Planning a baby? It is time you track your ovulation period and increase your chances of getting pregnant soon. Ovulation is the process where the female body releases the eggs from the ovaries and it is available for fertilization by the sperm. Ovulation usually occurs on the 15th day of the menstrual cycle of a woman, though it is different for each woman. If the woman has a 28-day menstrual cycle, then the ovulation period is most likely to occur on day 14, with 12, 13 and 14 being the most fertile days.
If the menstrual cycle is 35 days, then ovulation occurs around day 21 with the most fertile days being 19, 20 and 21. Ovulation generally lasts for 12-48 hours. However, for the most fertile women, it can last up to 7-10 days. It is stated by observing the ovulation cycle that a woman can note the time of sexual acts with her partner and increase the chances of pregnancy. It is crucial for every woman to know about her ovulation cycle and recognize the symptoms to be more aware of her body.
Healthy Signs Of Ovulation
Here are some of the most common signs of ovulation include:
1. Body Temperature
The body temperature around the ovulation period dips as compared to the regular body temperature. Basal body temperature is the normal temperature of the body at rest. As ovulation nears, this temperature drops down by .4 to 1 degree. A regular monitoring of the body temperature during ovulation over months will give you a good idea of the dip in degrees.
2. Menstrual Cycle
This is one method which is followed by most women. Tracking the menstrual cycle will give a better idea of the ovulation period. A normal menstrual cycle lasts between 25-35 days with the ovulation occurring around 14 days before menstruation. Calculating the regular menstrual cycle is an easier way of detecting ovulation.
3. Ovulation Kits
There are many ovulation kits available in the market which helps to detect the ovulation period in the urine. The kit detects the LH concentration in the urine which is usually peak before the ovulation period. The ovulation kit is much similar to the pregnancy kit with a guideline to follow and detect the results accordingly. Most ovulation kits have 5-day supply of detector sticks so that the woman can check continuously.
4. Cervical Mucus
When the woman is nearing ovulation, the cervical secretions increase and change into an egg-whitish mucus formation. This mucus is helpful for the sperm to swim and reach the egg. During the less fertile days, the mucus lightens and becomes stickier. Observe the mucus- if it’s egg-whitish, hit the bed with your partner and plan a baby!
5. Sex Desire
The desire for sex in a woman increases just 2-3 days before ovulation. Additionally, the appearance and looks of the woman too becomes sexier. The walk and sway of the body become alluring and bone structure becomes more appealing around ovulation.
6. Cervix Position
The cervix position in a woman’s body changes just before ovulation. The cervix moves higher and opens up a bit before ovulation period. During the less fertile stage, the cervix stays lower and harder. The cervix position, however, doesn’t only change before ovulation, it changes and shifts during the menstrual cycle too.
7. Abdominal Pain
Some women experience a slight sharp pain in the lower abdomen before ovulation. This is ovulation pain, also known as Mittelschmerz, which lasts for a few minutes or hours. This pain is also sometimes accompanied by discharge. This pain, however, is not a cause of concern and goes away sooner than you can think of! If the pain persists for a longer time, it is advisable to consult a doctor or gynecologist for evaluation. Ovulation causes many changes in the female body. In addition to the above changes, some women also experience tender breasts. The hormones released during and after ovulation cause breasts to become tender. A proper observation of these changes will certainly help the woman to get pregnant sooner!
Also Read: Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Women