You might have heard that women who are trying to conceive often keep track of their ovulation symptoms. Well, that is because the time around the ovulation phase in the menstruation cycle is the best time for conceiving.
But there are questions like what is ovulation or how long does ovulation nausea last? Hence, the answer to some of these questions lies in today's blog. Let's start with a basic overview of ovulation without further ado.
What is Ovulation?
Ovulation is the term that defines the process of egg release from the ovary. In this process, the ovary releases one mature egg, which travels through the fallopian tube and reaches the uterus. The ovum makes the female body ready for conceiving or reproduction. It is a part of the menstrual cycle and the most important part of the reproductive process.
Let's understand more about the duration of ovulation in the next section.
When Does Ovulation Happen?
The ovary releases one mature egg every month. As per studies, ovulation typically happens on the 14th day of the 28th day of the menstruation cycle. In the follicular phase of the menstruation cycle, the egg matures; in the ovulation phase, the ovary releases it into the uterus for fertilization with a sperm cell.
Most doctors advise couples to try for childbearing five days before ovulation because sperm can survive 3 to 5 days in the uterus. Because this process is internal, it can be hard to track, but by paying attention to the physical changes and ovulation symptoms, tracking regulation can be easier.
So, let's head toward understanding the ovulation symptoms, mood and body-wise.
Must Know Ovulation Symptoms and Signs
One question that arises about ovulation is how someone can identify if they are undergoing ovulation. Or how does one feel during ovulation? Well, the symptoms differ from one woman to another, but some common ones are there that hint at ovulation and hormonal shifts.
So, if someone experiences any one of the following symptoms, they are likely undergoing the ovulatory phase:
Alteration in Body Temperature
The first sign of ovulation is the change in basal body temperature (BBT). It refers to the rise in the first body temperature after waking up. Ovulating women experience a slight rise in the BBT. One or two days before ovulation, BBT rises by approximately one degree Fahrenheit. The basal body temperature changes are good enough for an ovulation calculator. If you track the temperature, you can calculate the best days for conceiving.
Changes in Cervical Mucus
The cervical mucus or vaginal discharge is a common indicator among the ovulation symptoms. A few days prior to and after ovulation, women might experience an increase in cervical mucus discharge. This change happens because of the alteration in levels of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
During the ovulation time, the mucus becomes slightly thicker to ease the transportation of sperm to the fertilized egg. If you notice there is an increase in cervical mucus discharge, then it is a sign of ovulation. Also, the cervical discharge or fluid might resemble egg whites.
Mittelschmerz
Mittelschmerz is the term that describes ovulation pain. Women experience mild pelvic pain or cramps in the lower abdomen around the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. It feels similar to menstrual pain but occurs two weeks before the actual menses. Ovulation pain is common in most women and can be considered one of the ovulation symptoms along with pelvic cramping.
Breast Tenderness
Breast tenderness is one more symptom that indicates the ovulation phase in females. Women experience the problem of breast sensitivity during menstruation as well as the ovulation phases. It occurs due to fluctuation in the warmer and can make the upper body slightly sore and create discomfort.
Constant Back Pain
Mild back pain is one of the other signs of ovulation. In some instances, the release of egg in the ovulation phase leads to a sharper pain than usual. Generally, women with irregular problems or premenstrual syndrome experience it.
Heightened Libido
The female body experiences an increase in libido at the time of ovulation because of the hormonal surge. Some studies also state that this happens because hormonal changes trigger sex drive naturally. After all, ovulation is the best phase for beginning the reproduction cycle.
Bloating and Fluid Retention
The last and most common symptom among the other ovulation symptoms is bloating. During ovulation and menstruation, the body fluid retention of the body decreases and leads to abdominal bloating. This symptom can be common to other problems as well and is very mild. Fatigue, spotting, and mood swings are also common besides the symptoms mentioned above. Yet, the symptoms are not the best way to precisely judge the ovulation cycle.
So, we have some precise methods for calculating ovulation in the next section.
What are the Precise Ways to Predict Ovulation?
The list given below has different methods of ovulation testing or monitoring. The types of tests use the body's hormone levels and the physical signs of ovulation to ease the process of predicting ovulation. Have a look.
BBT Monitoring
As we mentioned earlier, monitoring the basal body temperature can be one of the first ways to predict ovulation. Usually, the BBT remains between an average range of 97.2 to 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit. As soon as the women get closer to their ovulation period, they witness fluctuation.
To be precise, first, the temperature drops down a little and then takes a sharp increase of 1 degree Fahrenheit. Hence, to track it the right way, a digital thermometer is the best-suited option.
Menstrual Charting
Another simple and expensive way to predict ovulation with symptoms is menstruation charting. The normal menstruation cycle is 25 to 28 days. Women are likely to undergo ovulation 14 days before their periods begin.
Apps with an ovulation calculator can help to predict ovulation if you keep charting or marking the menstruation date. You can also mark on a physical calendar the day your period starts and calculate the ovulation from there on.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
Ovulation predictor kits or clearblue ovulation tests are another way to detect ovulation. These kits help to record ovulation by measuring the levels of hormones in the urine. Because one of the ovulation symptoms is a surge of luteinizing hormone, these test kits use the concentration of LH to predict ovulation.
The ovulation test strips work similarly to pregnancy kits. Most doctors recommend that you use these test kits around the 14th day of the menstruation cycle and in the morning for best results.
Fertility Monitor
This is one of the more expensive methods than ovulation prediction kits and other methods on the list. A fertility monitor is used to keep track of the menstrual cycle along with the change in the hormone levels of the female body. It helps the women to keep track of their fertile days and try for pregnancy.
Conclusion
The ovulation symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, and changes in the basal body temperature, can help to keep track of it. However, older women who are trying to become pregnant must use more precise methods like predicted kits or menstruation charting.
It is the best phase of the menstrual cycle and the most fertile one for pregnancy. Not only does it help people to become pregnant, but it can also help the disorders related to your ovulation cycle. Use this data to identify any problems with your reproductive cycle and visit your doctor for treatment.
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