9 Signs of Ovulation: What Is Your Body Trying to Tell You?

If you’ve ever used a period tracker, you may have noticed how, along with period days, tentative fertile days (when you are most likely to get pregnant) are also marked. 

This is where ovulation comes in. Ovulation is a process by which one of the ovaries releases an egg. It can lead to periods when the egg is expelled without fertilisation or to pregnancy after the egg is fertilised by the sperm. You typically ovulate around 12 to 14 days prior to the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. Your fertile window spans the five days leading up to ovulation, including the day of ovulation and the day after, totalling approximately seven days.

Now, tracking your ovulation is crucial when it comes to understanding your fertility window and planning a pregnancy. But this can be equally helpful for those who want to avoid getting pregnant — or simply be more attuned to their body.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is a normal phase of the menstrual cycle. It is a physiological event characterised by the breaking open of the dominant follicle in the ovary, which releases an egg into the abdominal cavity.

During this process, one of the two ovaries, located on either side, releases a mature egg. The egg moves through a uterine tube, commonly referred to as a fallopian tube, where it may come across the sperm, leading to potential fertilisation. The subsequent events depend on whether the egg gets fertilised by sperm.

When conception occurs, i.e. a sperm successfully fertilises an egg, the resulting fertilised egg travels to the uterus, where it embeds itself into the uterine lining. This process leads to a pregnancy. At this time, the uterus retains its lining, and you will not get a period until the pregnancy concludes. 

However, if the egg is not fertilised by the sperm, it will ultimately break down, and the body will expel the unfertilised egg, the uterine lining, and blood through the vagina. This process is commonly referred to as menstruation or period.

Ovulation timing explained

Every woman has a different ovulation cycle. At times, the cycle varies even within a woman. It might be unpredictable when ovulation occurs. However, there are ways and means to predict quite accurately.

You typically ovulate about 14 days before the period begins. In a 28-day cycle, the first day of your period marks the start of your cycle.

However, not every woman has a 28-day cycle. It may range between 25 and 35 days. Hence, ovulation can happen either before or after the 14th day.

How long does it last?

Ovulation typically takes place around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle. During ovulation, the body produces a high amount of oestrogen. This leads to the ovaries releasing eggs. The egg moves from the fallopian tubes to the uterus. When this egg is neutralised by the sperm after intercourse, it can lead to pregnancy. 

Once ovulation occurs, the egg can survive only for about 12-24 hours.

What are the major signs of ovulation?

Here are some obvious symptoms of ovulation. One must realise that ovulation signs can vary in intensity in different women. Dr Bharati Dhorepatil, DNB, DGO, IVF specialist, Pune, says, “Ovulation is pain-free. There are only a few women who may have discomfort in the lower back or abdomen just before ovulation.”

Here are signs that you might be ovulating:

Changes in vaginal mucus or discharge

The discharge may differ from usual, appearing clear, slippery to the touch, and resembling raw egg white. This change helps sperm move more easily through the cervix, increasing the chances of fertilisation.

Change in basal body temperature

A slight rise in resting body temperature may be noticed a few days after ovulation. Tracking this daily can help identify the fertile window over time.

Breasts become sore or tender

Hormonal fluctuations during ovulation can lead to breast tenderness or even mild to severe discomfort. Wearing a supportive bra and avoiding caffeine may help relieve symptoms.

Cramps or pain in the pelvic region or abdomen

Pain often occurs on one side of the lower abdomen, where the ovary releases the egg, and may last 1-4 days. This sensation is sometimes referred to as ovulation pain.

Feeling bloated

Hormonal changes around ovulation can cause water retention, leading to bloating. Staying hydrated and choosing lighter meals can ease this symptom.

Slight bleeding

Some women may notice light spotting or slight bleeding during ovulation, which is typically harmless. However, if bleeding is heavy or persistent, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.

Increase in libido or sex drive

A surge in sexual desire often occurs just before ovulation due to hormonal shifts. This natural increase in libido aligns with peak fertility days.

Nausea

Hormonal fluctuations can cause mild nausea in some women, potentially reducing their appetite. This symptom is usually short-lived and resolves as hormone levels stabilise.

How can I track ovulation?

Tracking ovulation can be achieved through several methods, allowing you to better understand your menstrual cycle and identify your most fertile days. One common approach is monitoring changes in cervical mucus, which becomes clearer, stretchier, and more slippery, similar to raw egg whites, around ovulation. 

Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking is another useful method. By recording your temperature each morning before getting out of bed, you may notice a slight increase when ovulation has occurred. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), available at most pharmacies, detect the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that typically happens just before ovulation. Additionally, some women may use apps or fertility monitors that analyse patterns over time. Paying attention to physical signs, such as mild abdominal pain, increased libido, or breast tenderness, can also offer valuable clues.

Keeping in sync with your body

Ovulation is an important stage of the menstrual cycle when an egg is discharged from one of the ovaries. The ovulation days can vary from individual to individual as well as with every cycle of an individual. 

Some of the typical symptoms of ovulation could be soreness in the breast, pelvic or abdominal pain, and changes in cervical fluid. 

Tracking ovulation signs helps you to know the expected date of your period. This will help you better manage strenuous activities. The signs also help in boosting your chances of pregnancy. Stay informed and be comfortable and relaxed during your ovulation period.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a lack of ovulation symptoms mean you are less fertile?

The symptoms during ovulation vary among women; some may get intense symptoms, and some may experience mild ones. Hence, the absence of ovulation symptoms does not indicate you are less fertile.

2. Can you get pregnant if you don’t ovulate?

You can’t get pregnant if you are not ovulating. Ovulation takes place when an ovary releases an egg, which can ultimately be fertilised by sperm. If there is no ovulation, there is no egg release and no pregnancy.

3. Can ovulation affect your mood?

Yes, mood changes can occur just before your periods. Some women have reported experiencing increased happiness and a positive mood during the ovulation phase.

4. Why do I feel bloated around ovulation time?

Some hormonal changes occur during ovulation, which may lead to bloating. However, this is normal and not a cause for concern.

5. Why do I crave meat close to ovulation time?

Studies have shown that women generally consume higher amounts of carbohydrates, iron, proteins, fibres, and calcium during ovulation. Meat is rich in protein and iron. Increasing the intake of iron-rich foods before and during your menstrual cycle can assist in preventing low iron levels.