Home /
Learn /
9 Ovulation Symptoms To Predict Your Most Fertile Days

9 Ovulation Symptoms To Predict Your Most Fertile Days

2 Aug 2022 | 6 min Read

Sudeshna Chakravarti

Author | 799 Articles

Ovulation is a hormone-mediated process, where a mature egg (ovum) is released from the ovary. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before your period in a 28-day menstrual cycle. You can predict this phenomenon by tracking ovulation symptoms or by using ovulation predictor kits.

Knowing your ovulation time helps you determine your most fertile period, which can further help you conceive or prevent pregnancy accordingly. Read on as we tell you more about the signs of ovulation and tips to detect and manage ovulation problems.

9 Common Ovulation Symptoms

Breast tenderness or soreness is a common sign of ovulation / Image credit: Freepik

Before we discuss ovulation symptoms, keep in mind that these signs may not be the same for all. In fact, some women may not experience any ovulation symptoms at all. The time of ovulation also varies from one person to another. While some ovulate on the same day every cycle, others ovulate on different days in each month’s cycle.

That said, the common symptoms of ovulation may include

Changes in cervical fluid: The cervical mucus has a similar appearance to egg whites near or during your ovulation. You may also notice an increase in cervical fluid on the day of ovulation.
Changes in basal body temperature (BBT): You may notice a drop in your basal body temperature (BBT) before ovulation and an increase in the temperature after your ovulation period.
Changes in cervical firmness: During ovulation, your cervix is wet, soft, and open. It may also move up higher into your body.
Light spotting: Light spotting or brown discharge may also occur during ovulation. This is usually caused due to the rupture of your ovarian follicles to release the ovum.
Slight cramping or pain: You may also experience pain or cramping on either side of your pelvis. It is better known as ovulation pain and is caused due to the release of the ovum. However, not all women experience this pain during ovulation.
Breast tenderness: Soreness and tenderness in your breasts is also common around the ovulation period until menstruation. While some women may have severe breast pain, others may not notice any discomfort at all.
Bloating: An increase in the production of oestrogen hormones can cause bloating during this time.
Increase in sex drive: An increased sex drive (libido) is commonly noticed during the ovulation period.
Heightened senses of smell, taste, and vision: These symptoms are experienced by some women in the second half of their menstrual cycle, which means after ovulation.

It is essential to keep a check on these changes and symptoms, as ovulation is related to your fertility and general well-being. Additionally, these symptoms help you identify and seek early medical attention in case of ovulation problems.

What Are The Signs Of Abnormal Ovulation?

Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and understanding ovulation symptoms can help you determine ovulation problems (anovulation) beforehand.

We have discussed common signs and symptoms that are often associated with ovulation problems. Take a look!

Lack of menstruation: Missing one or more period without being pregnant is an indicator of ovulation problems.
Irregular period cycle: If the time between your period cycle keeps changing every month, then there is a possibility of an ovulation problem.
Light period: Having an extremely light period shouldn’t be ignored as it could be associated with an ovulation disorder.
Heavy period: If you have a heavy period and continue menstruating for more than seven days, then it is possible that you have an ovulation problem.
Lack of ovulation symptoms: No changes in your basal body temperature or cervical mucus could also indicate an ovulation disorder.

How To Increase Your Chances Of Ovulation?

Maintaining a healthy body weight and consuming nutritious foods can help increase the chances of ovulation / Image credit: Freepik

The following tips help improve your chances of ovulation and also boost the possibility of pregnancy.

Maintain a normal BMI (body mass index): Keeping your body weight around the average of your weight and height can help resolve ovulation problems associated with obesity or excess weight.
Avoid strenuous activities: Indulging in high-intensity workout regimes can also affect your ovulation. Hence, seek expert advice on what exercises can help you maintain a healthy menstrual cycle.
Avoid making sudden dietary changes: Skipping your meals, fasting, or doing crash diets can have a negative impact on your ovulation cycle. Hence, eat proper meals and include nutritious foods that help manage your hormones and encourage ovulation.
Reduce stress: Chronic stress can also affect your ovulation. You can try meditation or other relaxation techniques to cope with stress and anxiety.

How To Check Ovulation At Home?

You may use a home test kit to determine your ovulation. The ovulation home test usually involves a urine test that detects an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) in your body. A surge in LH triggers ovulation, and this test may help you predict that.

The home test kits usually come with plenty of sticks so that you can test for several days, leading to your ovulation time, based on the length of your ovulation cycle. For instance, if you have a 28-day cycle interval, you may begin testing after the 11th day of your menstruation to predict ovulation. If ovulation has occurred, you may notice a colour change, or a positive sign, as mentioned by the manufacturer on the test kit.

You can also use BabyChakra’s ovulation calculator, which helps you discover your most fertile days seamlessly. All you have to do is enter your last period date and cycle length, and the tracker automatically predicts your ovulation period and fertile days.

Conclusion

Ovulation symptoms and trackers help you determine your most fertile days, and plan your pregnancy accordingly. You may track your ovulation for several cycles to understand these changes. Moreover, tracking your ovulation symptoms helps you identify ovulation disorders earlier, and seek prompt medical care.

So keep an eye out for these symptoms, or use BabyChakra’s ovulation calculator to track your fertile days.