Ovulation
Ovulation refers to the period during your menstrual cycle when a mature egg is discharged from the ovary, preparing the ground for fertilisation, as you surely recall from health class years ago. Millions of immature eggs are present in every woman from birth and are typically discharged one at a time each month. The fallopian tube is where the egg goes during ovulation in hopes of meeting a sperm and fertilising. Ovulation naturally occurs monthly for healthy women, a few weeks after menstruation.
10 signs of ovulation
The common ovulation symptoms are listed below. These, however, might differ significantly from one individual to the next. Remember that not exhibiting any of these signs of ovulation does not always indicate that you are not ovulating.
1. Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz)
Before or during the ovulation period, some persons suffer moderate cramping or pelvic pain. Painful ovulation, also known as mittelschmerz, may be brought on by the rupture of the follicle and the discharge of minute quantities of blood or fluid. These feelings are occasionally described as popping or twinging. They may change in position and severity from month to month and might be felt in either ovary.
2. Cervical mucus changes
The cervical mucus becomes clear and sticky, resembling egg white, when close to ovulation because your body produces more estrogen.
3. Heightened senses
Many women experience increased sensation in their smell or taste towards the end of their ovulation phase. Your body is ready to draw the male pheromone androsterone during this time.
4. Changes In basal body temperature (BBT)
Your BBT is your body’s average resting temperature throughout 24 hours. Your BBT will slightly increase the day following ovulation. Up until your next period, it will remain high. It could also dip slightly before rising. You may determine if ovulating or have ovulated by charting your temperature variations.
5. Changes to the cervix
During ovulation, your cervix is higher, softer, moist, and more open than usual. If you don’t routinely check your cervix and get to know how it feels when it’s soft and relaxed vs. firm and closed, describing how it feels accurately could be tricky.
6. Changes in saliva
Hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone, may change the consistency of dry saliva during or before ovulation, which can lead to patterns appearing. However, these rhythms may be obscured by eating, smoking, drinking, and tooth brushing, making them a less accurate ovulation indication.
7. Breast soreness or tenderness
Due to the hormone’s high level that enters your body just before and after ovulation, sore nipples or tender breasts can also indicate ovulation. Some women will feel this soreness soon before ovulation, while others could feel it immediately after it occurs.
8. Light spotting or discharge
Brown ovulation spotting or discharge during ovulation is typical if not all that often. When the follicle that envelops and safeguards the growing oocyte (the egg) matures, expands, and then bursts, causing a tiny quantity of blood, this ovulation symptom might happen. The ovulation discharge can range in colour from red to dark brown because blood ages and turns brown.
9. Libido changes
A stronger libido is a typical ovulation sign as well. During ovulation, some women experience an increase in sexual desire.
10. Mild bloating
During ovulation days, your body goes through various hormonal changes. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and oestrogen levels rise just before ovulation starts, which can cause bloating.
Conclusion
Some people have ovulation symptoms and indicators. These include bloating, breast soreness, mildly raised body temperature, cervical mucus and saliva changes, and stomach discomfort or cramps.
Your fertile days after period starts with ovulation. Nevertheless, pregnancy could occur up to 5 days before and one day after. Long-term usage of ovulation prediction kits is not advised if you do not become pregnant. They may assist you in determining when you are ovulating.
The medical professionals at Ova can help you understand ovulation and suggest the best ways to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle.
FAQs related to ovulation
1. How many days after your period can you get pregnant?
During ovulation, the release of eggs from the ovaries happens 12 to 14 days before your next period, during your fertile period. Your chances of becoming pregnant are highest at this time of the month.
2. How long does ovulation last?
The actual process of ovulation period for pregnancy only lasts 12 to 24 hours.
3. Can you get pregnant before ovulation?
In addition to the day you ovulate, the five days before it is when you have the highest chance of getting pregnant.
4. Is pain during ovulation normal?
Pain during ovulation is common and just another side effect related to periods.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.