Important Physical Signs That You Are Fertile
Thinking about getting pregnant? Then it’s time to get acquainted with the big O: ovulation.
To boost your chances of getting pregnant, it helps to know when you’re ovulating. Then you’ll know when you and your partner should be having sex.
What Is Ovulation?
Ovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovary. In a regular menstrual cycle, this typically happens two weeks before your period starts. When the egg is ovulated, you want sperm waiting in the fallopian tubes available to fertilize that egg.
When does Ovulation occur?
Ovulation typically happens on day 15 of the menstrual cycle, but it is not the same for everyone. The menstrual cycle happens between 28 to 32 days, and ovulation usually occurs between days 10 and 19 of the cycle, about 12 to 16 days before the next period. Generally, ovulation occurs 14 days before the onset of the period in healthy women.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ovulation?
Changes in Cervical Mucus
When you’re approaching ovulation, secretions near the cervix known as cervical mucus increase and transform into a raw-egg-white-like consistency. This fertile quality cervical mucus helps sperm swim up and into the reproductive system and typically makes sexual intercourse easier and more pleasurable.
Rise in Basal Body Temperature
Basal body temperature is defined as your “lowest resting body temperature.” Your basal body temperature rises during ovulation, though only by half a degree or less. If that higher temperature stays steady for three days or more, it could signal ovulation. You can track daily changes to determine ovulation using a special basal body thermometer that measures your temperature in tiny increments.
Breast soreness or tenderness
Tender breasts or sore nipples can be another sign of ovulation, thanks to the rush of hormones entering your body right before and after ovulation. Some women will experience this tenderness just before ovulation, while others may feel it right after ovulation occurs.
Mild pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Called Mittelschmerz, ovulation pain can feel like a sharp or dull cramp on the side of your abdomen where the ovary is releasing the egg. This ovulation side effect can last anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours.
Light spotting or discharge
Brown discharge or spotting is normal during ovulation. It occurs when the follicle that surrounds and protects the oocyte matures, grows and then ruptures, resulting in a small amount of bleeding.
