Typically, the ovulation process occurs about 2 weeks before the start of menstruation and can vary from month to month. Some signs of ovulation that you can recognize include: increased vaginal discharge, changes in body temperature, pelvic or lower abdominal pain…
1. What is Ovulation?
The ovulation process is the phase of the menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary, traveling down the fallopian tube waiting for the opportunity for sperm to meet the egg and fertilize it.
If the egg is fertilized, it will begin the process of cell division while moving towards the uterus, and when the blastocyst is formed, it will implant in the uterus, and if implantation is successful, the process of pregnancy begins. If the egg is not fertilized, it will degrade, and the uterine lining will shed and be expelled during menstruation.
Typically, the ovulation process occurs about 2 weeks before the start of menstruation and can vary from month to month.
2. What are the signs of ovulation?
So, what are the signs of ovulation? According to this, you can recognize the signs of ovulation through some changes in your body such as:
- Changes in vaginal discharge: This is the most common symptom indicating that an egg has been released. You may notice a noticeable increase in vaginal discharge. After the ovulation phase, the amount of mucus will gradually decrease.
- Changes in body temperature: Your body temperature at rest will slightly increase during ovulation. You can use a thermometer to measure your body temperature, and it is best to do this in the morning before getting out of bed.
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain: If you experience mild pain in your pelvic area or lower abdomen, bloating could be a sign that an egg has been released.
Changes in the cervix: During ovulation, your cervix may become higher, softer, and more open. If you want to check the changes in your cervix, you should stand in a position similar to inserting a tampon.
3. When should you have intercourse to increase the chances of getting pregnant?
To increase the chances of pregnancy during ovulation, doctors suggest that it is best to have intercourse at least once a day, especially during the 5 days leading up to your ovulation day. This is the most favorable period for sperm to survive for a few days inside a woman’s body in order to wait for the egg to be released.
In addition, if your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and is regular, you are likely to ovulate on day 14. You have a high chance of getting pregnant if you have sex at least every day during the period from day 10 to 14 of a 28-day cycle.
However, if your menstrual cycle is irregular, in addition to the physical changes you can notice, you can use some other methods to determine signs of ovulation as follows:
- Using ovulation test strips: For some women with irregular menstrual cycles, this is a simple yet highly effective method. The ovulation test strips detect the level of LH hormone in urine; if the result shows two lines, you are currently in your ovulation period.
- Ultrasound to determine the ovulation day: Ultrasound of the ovarian follicles is a highly accurate method for those with irregular menstrual cycles or who are trying to conceive. Ovulation ultrasound allows you to know for sure whether you have ovulated or not.
