not having symptoms doesn’t mean you aren’t ovulating. There are certain physical changes you can look for which may help you identify your ovulation cycle.
How Often to Have Sex While Ovulating
When you notice those ovulation symptoms, it’s your sign to get busy. To maximise fertility, it’s crucial to have sexual intercourse during the fertile window, which includes the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
Regular sexual intercourse every two to three days throughout the month can also improve the chances of conception. However, having sex during ovulation does not always guarantee a pregnancy, as there are still other factors that can affect your fertility such as age, weight, hormonal imbalance and other reproductive problems.
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Ovulation Symptoms vs. Early Signs of Pregnancy: How to Tell the Difference
Distinguishing between ovulation symptoms and pregnancy symptoms can be challenging, as some of the signs may overlap. However, understanding the key differences can help individuals better identify what they might be experiencing.
Ovulation symptoms typically occur during the middle of the menstrual cycle and are associated with the release of an egg from the ovary. These symptoms may include sudden pain on one side of the body, known as Mittelschmerz pain, which is usually mild and short-lived.
On the other hand, pregnancy symptoms may arise after a successful conception and implantation of a fertilised egg. Common pregnancy symptoms include a missed period, breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, and frequent urination.
It is important to note that not all women experience the same symptoms during ovulation or pregnancy, and some may not have any noticeable symptoms at all. If there is uncertainty about the symptoms experienced, seeking medical advice and taking a pregnancy test can provide clarity on whether ovulation or pregnancy is the cause.
What If I Don’t Want to Get Pregnant
Tracking your menstrual cycle and knowing about these ovulation symptoms can still be helpful if you are not keen on conceiving. It can help you know which days are “unsafe” to have intercourse.
If you don’t want to get pregnant, there are various contraceptive methods available in Singapore that can help you prevent unplanned pregnancies. It’s essential to consult a doctor to discuss the best contraceptive method suited to your individual needs and medical history to protect your sexual health.
When To Contact Your Doctor?
Keeping an eye on the signs and symptoms of ovulation is a great way to understand your cycle. You can also chart ovulation with a calendar or even go for a urine test to get a clear picture.
It is especially important if you suffer from irregular periods (short, when it is fewer than 21 days) or long (more than 35 days).
Dr Shannon Clark, an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch; recommends you get evaluated by a fertility specialist or an OB-GYN to rule out any medical conditions that might be causing those irregular cycles.
Yes, fertility declines with age but even young women can have infertility issues. Contact a fertility specialist if you’re having difficulty conceiving:
- When you’re over 35 and not being able to get pregnant within six months of actively trying
- You’re under 35 and not conceiving in spite of actively trying for one year or more.
While it’s true that tracking ovulation with irregular cycles can be more difficult, do remember ovulation days ideally begin 14 days before the onset of menstruation. This means even with irregular periods, you could still conceive at some point in your cycle.
Whether you’re aiming to start a family or simply want to avoid any surprises, keeping track of your ovulation and knowing when your fertile window is is key to achieving your goals. Understanding your menstrual cycle and identifying signs of ovulation can greatly increase your chances of getting pregnant when you’re ready.
If you encounter challenges in conceiving, don’t hesitate to consult with a fertility specialist who can help identify any potential issues and offer guidance on maximising your chances of conception. Take care of your reproductive health, and remember that you’re not alone on this journey.
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