Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilised by sperm. As per experts at the best IVF clinic in Delhi, ovulation typically occurs in the middle of a woman's menstrual cycle, around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. However, the exact timing can vary from woman to woman. Some women may experience noticeable symptoms around the time of ovulation, while others may not. Here are some ovulation symptoms you should be aware of:
Changes in cervical mucus
As a woman approaches ovulation, her cervical mucus becomes thinner, clearer, and more slippery, resembling raw egg whites. This is known as fertile cervical mucus, and it helps sperm to swim up through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes. Paying attention to changes in cervical mucus can be a helpful way to track ovulation.
Changes in basal body temperature
Basal body temperature (BBT) is the body's temperature at rest, taken first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. A woman's BBT typically rises slightly after ovulation and remains elevated until her next period. Charting BBT over time can help to pinpoint the day of ovulation, although it may not be the most reliable method on its own.
Pain or discomfort
Some women experience pain or discomfort around the time of ovulation, known as mittelschmerz. This can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain on one side of the abdomen. Not all women experience mittelschmerz, and it is not always a reliable indicator of ovulation.
Breast tenderness
Hormonal changes during ovulation can cause breast tenderness or soreness. This is usually mild and goes away on its own, but some women may find it uncomfortable.
Increased libido
Some women experience an increase in sexual desire around the time of ovulation, which may be related to hormonal changes. This can be a helpful sign if you are trying to conceive.
Abdominal bloating
Hormonal changes during ovulation can also cause abdominal bloating or water retention. This is usually mild and goes away on its own.
Suggest to Read:- Track Ovulation With Irregular Periods
Light spotting
Some women may experience light spotting or discharge around the time of ovulation. This is usually nothing to worry about and may be related to changes in cervical mucus or hormonal fluctuations.
Mood changes
Hormonal changes during ovulation can also affect mood, causing some women to feel more irritable, emotional, or anxious than usual. This is usually mild and goes away on its own.
Positive ovulation test
Ovulation tests, which measure levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine, can be a helpful way to confirm ovulation. LH levels surge just before ovulation, indicating that an egg is about to be released. A positive ovulation test means that ovulation is likely to occur within the next 12-36 hours.
Painful intercourse
Some women may experience discomfort or pain during intercourse around the time of ovulation, which may be related to hormonal changes or cervical mucus.
It is important to note that not all women experience ovulation symptoms, and the symptoms that do occur can vary from cycle to cycle. In addition, some symptoms that may be attributed to ovulation, such as breast tenderness or mood changes, can also be caused by other factors. Therefore, it is important to use multiple methods to track ovulation if you are trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy.