Many women have asked: How do I know if I am ovulating? It is a question that appears so simple, yet some women do not know when they are ovulating.
Sadly, if this is a circumstance a person trying to conceive finds herself, she really needs to learn.
First, understand that ovulation is a physiologic process.
It involves the rupture and release of the dominant follicle from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
The follicle in the tube has a potential of being fertilised, if other things are equal.
The ovulation process is regulated by fluxing gonadotropic hormone (FSH/LH) levels.
Ovulation is the third phase within the larger Uterine Cycle (i.e. Menstrual Cycle).
Basically, follicular release occurs around 14 days prior to menstruation in a cyclic pattern.
However, this is so if the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function is well regulated.
Fortunately, determining whether you are ovulating is easy and it can help you understand your menstrual cycle.
Furthermore, it can increase your chances of conception if you’re trying to get pregnant.
If you have ever asked: Am I ovulating?; here are several methods you can use to know if you are ovulating.
1. Tracking Menstrual Cycle
As stated earlier, ovulation is the third phase of your menstrual cycle. This means that we must look at the beginning of the process to make sure that the third phase is right.
Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period.
This is so, if you have a regular menstrual cycle. Really, you can estimate your ovulation window by subtracting 14 days from the length of your cycle.
For instance, if you have a 28-day cycle, you may ovulate around day 14. Please, note that there could be situations where this is not so.
2. Monitor Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Your basal body temperature is your body’s temperature at rest.
Before ovulation, your BBT tends to be lower, but it increases slightly (around 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit) after ovulation due to hormonal changes.
By tracking your BBT every morning before getting out of bed, you may notice a pattern of temperature changes that indicate when you are ovulating.
3. Check Cervical Mucus
The consistency and appearance of cervical mucus can change throughout your menstrual cycle.
When you’re approaching ovulation, your cervical mucus tends to become clear, slippery, and stretchy—resembling raw egg whites or aloe vera gel.
This type of mucus helps facilitate sperm movement and increase the chances of conception.
Watch out for it.
4. Using Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)
You see, inventions make things easier and here is a kit that can help in determining whether you are ovulating or not.
The OPKs will help you detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs about 24 to 36 hours before ovulation.
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You can purchase OPKs from a pharmacy and follow the instructions to test your urine for the presence of LH.
When the test indicates a positive result, it suggests that you are likely to ovulate within the next day or two.
5. Monitoring Other Signs And Symptoms
Some women may experience mild pelvic pain or twinges on one side of their lower abdomen (1).
This pain that occurs during ovulation is known as mittelschmerz.
Additionally, you might notice a slight increase in libido or breast tenderness around this time.
While these methods may serve as indications, they are not foolproof.
If you have irregular periods or are having difficulty conceiving, the best thing to do is to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
You see, if you are trying to conceive, the earlier you become more aware of your your fertility health the better.