#LadiesAndBabies: 6 Symptoms Of Ovulation And How To Monitor it

The good part about the signs of ovulation is that it will surely help you identify when you are going to ovulate. Once you learn to notice these symptoms, you can keep a check on the most important 48 hours and plan your sexual activities accordingly.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovulation:

There are some symptoms of ovulation period that occur when you ovulate. Listed below are some common signs of ovulation:

1. The Texture of Cervical Mucus Changes:  There will be a change in the quantity and consistency of cervical mucus all along your menstrual cycle but it is during this phase that the mucus secretion increases in quantity. It also changes its appearance from white watery to being creamy, thick and stretchy. You can observe that you can stretch this latter type between two fingers for greater distances before it breaks. This indicates the preparation of the body to be sperm-friendly since this consistency facilitates the sperm to swim up and through your cervix where they have a chance of fertilizing the egg.
2. Your Cervix Softens:Your cervix becomes softer, higher, open and wet during the time you are about to ovulate. However, these changes will not manifest externally and would be the most difficult ones to observe. However, you can do that by using a clean finger to probe internally till you reach the tip of the cervix, which would feel like a small rounded cone.
3. Increased in Sexual Desire: Increase in libido is subject to many internal and external factors from hormonal changes to leading a stress-free life and catching up with your sleep. However, the increase in sexual desire that happens during the time when the body is ready to ovulate usually doesn't get much affected by these factors: your horniness has a reason and it is nature's way of indicating that your body is ready to have intercourse and produce offsprings.
4. Breast Tenderness and Nausea: These are quite noticeable symptoms and indicate changes in the hormonal activity in the body. These fluctuations can cause breasts to become tender and some women notice they are more prone to headaches or a slightly nauseous feeling during this time in their cycle.
5. Cramps:While cramps during periods are routine, having cramps mid-cycle indicate that the body is again undergoing some transformation, most likely ovulating and should not be ignored.
6. Slight Spotting:Rarely but there are chances of slight spotting which happens due to shedding of the endometrial lining caused as a result of a decrease in estrogen.

Also, read: Right Age To Get Pregnant

How To Monitor Ovulation?

Ovulation Tracking will help you a lot if you are sure that you want to start a family. A few couples also use ovulation tracking methods to avoid pregnancy. It is said that around 76-88% of ovulation tracking methods are effective. There are several methods for tracking ovulation. 24 out of 100 couples get effective results by using these methods.

#1 Calendar Method

The Calendar method is one of the easiest methods for ovulation tracking. But this method only applies if your menstrual cycle tends to be the same number of days from month to month. A girl ovulates around two weeks before or 14 days before you expect your periods. For example, if you have 35 days cycle then you will likely be ovulating around the 21st day. This method may not help if you have irregular periods.

#2 Mapping Your Basal Body Temperature

Basal Body Temperature is the temperature of your body attained during rest or sleep. Under the BBT charting method, you need to measure your temperature first thing in the morning before getting up from your bed. Monitor the temperature during your cycle. This way you can detect when a sustained temperature increase. This indicates you have ovulated.

#3 Ovulation Predictor Kits

Ovulation Predictor Kits are urine tests, similar to the home pregnancy test. This kit shows a specific color pattern when your luteinizing hormone (LH) levels rise. An increase in LH level indicates that you will likely ovulate within the next 12 to 36 hours.If you are planning to start a baby, then it is recommended to sex daily for the next several days.

#4 Saliva Ferning Tests

Compared to the above Ovulation Predictor Kits, this test is less costly. This test highlights the crystal formations that typically develop in saliva during ovulation.  When the saliva is dried, the residue exhibits fern-like crystals, which are not present at other stages in the cycle. The saliva ferning test kit includes a lens on which a drop of saliva is placed. Check the saliva after five minutes under the viewing scope to see the result. The ovulation is likely to occur within 24 to 72 hours of the first formations.Visit our exclusive #LadiesAndBabies gynecological page to know more.