How to Recognize The Signs of Ovulation

Ovulation occurs when your ovary releases an egg in preparation for pregnancy. You are fertile during ovulation, so it is important to know when this is happening in your body if you are trying to get pregnant or if you are trying NOT to get pregnant. There are many myths out there concerning ovulation, so it is important to recognize the sings of ovulation to prepare yourself for pregnancy or pregnancy prevention.

Get to know your cycle when you are learning to recognize the signs of ovulation. It is a myth that all women have 28 day cycles and we all ovulate on day 14. Some women have 26 day cycles and others may have 35 day cycles. 

According to the The American Pregnancy Association, ovulation can occur anywhere between days 11-21 of your cycle (remember that your cycle begins on the first day of your period). Get a calendar and start charting your period. Then take a look at the next steps to recognize the signs of ovulation in your body and chart those days as well.

Try to pay attention to any discharge. Your cervical fluids change during your cycle and they can be a clue to when you are ovulating. You may be a little dry on days that you are not close to ovulation, or any discharge may be opaque and sticky. It will break if you try to stretch it out with your fingers. As your body moves closer to ovulation day, your cervical mucous will increase and may become more fluid in nature. This discharge may be a little clearer and not as sticky. When you are possibly ovulating, your cervical mucous discharge will increase substantially. If you were to put some on your fingers, you would be able to stretch it out and it will not break.

Some women notice an increase in sexual desire when they are ovulating. The goal in your body's ovulation process is to get pregnant and the way to get pregnant is through sexual intercourse.

There are a few women who experience some pain during ovulation. This is usually located in the lower abdomen off to one side. It is caused by the egg leaving the ovary. Some women may even experience a little bit of bleeding during this time.

Another way to recognize the sings of ovulation is to chart your Basal Body Temperature. You will need to purchase a BBT thermometer and take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. After you ovulate, your BBT is slightly higher by around .4 degrees.