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.

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, uterine lining, and blood through the vagina. This process is commonly referred to as menstruation or period.

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. 

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.

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:

1. Changes in vaginal mucus or discharge
   The discharge will be different from the usual; it would be clear, slimy to feel, and will look like raw egg white.
2. Change in basal body temperature
   After a few days of ovulation, one may feel a small increase in your body temperature when at rest.
3. Breasts become sore or tender
   The fluctuation in hormones during ovulation can cause this change in breasts and may also cause mild to severe pain in the breasts.
4. Cramps or pain in the pelvis region or abdomen
   In most cases, the pain occurs on either side, from where the ovary has released the egg. The pain can last for 1-4 days.
5. Feeling bloated
   This, too, can occur due to changes in hormones. One must stay hydrated and opt for light meals.
6. Slight bleeding
   Some women may experience slight bleeding or light spotting during ovulation. This is a normal symptom unless it is heavy bleeding.
7. Increase in libido or sex drive
   This occurs just before ovulation, and the woman often experiences sexual arousal. 
8. Nausea
   The change in hormones can cause this feeling of nausea in some women, and their appetite gets affected. 

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.