What Are the Signs of Ovulation?

Although ovulation varies for each woman, it typically occurs 11 to 21 days before the menstrual cycle for most healthy women. Some women may experience irregular cycles, making it especially important to look for common signs of ovulation whether you are hoping to become pregnant or are actively trying to avoid it each month. If you want to determine when you’re ovulating, there are a few common symptoms and signs you may experience when you’re most fertile to get a better understanding of the pattern of your cycle.

Cervical Changes

Excess cervical mucus is a sign of ovulation and can have a white color with a sticky texture. The cervix changes as well, becoming softer, moves higher and opens slightly as well. Similarly, you may also have an increased sexual desire due to hormonal changes. The libido can increase, which, in turn, can boost your chances of getting pregnant.

Ovulation Pain

Ovulation can often be accompanied by pain or discomfort on either side of the lower abdomen. Although some women experience this kind of cramping every month, it should be noted that severe pain is not necessarily the norm. If the pain becomes so severe that it interferes with sexual intercourse, this may be an indication that you suffer from endometriosis and may require medical attention.

Increase in Basal Body Temperature

The basal body temperature is measured when your body is at rest, and when you are ovulating, it will increase slightly. You’ll need to take your temperature at the same time, first thing each morning, to monitor your ovulation accurately. Although taking your temperature won’t give you a clear indication of when you have fertile days each month, it can determine whether or not your cycle has a pattern.

Breast Tenderness

Your breasts are prone to being tender to the touch due to the hormones that are produced in your body, lasting several days to one week until your ovulation has ended. It should be noted, though, that there are many causes for breast tenderness and that it shouldn’t be the sole indicator for ovulation tracking.

By knowing and recognizing these signs and symptoms, you can better track your ovulation patterns and predict the likelihood of pregnancy. At Simple Surrogacy, our goal is to make your journey to parenthood as simple and enjoyable as possible. For more information, contact us online. We look forward to speaking with you!