Ovulation signs and symptoms

27 Jul

Ovulation signs and symptoms

Ovulation is when one of the ovaries releases an egg into the fallopian tube, where it can meet with sperm to be fertilized. The released egg only has about a 24 hour period to be fertilized before it dies. Women who are trying to get pregnant need to look out for ovulation signs while trying to conceive so they can accurately calculate the fertility window to maximize the chances of conception. Ovulation is preceded by a few signs and symptoms which indicate that the egg is about to be released.

Signs and symptoms of ovulation

Change in the cervical mucus

The cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus, produces mucus which is usually thick and cloudy. The mucus starts becoming thin and stretchy as the days get closer to ovulation and has the texture of raw egg whites. While all women do not produce cervical mucus that looks like, on the day of ovulation is when the mucus is at its thinnest and wettest. Once ovulation passes, the cervical mucus starts becoming thick again. This is a reliable ovulation symptoms discharge that women can look out for; however, it takes a bit of practice before learning the difference.

Rise of basal body temperature

The basal body temperature (BBT) is the average temperature of the body that can be charted every day in the morning. The BBT remains consistently stable over the normal days and starts to decline slightly as the ovulation day approaches. After ovulation has occurred, a sharp increase of BBT can be seen on the thermometer. The increase can be as much as 1 degree F in the early morning. Charting the BBT over a few months can help to learn to recognize the changes as it occurs.

Spike in luteinizing hormone

About 24 to 36 hours before the ovulation period, the luteinizing hormone (LH) levels begin to increase. The hormone levels peak just before the egg is released, making it a reliable indicator to predict ovulation. Ovulation predictor kits which can be used at home, are designed to detect LH in the urine in the days leading up to ovulation. A positive result on the test indicates that ovulation is close.

Changes to the cervical firmness and positioning

The cervix undergoes a few changes during ovulation which women can feel over time. During ovulation, the cervix tends to become soft, open, wet, and move higher. Most women will need some time to get used to differentiating between the cervix when it is normal and when they are close to ovulation.

Other symptoms of ovulation

Light cramps on one side of the pelvis
Abdominal bloating
Ovulation symptoms mood such as increased sex drive
Breast tenderness
Heightened sense of vision, taste, and smell

Ovulation signs and symptoms can be observed and tracked over a period of months to understand the change that occurs in the body. While observing the cervical mucus and position takes time and experience to understand, measuring the BBT and LH in urine are more reliable methods.

References:

https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/signs-of-ovulation-70953/

https://www.livescience.com/54922-what-is-ovulation.html

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/ovulation-signs

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/how-can-i-tell-when-i-am-ovulating/