Whether you are trying to conceive or not, it always helps to know when you are ovulating. The American Pregnancy Association states that ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the fallopian tube, and is available to be fertilized. Ovulation usually occurs for four to five days midway through a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Women have a fertility cycle that lasts five days because that is the average lifespan of a male’s sperm when inside of the female body. All women are different, some may experience ovulation symptoms and others none at all. Tracking your ovulation is simple and is the best way to know when to conceive.
Take a look at these five common signs of ovulation:
1. Listen to your body.
Many women have said that right before the ovulation period, they experience a few sharp pains or cramps in the lower stomach. Don’t worry though, as this is completely normal. Pay attention towards the middle of your menstrual cycle for this warning sign.
2. Look for changes in body temperature.
While this requires more preparation to notice the difference, it can be very accurate when it comes to timing. Try taking your temperature each morning before you get out of bed. To do this accurately you will need a basal thermometer because they are more susceptible to slight temperature changes. During ovulation your body temperature should drop, and increase steadily until your fertility cycle has come to a close.
3. Get up close and personal with your cervical mucus.
For the more adventurous women out there you can keep an eye on your discharge. Around the time of ovulation a woman’s cervical mucus will turn clear. When the cervical mucus resembles an egg white and can be stretched farther than an inch without breaking, it is safe to say the woman is in her fertility cycle.
4. Mind your spotting.
This can occur right before ovulation as the uterus sheds a layer of blood preparing the body for conception. Though this may not be the most effective way to judge, as it does not occur in all women.
5. Keep a calendar.
Last but not least, keeping a calendar can also be a very effective way to track ovulation. After a few months of tracking your ovulation, the calendar can be very accurate depending on how normal the menstrual cycle is.
Written by: Maren Burns