How do I know when I’m ovulating?

August 3, 2023
1:23 pm

When you’re trying to get pregnant, one of the essential things to know is when you are ovulating. While we’ve covered how to estimate when you’re ovulating and how to track your ovulation cycle, knowing how to look out for ovulation symptoms can give you the confidence of knowing when you are ovulating and have the greatest chances to get pregnant.

Here are four of the most common ovulation symptoms that indicate fertility:

Fertile Cervical Mucus

During a non-fertile stage of your cycle, your cervical mucus will typically be stickier and creamier, or have a watery consistency, depending on where you are in your cycle. When ovulation is approaching, production of your cervical mucus increases and its consistency becomes similar to that of a raw egg white – clear and stretchy. This kind of mucus is produced to help sperm swim up into your reproductive system^[1].

Increased Libido

During the fertile stage of your cycle, you may experience a spike in libido in yourself, as well as your partner. This phase of increased sexual desire lasts for around six days, coinciding with your fertile window thanks to the increased production of luteinizing hormone (LH)^[2]. Additionally, your partner may find you more attractive than usual, with some studies finding that the hormonal changes associated with ovulation affect women’s behavior, physical attractiveness and scent^[3]. The consistency of your cervical mucus will also make sexual intercourse more pleasurable compared to other stages in your cycle^[4].

Changes in Cervical Position

Your cervix shifts and changes throughout your menstrual cycle, making it a great indicator of your fertile window^[5]. As you approach ovulation, the cervix will move up and

back, feel softer to the touch than usual, and be coated in fertile cervical mucus^[6]. When checking your cervical position, keep in mind that the cervical position when you’re aroused, or immediately after love making, may not be accurate to your cycle as your cervix shifts according to your level of sexual arousal^[7].

Ovulation Pains

Ovulation pain in the lower abdomen is a common symptom for fertile women, with almost 20% of women experiencing ovulation pain every month^[8]. It can seem to occur at random intervals and can feel like a sudden, sharp pain that lasts only a moment, or a dull, achy feeling that lasts a few hours or a few days^[9].

However, ovulation pain is not a reliable indicator of fertility, as research findings have been inconsistent with regard to whether or not ovulation pain indicates fertility. Some studies have supported the idea that it does indicate fertility, while others have found ovulation pain to have occurred after the ovulation period^[10]. Thus, it should be used in conjunction with other methods of determining your ovulation period, and may simply be a reassuring sign that you are indeed ovulating regularly.

These symptoms can be a great indication or simply a reassuring sign that your body is doing what it’s supposed to without any issues. However, for the best chances of getting pregnant, it is best to stop guessing, and use the methods explained in this article to track your ovulation.

How do I know when I am ovulating? Here is a quick summary

Fertile Cervical Mucus: Production of your cervical mucus increases and its consistency becomes similar to that of a raw egg white – clear and stretchy. This kind of mucus is produced to help sperm swim up into your reproductive system^[1].
Increased Libido: This phase of increased sexual desire lasts for around six days, coinciding with your fertile window thanks to the increased production of luteinizing hormone (LH).
Changes in Cervical Position: As you approach ovulation, the cervix will move up and back, feel softer to the touch than usual, and be coated in fertile cervical mucus.
Ovulation Pains: Ovulation pain in the lower abdomen is a common symptom for fertile women, with almost 20% of women experiencing ovulation pain every month.

Remember that it’s important to understand and listen to your body, even when the journey to getting pregnant can be frustrating. In Malaysia and Singapore, there are an abundance of fertility specialists and fertility clinics to consider, as well as financial aids in Malaysia, and subsidy options in Singapore.

What next? Check your fertility status here !

References

^[1] Su, H. W., Yi, Y. C., Wei, T. Y., Chang, T. C., & Cheng, C. M. (2017). Detection of ovulation, a review of currently available methods. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine, 2(3), 238–246. https://doi.org/10.1002/btm2.10058

^[2] Bullivant, S. B., Sellergren, S. A., Stern, K., Spencer, N. A., Jacob, S., Mennella, J. A., & McClintock, M. K. (2004). Women’s sexual experience during the menstrual cycle: Identification of the sexual phase by noninvasive measurement of luteinizing hormone. Journal of Sex Research, 41(1), 82–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490409552216

^[3] Haselton, M. G., & Gildersleeve, K. (2011). Can Men Detect Ovulation? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(2), 87–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721411402668

^[4] Su, H. W., Yi, Y. C., Wei, T. Y., Chang, T. C., & Cheng, C. M. (2017). Detection of ovulation, a review of currently available methods. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine, 2(3), 238–246. https://doi.org/10.1002/btm2.10058

^[5] Parenteau-Carreau, S., & Infante-Rivard, C. (1988). Self-palpation to assess cervical changes in relation to mucus and temperature. International journal of fertility, 33, 10-16.

^[6] Vigil, P., Lyon, C., Flores, B., Rioseco, H., & Serrano, F. (2017). Ovulation, A Sign of Health. The Linacre Quarterly, 84(4), 343–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/00243639.2017.1394053

^[7] Pillsworth, E. G., Haselton, M. G., & Buss, D. M. (2004). Ovulatory Shifts in Female Sexual Desire. Journal of Sex Research, 41(1), 55–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490409552213

^[8] Durai, R., & Ng, P. C. (2009). Mittelschmerz mimicking appendicitis. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 70(7), 419. https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2009.70.7.43133

^[9] Gross, B. A. (1987). Natural family planning indicators of ovulation. Clinical reproduction and fertility, 5(3), 91-117.

^[10] Ecochard, R. (2000). Side of ovulation and cycle characteristics in normally fertile women. Human Reproduction, 15(4), 752–755. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/15.4.752

SG-NONF-00267 | 13 July 2023