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What Are the Symptoms of Ovulation?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

For women trying to conceive, knowing the symptoms of ovulation can be quite helpful. Since ovulation tends to occur only one day per month, it is important to have a good idea of when it will happen, so that intercourse can be properly timed. Fortunately, there are various natural ways to detect ovulation since most women experience one or more symptoms just before and during their cycle. The most common symptoms of ovulation include changes in cervical mucus, increased body temperature, and some lower abdominal discomfort.

Many women notice that they regularly have discharge, often called cervical mucus, that appears in their underwear throughout their cycle. Unfortunately, most do not realize that it changes frequently in texture, amount, and color depending on how close they are to ovulation. It is typically clear and has the consistency of egg whites in the days just prior to and during ovulation. About a week before ovulation, it is typically white, creamy, and lotion-like, and it is sticky just before and during menstruation. Recognizing fertile cervical mucus is a free way to determine the approximate time of ovulation.

Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.

Women who are tracking their basal body temperature often notice that it rises just after ovulation occurs. Increased temperature is one of the main symptoms of ovulation, but since it only rises afterward, it is important to keep track of the temperature everyday for a few months before identifying a pattern. This requires keeping a thermometer by the bed, and taking the temperature before rising everyday at the same time. Recording the result on a chart for a few months can help make this one of the most reliable symptoms of ovulation for women trying to conceive.

Abdominal discomfort in women may be a sign of ovulation.
Abdominal discomfort in women may be a sign of ovulation.

Some women experience discomfort in their lower abdomen just before, during, or after ovulation, and it is usually felt on just one side of the body. This is called mittelschmerz, and it can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple days. It is unknown what exactly causes mittelschmerz, though many believe it is pain that arises from the egg rupturing from the ovarian wall. Others believe it may be caused by follicles swelling just before the event occurs, contractions in the fallopian tube, or fluid being released from the follicle. Though it is not known for sure what causes mittelschmerz, it is known as one of the main symptoms of ovulation, which means that couples who are trying to conceive should try to have intercourse when this discomfort is experienced.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

I use a basal thermometer to calculate my ovulation day. But I've noticed that I tend to feel more energetic and happy before and during ovulation. After ovulation, I become lethargic for a while. I don't feel like doing anything and I'm moody.

ysmina

@fify-- Actually, that's true. Sex drive goes up during ovulation because of hormonal changes. It probably does happen to encourage intercourse.

Not just libido, but other ovulation symptoms also encourage and increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. This is why vaginal secretions become thin and slipper and why temperature rises.

fify

I know that this isn't the best way to figure out when ovulation occurs. But I always experience increased libido during my ovulation period. It lasts until I menstruate.

I jokingly say that my body is signaling me to conceive before it's too late and another egg is lost. When I menstruate, I kind of feel that my body is upset with me!

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    • Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
      By: Rob Byron
      Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
    • Abdominal discomfort in women may be a sign of ovulation.
      By: ruigsantos
      Abdominal discomfort in women may be a sign of ovulation.
    • In order to get pregnant, a woman should try to time intercourse during the four or five days that lead up to ovulation.
      By: Creativa
      In order to get pregnant, a woman should try to time intercourse during the four or five days that lead up to ovulation.
    • During ovulation, an egg is released from a woman's ovary.
      By: pankajstock123
      During ovulation, an egg is released from a woman's ovary.
    • Severe bulimia may delay ovulation.
      By: Sylvie Bouchard
      Severe bulimia may delay ovulation.
    • Most girls start to menstruate between the age of 10 and 15 years old.
      By: Maya Kruchancova
      Most girls start to menstruate between the age of 10 and 15 years old.