Signs of Ovulation
Detecting Changes In Your Cervix / Cervical Fluid / Basal Body Temperature
Ovulation refers to the time in a woman’s fertility cycle when she is most likely to conceive. During ovulation the egg, or ovum, begins its journey from the ovaries to the uterus. The egg is referred to as being “ripe” during ovulation, which means it is ready to be fertilized.
Couples who are interested in conceiving can increase their chances of success by timing conception to occur during the height of ovulation. Determining when ovulation is occurring can be a relatively simple process, since the body responds to ovulation in a number of measurable ways. By understanding these changes that occur during ovulation, you and your partner can help increase the likelihood that conception will occur.
The following outline will give you an idea of some of the changes you can chart to help indicate when you are most likely to be ovulating:
Body basal temperature, or BBT, is one of the most familiar and most popular ways to check for ovulation. BBT reflects the temperature of your body when it is at rest, and is usually taken first thing in the morning, while still in bed. When a woman completes the ovulation cycle, she releases the hormone progesterone, which causes the body’s temperature to rise, usually by only fractions of a degree. Because BBT can only accurately indicate when ovulation has already passed, couples find it is most helpful in tracking the ovulation cycle, in order to predict when ovulation will next occur. And, because the shift in temperature can be relatively slight, it is imperative that a temperature reading be taken at the same time each morning. Usually, this rise in temperature will last for a few days following ovulation. Many couples find that charting BBT on a regular basis can be an effective tool in achieving pregnancy.
One of the earliest signs of ovulation occurs in the lining of the uterine opening, or cervix. As a woman approaches ovulation, the lining of a woman’s cervix becomes more viscous and prevalent, and may appear ropy or stretchy, much like the consistency of raw egg whites. This reflects changes that are occurring within the uterus as it prepares to accept the ripe ovum. It also assumes a consistency which allows sperm to move easily through the vaginal canal.
Checking cervical mucus is simple. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly. Put one finger into your vagina, then withdraw your finger carefully and note the consistency of the mucus. If it is similar in appearance to raw egg white, and if it stretches easily between two fingers, it’s likely ovulation is occurring or will occur very soon. If there is not much mucus, or if it’s creamy or sticky, ovulation is probably not yet occurring.
Changes in the cervical mucus occur as the result of an upsurge in luteinizing hormone, or LH. Another way to measure when this upsurge occurs is with an ovulation test or predictor kit, also called an OPK. Like a pregnancy test, an ovulation test measures the changes in hormones that are most likely to occur near or during ovulation. During an ovulation test, you’ll urinate onto a specially treated strip and compare changes in color-coded bars located on the test strip. By determining any changes in coloration of these bars, you’ll be able to track specific hormonal changes that are occurring as a result of ovulation.
In addition to changes in the cervical lining, the body also often reacts to ovulation by increasing feelings of intimacy and sexuality, resulting in a heightened desire for sex. Occurring as a result of increased levels of certain hormones, the body often responds by creating an unusually strong desire for intimacy. Usually, these responses occur a day or two before ovulation, which is an ideal time to have sex in order to conceive; however, some women may experience increased sexual desire at other times during their cycles. Therefore, this signal is not as foolproof as tracking ovulation cycles with BBT or checking your cervical mucus.
Also as a result of hormonal changes, breasts may become enlarged or tender. Many women experience breast tenderness just before ovulation, but others may find their breasts are tender before menstruation or at other times during the fertility cycle, and may not be a reliable indication of ovulation. Ovulation test kits may not always be reliable, especially in women who ovulate irregularly. Many couples use them in combination with BBT to help further pinpoint the occurrence of ovulation.
Another indication that your body is ready for ovulation is a change in the position of the cervix. Like changes in cervical mucus, changes in the position of your cervix can be a very accurate predictor of ovulation. However, many women find the process of feeling the cervix uncomfortable or distasteful. If you can overcome any aversion to feeling the cervix, you can potentially significantly increase the likelihood of conception.
Checking you cervix takes only a few minutes. Begin by washing your hands completely and thoroughly, to be certain no germs are introduced into the uterus. Anatomically, the cervix is located at the end of your vagina. Begin by inserting your finger slowly into your vagina, being careful not to scratch yourself. The cervix itself will feel firm if you are not ovulating, and soft and pliable if ovulation is near or at hand. In addition to being softer near or during ovulation, your cervix may also shift higher in position. For his reason, it’s a good idea to check you cervix every few days to become familiar with your own anatomy, and more accurately use cervical changes to predict ovulation.
Understanding your body’s unique signals can be an accurate and effective way to predict ovulation and increase your changes of conceiving. By taking a few moments to establish a regular routine, you can develop a thorough and intimate knowledge of your body and the cycles that can determine when you are most likely to become pregnant.
