6 symptoms of ovulation and how to monitor it | Updated 2023

Most young women are unaware of the signs and symptoms of ovulation. Knowing when you are ovulating is important in planning intercourse for couples planning to conceive. Many leading gynecologists suggest that knowing about ovulation is just as important for the couple who are not yet planning a child. This is because the couple needs to know everything about it to avoid unwanted pregnancy. While every woman may have slightly different signs of ovulation, there are some common symptoms of the ovulation period.

The good thing about the ovulation signs is that they will surely help you to spot the impending ovulation. Once you learn to notice these symptoms, you can keep track of the most important 48 hours and plan yours sexual activity accordingly.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovulation:

There are some ovulation period symptoms that appear during ovulation. Below are some common signs of ovulation:

1. The texture of cervical mucus changes: During your menstrual cycle, the amount and consistency of cervical mucus changes, but mucus secretion increases during this phase. It also changes appearance from white-watery to creamy, thick, and stretchy. You can observe that you can stretch this latter type between two fingers greater distances before it breaks. This indicates that the body is primed to be sperm-friendly, as this consistency makes it easier for sperm to swim up and through your cervix where they have a chance to fertilize the egg.
2. Your cervix is ​​softening: Your cervix becomes softer, higher, more open, and wetter during the time you are about to ovulate. However, these changes will not manifest themselves externally and would be the most difficult to observe. However, you can do this by probing inward with a clean finger until you reach the top of the cervix, which would feel like a small rounded cone.
3. Increased sexual desire: Increasing libido is subject to many internal and external factors, from hormonal changes to living a stress-free life and catching up on sleep. However, the increase in sexual desire that occurs during the time when the body is ready for ovulation is not usually greatly influenced by these factors: yours lust There is a reason, and it is nature’s way of indicating that your body is ready to have intercourse and produce offspring.
4. Breast tenderness and nausea: These are fairly noticeable symptoms and indicate changes in hormonal activity in the body. These fluctuations can cause breasts to become tender, and some women find they are more prone to headaches or mild nausea during this time of their cycle.
5. Cramps: While period cramps are routine, mid-cycle cramps indicate that the body is again undergoing some transformation, most likely ovulation, and should not be ignored.
6. Slight spotting: Rare, but there is a possibility of light spotting caused by a detachment of the lining of the uterus caused as a result of a decrease in estrogen.

Also read: The right age to get pregnant

How to monitor ovulation?

Ovulation tracking will help you a lot if you are sure that you want to start a family. Some couples also use ovulation tracking methods to avoid pregnancy. It is said that around 76-88% of ovulation tracking methods are effective. There are several methods to track ovulation. 24 out of 100 couples achieve effective results with these methods.

#1 Calendar method

The calendar method is one of the easiest ways to track ovulation. But this method only applies if your menstrual cycle has the same number of days from month to month. A girl will ovulate about two weeks before or 14 days before your expected period.

For example, if you have a 35-day cycle, you are likely to ovulate around day 21. This method may not help if you have irregular periods.

#2 Chart your basal body temperature

Basal body temperature is the body temperature reached during rest or sleep. The BBT chart method requires you to take your temperature first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. Monitor the temperature throughout your cycle. This allows you to detect a sustained rise in temperature. This indicates that you are ovulating.

#3 Ovulation Prediction Kits

Ovulation prediction kits are urine tests similar to the home pregnancy test. This kit shows a specific color pattern when your luteinizing hormone (LH) levels rise. A surge in LH levels indicates that you are likely to ovulate within the next 12 to 36 hours.

If you are planning to have a baby, it is recommended to have sex every day for the next few days.

#4 Saliva Ferning Tests

Compared to the above ovulation prediction kits, this test is cheaper. This test highlights the crystal formations that typically develop in the saliva during ovulation. When the saliva is dried, the residue reveals fern-like crystals that are not present at other stages of the cycle.

The fern saliva test kit contains a lens on which a drop of saliva is placed. After five minutes, check the saliva under the scope to see the result. Ovulation will likely occur within 24 to 72 hours after the first formations.

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