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26 March 2025

What Are the Symptoms of Ovulation?


26 March 2025
Updates

What are the symptoms of ovulation?

Ovulation symptoms occur when an egg is released from the ovary and moves to the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm before implanting in the uterus.

Common signs of ovulation include cervical mucus changes, breast tenderness, increased body temperature, heightened sexual desire, a more open cervix, abdominal pain, and heightened senses.

Some individuals may not notice ovulation symptoms as they can be subtle. In addition to these signs, tracking ovulation by counting cycle days can also help determine the fertile window. Typically, ovulation occurs between days 14-17, counting from the first day of the menstrual period.

7 Signs of Ovulation

For those preparing for motherhood, you may already know that tracking ovulation can help increase the chances of conception. However, many may not be aware that there are also physical signs indicating that the body is currently in the ovulation phase. What are these signs of ovulation? You can observe them through the following symptoms.

For women preparing for motherhood, you may already be familiar with methods that can help increase your chances of conceiving, such as tracking ovulation. However, many may not realize that there are also physical signs that indicate your body is currently ovulating. So, what are the symptoms of ovulation? Here are some signs you can observe.

1.Cervical Mucus Changes

During ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and egg-white-like due to an increase in estrogen. This change makes it easier for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach the egg for fertilization.

2.Breast Tenderness
A common ovulation symptom is breast tenderness or swelling, which may feel sore, firm, or lumpy. The pain is typically dull and affects both breasts simultaneously due to hormonal fluctuations. However, breast tenderness alone is not always a reliable indicator of ovulation.

3.Increase in Body Temperature
During ovulation, progesterone levels rise, causing a slight increase in basal body temperature by about 0.5-1°C. You can track this temperature change by measuring your body temperature every morning upon waking.

4.Increased Sexual Desire
Ovulation causes increased blood flow to the vaginal area, leading to a higher sex drive. Additionally, some women may appear more attractive due to hormonal changes.

5.Cervical Changes
During ovulation, the cervix shifts higher, becomes softer, and widens slightly. This natural adjustment helps facilitate conception by making it easier for sperm to enter the uterus.

6.Abdominal Pain (Mittelschmerz)
Some women experience mild to moderate pelvic pain, known as mittelschmerz, during ovulation. This occurs when the ovarian follicle ruptures to release a mature egg into the fallopian tube.

7.Heightened Senses
Some women may experience sharper senses, including enhanced smell and taste. Others may notice mood swings or increased irritability due to hormonal fluctuations.

What is Ovulation or an Ovulation Day in Women?

What is Ovulation Day?

Ovulation Day is a natural reproductive process that occurs in a woman's body every month. Typically, ovulation happens between days 11-21 of the menstrual cycle, counting from the first day of the period (Day 1).

On this day, the most mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. Women who are trying to conceive often track ovulation symptoms to maximize their chances of pregnancy. Recognizing these signs can significantly increase the likelihood of conception.

What is a Mature Egg?

A mature egg is an egg that is fully developed and ready for fertilization by sperm. This is the most fertile stage in a woman's cycle, and the best time for conception is usually around day 14, counting from the first day of menstruation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ovulation Symptoms

Does Ovulating Two Eggs Differ from Normal Ovulation?

Ovulating two eggs is a condition that can occasionally occur. The symptoms experienced during dual ovulation are no different from those of a single ovulation. However, if both eggs are fertilized simultaneously, it can result in fraternal twin pregnancy.

Is It Abnormal to Have Ovulation Symptoms Without Clear Cervical Mucus?

Observing cervical mucus is only a preliminary method to assess ovulation. However, the absence of visible egg-white cervical mucus does not necessarily indicate an issue. Sometimes, the mucus may be minimal or unnoticeable.

Is It Abnormal to Have Ovulation Symptoms Without Clear Cervical Mucus?

Observing cervical mucus is only a preliminary method to assess ovulation. However, the absence of visible egg-white cervical mucus does not necessarily indicate an issue. Sometimes, the mucus may be minimal or unnoticeable.

How Many Days Do Ovulation Symptoms Last?

Ovulation symptoms may last for about a week due to fluctuating hormone levels. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact day of ovulation based on symptoms alone. Instead, these signs provide a general idea for those planning pregnancy.

Summary

For those trying to conceive, in addition to tracking ovulation days, women can also observe ovulation symptoms as warning signs that ovulation is approaching. For more accuracy, using ovulation test kits from pharmacies during the ovulation period can help maximize the chances of conception. Engaging in intercourse at the right time can significantly increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

If you want to conceive without uncertainty or ensure pregnancy within a specific timeframe, consulting a doctor during the ovulation period can also help boost the chances of success.

However, these symptoms are only preliminary indicators and do not guarantee the exact ovulation day. For those with irregular periods, it is not advisable to rely solely on symptom observation for long. Instead, using ovulation test kits is recommended for more reliable results.

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early

  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI