Signs before ovulation day

Ovulation Symptoms: 9 Signs of Ovulation

If you’re getting ready to grow your family and learning more about conception, you’ll want to get familiar with ovulation. Exactly when you ovulate varies for each woman, but luckily there are ways to recognize the signs of ovulation and time sex accordingly to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Even if you’re not trying to conceive yet, it’s still important to have a good grasp on ovulation signs. Not only can they help you better understand your menstrual cycle, but they can also help you identify any abnormal ovulation symptoms down the road. (In fact, some women keep track of their ovulation patterns as part of their contraception method to avoid getting pregnant.)

Want to learn more about exactly what happens during ovulation, which signs of ovulation to look out for and how those ovulation symptoms might make you feel? Keep reading to learn from experts what to expect and when to expect it.

In this article:
What is ovulation?
When do you ovulate?
How to predict ovulation
Ovulation symptoms

What Is Ovulation?

Let’s get down to brass tacks: What happens on your ovulation day? You probably learned way back in health class that ovulation is the phase in your menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary, setting the stage for fertilization. Every woman is born with millions of immature eggs that wait to be released, normally one at a time, every month. During ovulation the egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it may meet up with a sperm and become fertilized. For most healthy women, ovulation generally happens once a month, a few weeks after menstruation begins.

Watch, Ovulation Signs and Symptoms:

When Do You Ovulate?

Now that we’ve reviewed what ovulation is, you’re probably wondering when ovulation occurs. You may have heard that ovulation typically happens on day 15 of your menstrual cycle, but it’s not the same for everyone.

If you’re like most women of childbearing age, your menstrual cycle lasts between 28 and 32 days, and ovulation usually hits between days 10 and 19 of that cycle—about 12 to 16 days before your next period. “In healthy women, ovulation occurs 14 days before the onset of your period,” says Donnica L. Moore, MD, president of Sapphire Women’s Health Group in Chester, New Jersey. So if your cycle is 35 days, ovulation will happen on day 21 of that cycle—but if your cycle is 21 days, ovulation will happen on day seven.

The timing of ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle and from woman to woman, adds Shannon M. Clark, MD, associate professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in Galveston, Texas. This is why it’s a good idea to get familiar with your body’s menstrual calendar for at least three months or so, to help you better estimate your own ovulation cycle.

For some women, ovulation doesn’t always take place, or it can be irregular. In general, if you’re pregnant, have gone through menopause or you take birth control pills consistently and on time, you won’t ovulate. Certain diseases or disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome or premature ovarian failure, among other conditions) and certain medications (including some antidepressants, anti-nausea medications and chemotherapy) may also cause a woman to stop ovulating for periods of time. Other lifestyle factors—such as stress or being significantly underweight or overweight (measured by body fat percentage)—may affect menstruation and ovulation as well.

If you’re dealing with irregular menstrual cycles or ones that are particularly short (fewer than 21 days) or long (more than 35 days), Clark recommends you get evaluated by a physician to rule out any medical conditions that might be causing those irregular cycles. It’s true that tracking ovulation with irregular cycles can be more difficult, but keep in mind that ovulation occurs 14 days before the onset of menstruation, so even with irregular periods, you could still conceive at some point in your cycle.

If you’re planning to breastfeed exclusively (meaning baby won’t get any other source of nutrition), be aware that you likely won’t ovulate during that time. But there are always exceptions, so you can’t depend on breastfeeding as a method of birth control. Once baby is introduced to other foods or the occasional bottle, ovulation is likely to resume. Plan your birth control accordingly, unless you want to give baby the possible surprise of a new brother or sister!

How long does ovulation last?

So you’re probably wondering, for how many days do women ovulate? Once the mature egg is released from the surface of the ovary, it can potentially be fertilized for about 24 hours, explains Patricia Pollio, MD, director of OB-GYN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York.

That said, you don’t have to have sex on the exact day of ovulation in order to get pregnant. In reality, there’s a six-day “fertile window” in your cycle—the five days leading up to ovulation and the day you ovulate, Moore says. Of those six days, you’re most fertile during the two to three days prior to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.

Beyond 24 hours after ovulation, the egg is no longer viable and you typically can’t get pregnant until your next menstrual cycle. (If you’re not trying to conceive, though, you should still use birth control at all times as a precaution. )

How to Predict Ovulation

Whether you’re trying to conceive or merely want to get to know your body’s signs of ovulation, these indicators, including at-home and over-the-counter (OTC) tests, can help you learn how to tell if you’re ovulating (or are about to).

1. Basal body temperature monitoring

Sometimes referred to as BBT, your basal body temperature is the temperature of your body at rest. At the beginning of your cycle, basal body temperature remains fairly consistent and averages between 97.2 and 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit. As you get closer to ovulation, there’s a slight dip in basal body temperature followed by a sharp increase, typically of about 0.4 to 1.0 degrees, just after ovulation. One way to know if you’re ovulating is to track your basal body temperature over a series of months. Take your temperature with a digital thermometer designed for basal body (you can get one online as soon as you wake up—even before you get out of bed—and jot down the reading every morning. Keep in mind that from day to day, your BBT can fluctuate by half a degree or more, so don’t be fooled by a little blip—look for a sustained rise to confirm that you’ve ovulated. After several months the info will give you a good sense of when you usually ovulate so you can plan babymaking accordingly.

2. Menstrual charting

Another simple and inexpensive way to track ovulation is to record the days your period begins and ends for several months. If you have normal menstrual cycles—between 25 and 35 days—you’re likely to be ovulating regularly, with ovulation occurring about 14 days before menstruation. Make sure to write down whenever you experience potential signs of ovulation: Typical ovulation symptoms could include cramps, an increase in cervical mucus, breast tenderness, fluid retention, and appetite or mood changes. Keep reading for more about ovulation symptoms.

3. Ovulation kit

OTC ovulation predictor kits measure your levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), which can be detected in your urine. These kits work because ovulation typically hits about 10 to 12 hours after LH peaks—on day 14 to 15 of the menstrual cycle if your cycle is 28 days long. Your LH concentration should stay elevated for 14 to 27 hours to allow for full maturation of the egg.

Here’s how the ovulation kit works: Pee on the stick and wait for a line to appear. If the color of the line matches the shade shown on the instructions, ovulation is imminent—within 24 to 48 hours. If it’s too close to call, retest within the next 12 hours. Most kits come with a five-day supply of sticks, to be used in as many days, but check their expiration date: Most of them have a shelf life of only two years. While the majority of ovulation predictor tests can be used any time of day, many of them suggest testing first thing in the morning. For best results, test around the same time each day, and cut back your liquid intake for four hours beforehand, so your pee will be more concentrated and your LH easier to detect.

The real trick to finding success with an ovulation predictor kit is knowing when to start using it. If your cycle is regular, the charting you’ve been doing can help you identify that optimum window. If your cycles are irregular, your best bet is to pay attention to ovulation symptoms. Even if you’ve confirmed that ovulation is happening (through tests or other signs), try to wait to have sex until you notice an increase in cervical mucus, which will heighten the chances of conceiving.

4. Fertility monitor

While an ovulation predictor kit can identify when ovulation is expected to occur (giving you 24 hours for possible conception), a fertility monitor can identify your five most fertile days. The monitor measures LH and estrogen levels to identify your two peak fertile days, plus the one to five fertile days leading up to them. Some versions of the monitor store information from your previous six cycles to customize your fertility reading. Be aware, though, that because monitors give you more advanced information, they’re pricier than ovulation kits.

Ovulation Symptoms

Now, you’re probably wondering, can you feel ovulation happening? And what exactly does ovulation feel like? It can differ from woman to woman, but there are several common ovulation symptoms you may sense. Before and during ovulation, hormonal shifts can affect the entire body, prompting ovulation symptoms. These can be a powerful way to know when you’re ovulating. Many women will experience those ovulation symptoms for up to five days before ovulation as well as the day of, Pollio says, and they may last for a day after ovulation.

But if you don’t notice any signs you’re ovulating, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. “Most women have no clue,” Moore says. If you can learn to recognize the common signs of ovulation listed below, it could help you predict when ovulation is likely to occur.

1. Cervical mucus changes

Cervical mucus changes are one ovulation symptom you may experience. As you near ovulation, your body produces more estrogen, causing cervical mucus to become stretchy and clear, like egg white, which helps sperm swim to the egg that’s released during ovulation. Cervical mucus changes happen in most women, Moore says, but you have to know what you’re looking for. The amount of cervical mucus and what it looks and feels like varies from woman to woman. To test it for ovulation, insert a clean finger into your vagina, remove some of the mucus and then stretch out the secretion between your thumb and finger. If it’s sticky and stretchy or very wet and slippery, that’s a good sign you’re in a fertile phase.

2. Heightened senses

For some women, a more sensitive sense of smell in the latter half of a normal menstruation cycle can be a sign of ovulation. In this fertile phase, your body is primed to be more attracted to the male pheromone androstenone. Some women also report a heightened sense of taste.

3. Breast soreness or tenderness

Tender breasts or sore nipples can be another sign of ovulation, thanks to the rush of hormones entering your body right before and after ovulation. Some women will experience this tenderness just before ovulation, while others may feel it right after ovulation occurs.

4.

Mild pelvic or lower abdominal pain

A lot of women wonder, can you feel ovulation? And for some, the answer is actually yes—typically as a mild ache or pain in the lower abdomen, usually on one side or the other (not the same side each time). So what are ovulation pains like? Called Mittelschmerz, ovulation pain can feel like a sharp or dull cramp on the side of your abdomen where the ovary is releasing the egg. This ovulation side effect can last anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours. You might also experience light vaginal bleeding, discharge or nausea along with the ache or pain, which is usually mild and short lived.

There’s no need to worry about ovulation pain that goes away with an OTC, anti-inflammatory medication (such as Motrin), Moore says. But if ovulation pain is persistent or severe, see a doctor to rule out conditions such as endometriosis or an ovarian cyst. Moore suggests monitoring and recording your ovulation symptoms every month to get a sense of what is normal for your body, so you can more easily spot any abnormal ovulation signs and symptoms. “When in doubt, check it out,” she adds.

Many women wonder whether ovulation pain is a sign of fertility. It can be, since it indicates that an egg is being released (although there’s no guarantee it’ll be fertilized that cycle.) But you can still be fertile without feeling any pain, so it’s best not to rely on this ovulation side effect as a way of assessing your fertility.

5. Light spotting or discharge

Brown discharge or spotting during ovulation is normal, if not that common. This ovulation symptom can occur when the follicle that surrounds and protects the developing oocyte (the egg) matures, grows and then ruptures, resulting in a small amount of bleeding. As blood gets older, it turns brown, which is why the ovulation discharge may range from red to dark brown. It’s not a cause for concern unless the spotting persists, in which case you should see a physician to check for signs of infection and the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy if you’ve been sexually active.

6. Libido changes

A change in libido is another common ovulation symptom. Some women notice that their sex drive increases during ovulation, which might be Mother Nature’s way of ensuring we keep the species alive and well! But, as Moore says, “sex drive can be influenced by just about anything, including whether you had a glass of wine or are just in the mood.”

7. Changes in the cervix

During ovulation, your cervix may become higher, softer and more open. You can check your cervix, along with your mucus, for ovulation symptoms, but it can take time to learn the differences you’re feeling for and is often more difficult than watching for the other signs of ovulation mentioned above. If you’d like to try and get more comfortable checking for cervical changes as a sign of ovulation, Moore recommends standing in whatever position you use to insert a tampon (for example, next to the toilet with one foot up on the closed seat) and using your finger to feel inside. In many women with a regular cycle, right before ovulation the cervix will be softer, like touching your lips, but after ovulation it will feel harder, more like touching the tip of your nose. An OB can also check for cervical changes using a speculum and help give you more guidance on how to do it at home.

8. Nausea and headaches

Many women ask, “can ovulation make you feel sick?” The answer is yes. Nausea and headaches are two possible ovulation side effects due to the change in your estrogen and progesterone levels.

9. Changes in your basal body temperature

While you may not actually feel this symptom, it can still be a sign of ovulation. As mentioned above, your basal body temperature will rise during ovulation and stay elevated during that time. After tracking your basal body temperature for a few months, you’ll begin to more easily notice the patterns and identify notable changes.

Understanding when you ovulate is key to getting pregnant, but it can also give you clues about why you’re suddenly experiencing certain symptoms. When you know the signs of ovulation, you can be better prepared, regardless of whether or not you’re trying to conceive. The more in tune you are with your body, the better you’ll be able to predict when ovulation will occur.

About the experts:

Donnica L. Moore, MD, is a women’s health expert and advocate, as well as president of Sapphire Women’s Health Group in Chester, New Jersey. She has been a women’s health contributor for NBC’s Later Today and guest on NBC’s Weekend Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Good Morning America and CNN-International.* She received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine.

Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS, is an OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist, as well as an associate professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in Galveston, Texas. She earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, in Louisville, Kentucky, and completed her residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Patricia Pollio, MD, is the director of OB-GYN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York. She received her medical degree from Joan Sanford I Weill Medical College Of Cornell University in 1989 and has been in practice for more than 30 years.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

8 Signs of Fertility to Look For Each Month

What Affects Your Fertility (and How to Boost It)

Sex Ed for Baby-Making

Am I Ovulating? Physical Signs That You Are Fertile

Written by Lisa Fields

What Are Ovulation Symptoms?

Here are the signs you may have when your body releases an egg:

Your basal or resting temperature falls slightly, then rises again. You can use a special thermometer to check your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. You’re most fertile 2 or 3 days before your temperature rises.
Your cervical mucus becomes clearer and thinner with a slippery consistency, like egg whites.

You may also notice:

Tender breasts
Bloating
Cramps

But these symptoms don’t always mean you’re ovulating.

How to Track Ovulation Symptoms

Mark your calendar

Take note of when your period begins and ends and know how long your cycle lasts. Doctors say it's best to have sex at least every other day, especially during the 5 days before you ovulate. They call this your "fertile window." Your egg only lives for about 12 to 24 hours. But sperm can survive for a few days inside your body, so it's ideal to have them already there waiting for your egg.

Watch for body changes

Your hormone levels change throughout your menstrual cycle. During the first half, your ovaries give off the hormone estrogen. When your estrogen levels get high enough, your ovary releases an egg. Then your body starts to make progesterone, another hormone. It makes your body temperature rise slightly.

Your hormones also change the texture of your cervical mucus, the sticky fluid that comes from your cervix, the bottom of your uterus. As your body gets ready to ovulate, you have more of it, and it feels more stretchy and slippery, like raw egg whites. The texture helps sperm swim inside your body. When your mucus feels like this, you should be in your fertile window.

Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs)

You can find these at most drugstores. They cost about $25-$75 a month. These kits test the presence or the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. Some detect both LH and estrogen levels. This indicates ovulation will happen. When the surge is detected, having sex in the next 24-36 hours will improve your chances of getting pregnant. Because sperm will survive for some time inside of you, they'll be ready to join the egg during ovulation.

The kits have enough test strips to let you check your LH levels several times during your menstrual cycle. Start testing a few days before you think you might ovulate, then repeat a few times over the next few days to pinpoint the exact day. When your LH levels are highest, you're in the fertile window.

Fertility monitors

They can be expensive, but they have a significant benefit. While most ovulation predictors only give you a fertile window of up to 2 days, these can show 6-7 days of potential fertility for each cycle.

Fertility monitors give you more days to try to conceive, and they give a more accurate day of ovulation. Fertility monitors collect data from your body and your cycle. They use data and algorithms to help you determine exactly when you're going to ovulate. They're 89%-99% accurate in identifying your fertile window if used correctly. They monitor various signs of fertility, including skin temperature, basal body temperature, and vaginal fluids.

Progesterone ovulation tests

These tests can find out whether you have ovulated. They look at the levels of progesterone metabolite (pregnanediol glucuronide, or PdG) in your urine.

PdG levels typically rise 24-36 hours after you ovulate, so the tests are highly accurate. Start testing your levels before your anticipated menstrual cycle. These tests also have several strips to allow you to check your progesterone levels throughout your cycle.

A twinge of pain

It's possible to feel yourself ovulate, but many women don't notice it. You might notice a slight pain in your side about halfway through your menstrual cycle. But if you're trying to get pregnant, don't wait for the twinge. That means your fertile window is soon closing.

When Does Ovulation Happen?

If your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and your period arrives like clockwork, it's likely that you'll ovulate on day 14. That's halfway through your cycle. Your fertile window begins on day 10. You're more likely to get pregnant if you have sex at least every other day between days 10 and 14 of a 28-day cycle.

How Long Does Ovulation Last?

Your fertile window typically lasts 4-5 days. These are the days leading up to when you ovulate.

Ask Your Doctor

Some women don't ovulate on a set schedule. If you can't figure out when it happens or if your menstrual cycle isn't regular, ask your doctor for help.

Signs of ovulation | Clinic MEdel

OVULATION (from lat. ovum - egg) - release of a mature egg capable of fertilization from the ovarian follicle into the abdominal cavity; stage of the menstrual cycle (ovarian cycle). Ovulation in women of childbearing age occurs periodically (every 21-35 days). The frequency of ovulation is regulated by neurohumoral mechanisms, mainly gonadotropic hormones of the anterior pituitary gland and ovarian follicular hormone. nine0003 Ovulation contributes to the accumulation of follicular fluid and thinning of the ovarian tissue located above the protruding pole of the follicle. The rhythm of ovulation , which is constant for every woman, undergoes changes within 3 months after an abortion, within a year after childbirth, and also after 40 years, when the body is preparing for the premenopausal period. Stops ovulation with the onset of pregnancy and after the extinction of menstrual function. Setting a deadline ovulation is important when choosing the most effective time for fertilization, artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Signs of ovulation

Subjective signs of ovulation may be short-term pain in the lower abdomen. objective signs of ovulation are an increase in mucous discharge from the vagina and a decrease in rectal (basal) temperature on the day of ovulation with an increase in it the next day, an increase in the content of progesterone in the blood plasma, etc. Violation of ovulation is due to dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system and can be caused by inflammation of the genitals, dysfunction of the adrenal cortex or thyroid gland, systemic diseases, tumors of the pituitary and hypothalamus , stressful situations. Lack of ovulation at childbearing age (anovulation) is manifested by a violation of the rhythm of menstruation by the type of oligomenorrhea (menstruation lasting 1-2 days), amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Absence ovulation (anovulation) is always the cause of a woman's infertility. Methods for restoring ovulation are determined by the cause that caused anovulation, and require an appointment with a gynecologist and special treatment.

Some women experience peak sexual arousal on days 90,003 of ovulation 90,004. However, the use of a physiological method of contraception against pregnancy, based on sexual abstinence during ovulation , is especially difficult for young spouses, whose frequency of sexual intercourse reaches a fairly high level. In addition, with strong love excitement and nervous stress, additional ovulation can occur (especially with episodic, irregular intercourse), and then not one, but two eggs mature in one menstrual cycle. This should be remembered when choosing one or another method of contraception. nine0017

As soon as every healthy girl at the age of 11-15 begins to menstruate, which is an indicator of her body's readiness for childbearing, then there are problems associated with counting the days of the menstrual cycle and the legitimate question why menstruation does not occur, or vice versa, why the long-awaited pregnancy does not occur. . This makes a woman think and wait all the time, be in the dark about what happens to her every month. And so every month for decades. nine0017

Length of menstruation and cycle

Ideal menstruation lasts 3-5 days and repeats every 28 days. However, for some women, this cycle takes 19 days or even less, while for others it lasts from 35 to 45 days, which is a feature of their body, and not a violation of menstrual function. The duration of menstruation also, depending on the organism, can vary within a week. All this should not cause alarm in a woman, but a delay of more than two months, called opsometry or more than six months - amenorrhea, should alert the woman and make sure to find out the reason with a gynecologist. nine0017

Length of menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a complex physiological process that continues in women up to 45-55 years. It is regulated by the so-called sex centers located in the middle part of the diencephalon - the hypothalamus. The changes that occur during the menstrual cycle are most pronounced in the uterus and ovaries. In the ovary, under the influence of hormones produced by the ovarian follicles, partly by the adrenal cortex and testes, the main follicle, which contains the egg, grows and matures. The mature follicle ruptures and the egg, together with the follicular fluid, enters the abdominal cavity, and then into the fallopian tube. The process of rupture of the follicle and the release of a mature (suitable for fertilization) egg from its cavity is called ovulation , which, with a 28-day cycle, occurs most often between the 13th and 15th days.

Corpus luteum, estrogen, progesterone

A corpus luteum forms at the site of the ruptured follicle. These morphological changes in the ovary are accompanied by the release of sex steroid hormones - estrogens and progesterone. Estrogens are secreted by the maturing follicle, and progesterone by the corpus luteum.

The release of estrogen has two maxima - during ovulation and during the period of maximum activity of the corpus luteum. So, for example, if the normal estrogen content is about 10 µg/l, then during ovulation it is about 50 µg/l, and during pregnancy, especially towards the end of it, the estrogen content in the blood increases to 70-80 µg/l per due to a sharp increase in the biosynthesis of estrogens in the placenta.

Together with progesterone, estrogens promote the implantation (introduction) of a fertilized egg, maintain pregnancy and promote childbirth. Estrogens play an important role in the regulation of many biochemical processes, are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid distribution, stimulate the synthesis of amino acids, nucleic acids and proteins. Estrogens contribute to the deposition of calcium in bone tissue, delay the release of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and water from the body, that is, increase their concentration both in the blood and in electrolytes (urine, saliva, nasal secretions, tears) of the body. nine0017

The secretion of estrogens is controlled by the anterior pituitary gland and its genadotropic hormones: follicle-stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing (LH).

Under the influence of estrogens in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, called folliculin, regeneration occurs in the uterus, that is, the restoration and growth of its mucous membrane - the endometrium, the growth of glands that stretch in length and become convoluted. The mucous membrane of the uterus thickens 4-5 times. In the glands of the cervix, the secretion of mucous secretion increases, the cervical canal expands, and becomes easily passable for spermatozoa. In the mammary glands, the epithelium grows inside the milk ducts. nine0017

In the second phase, called luteal (from the Latin word luteus - yellow), under the influence of progesterone, the intensity of metabolic processes in the body decreases. The growth of the mucous membrane of the body of the uterus stops, it becomes loose, edematous, a secret appears in the glands, which creates favorable conditions for attaching a fertilized egg to the mucous membrane and developing the embryo. The glands stop secreting mucus, the cervical canal closes. In the mammary glands, from the overgrown epithelium of the end sections of the milk ducts, alveoli arise, capable of producing and secreting milk. nine0017

If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dies, the functional layer of the endometrium is rejected, and menstruation occurs. Monthly bleeding varies from three to seven days, the amount of blood lost is from 40 to 150 g.

It should be noted that different women have a noticeable difference in the timing of ovulation . And even for the same woman, the exact timing of the onset fluctuates in different months. In some women, cycles are characterized by exceptional irregularity. In other cases, cycles may be longer or shorter than the average - 14 days. In rare cases, it happens that in women with a very short cycle ovulation occurs around the end of the period of menstrual bleeding, but still, in most cases, ovulation occurs quite regularly.

If, for one reason or another, ovulation does not occur , the endometrial layer in the uterus is thrown out during menstruation. If the fusion of the egg and sperm has occurred, then the cytoplasm of the egg begins to vibrate very strongly, as if the egg is experiencing an orgasm. Sperm penetration is the final stages of egg maturation. All that remains of a spermatozoon is its nucleus, where 23 chromosomes are densely packed (half the set of a normal cell). The sperm nucleus is now rapidly approaching the egg nucleus, which also contains 23 chromosomes. The two cores are slowly touching. Their shells dissolve and their fusion occurs, as a result of which they are divided into pairs and form 46 chromosomes. Of the 23 chromosomes of the sperm, 22 are completely analogous to the chromosomes of the egg. They determine all the physical characteristics of a person except gender. In the remaining pair from the egg there is always an X chromosome, and from the sperm there can be an X or Y chromosome. Thus, if there are 2 XX chromosomes in this set, then a girl will be born, if XY, then a boy. nine0017

Studies conducted at the National Institute of Environmental Medical Problems (North Carolina) showed that the time of conception in relation to the time of onset of ovulation depends not only on the actual conception of a child, but also on its gender.

The probability of conception is maximum on day of ovulation and is estimated at about 33%. A high probability is also noted on the day before ovulation - 31%, two days before it - 27%. Five days before ovulation the probability of conception is estimated to be 10% four days before ovulation - 14% and three days - 16%. Six days before ovulation and the day after ovulation, the probability of conception during sexual intercourse is very small.

Considering that the average “lifespan” of spermatozoa is 2-3 days (in rare cases it reaches 5-7 days), and the female egg remains viable for about 12-24 hours, then the maximum duration of the “dangerous” period is 6- ninedays and the “dangerous” period corresponds to the phase of slow rise (6-7 days) and rapid decline (1-2 days) before and after the day of ovulation , respectively. Ovulation , as noted above, divides the menstrual cycle into two phases: the follicle maturation phase, which, with an average cycle duration of 10-16 days, and the luteal phase (corpus luteum phase), which is stable, independent of the duration of the menstrual cycle and is 12-16 days. The phase of the corpus luteum is referred to as the period of absolute infertility, it begins 1-2 days after ovulation and ends with the onset of a new menstruation.

how to track ovulation and understand that it has come

If a woman complains at a gynecologist's appointment that she cannot get pregnant, one of the reasons may be the lack of ovulation. Contrary to popular belief, it does not occur every month, but is necessary for conception. Few can boast that they feel the onset of this condition, focusing on sensations, so we will highlight the signs of ovulation in a woman. nine0017

Vera Minasueva Author

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Pregnancy test

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Let's talk about how to find out that ovulation has come, highlight the main signs and methods for determining. nine0017

Contents of article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

When the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube after the rupture of the mature follicle, ovulation occurs. Thus, its meaning lies in the release of the egg for further fertilization and transportation through the genital tract. The ovulatory period does not have clear boundaries and a specific duration. For the most part, a woman is not able to feel the moment or day of ovulation, but certain signs and methods can indicate this. nine0017

What is ovulation and how does it happen

Each of the two ovaries contains approximately two hundred thousand immature eggs. By the time of puberty, about five hundred eggs reach full maturity. The female reproductive system goes through the same sequence of stages about once a month, which is associated with the activity of hormones. These stages are called the menstrual cycle - the time from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next. A favorable period for the onset of pregnancy occurs in the middle of the cycle, when signs of ovulation can be distinguished. nine0017

The release of the egg from the ovary towards the sperm occurs on average on the 14th day of the cycle, but when it comes to a 28-day cycle. In women, these numbers vary, so deviations from the average are normal. The definition of ovulation is that at this time a mature egg leaves the ovary and descends through the fallopian tube into the uterus. During the day, it can be fertilized.

In the second phase of the cycle, the "main" follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, its function is the synthesis of the hormone progesterone. The corpus luteum functions for about ten days. In parallel, the lining of the uterus grows and thickens to receive and nourish the fertilized egg if needed. If conception does not occur, the egg dies, and the uterus cleans itself from the mucous membrane - critical days come. We will tell you what signs are noticeable during ovulation, but first we will explain how the egg matures. nine0017

After the start of menstruation on the fifth or seventh day, the cell size reaches 4-5 mm.
Cover of connective tissue appears approximately on the eighth day, the dominant follicle differs from the rest.
In diameter, the leading follicle is 16-18 mm by the twelfth day, the rest regress at this time.
The egg matures and leaves the follicular cavity through the rupture on the fourteenth day, about 36-48 hours pass between the process of preparing for ovulation and ovulation itself, but no more. nine0150
The ovulatory cycle begins on the fourteenth or sixteenth day, when the diameter of the follicular cell (graafian vesicle) can exceed 20 mm.
If the egg is fertilized, by the fourth day the embryo will enter the uterus and implantation will occur. If not, the egg will die.

Let us remind you once again that we have considered the standard option - 14 days with a 28-day cycle. As a rule, observations during one cycle do not reflect an accurate picture. And the duration of the menstrual cycle is affected by the rate of maturation of the egg in its first phase before the onset of ovulation, the first signs of which we will consider below. nine0017

Sensations during ovulation and its main signs

Some women say that their intuition, sixth sense or some personal observations tell them about the onset of the desired phase. Like, the body sends them strong signals. Medicine reacts with caution to subjective sensations, but signs and symptoms that indicate ovulation still exist.

Spasms on one side of the abdomen (on the side where the process is taking place), sometimes similar to cramps, pulling pains below, which is most likely due to tension in the organ. nine0150
Increased vaginal discharge in the middle of the menstrual cycle is also a sign of ovulation in a woman. The secret becomes more liquid and creamy, similar to raw egg white.
Often the body temperature rises by about 0.3 - 0.5 degrees, and after two or three days it returns to the previous indicator.
Increased sensitivity of the breast, including in the nipple area. The occurrence of this symptom is affected by hormonal fluctuations in the body. nine0150
The cervix rises and is less palpable through the vagina, becoming softer and wider. The gynecologist may notice this during the examination.
How to understand and recognize ovulation if there are signs of an emotional nature? A woman's mood improves, she experiences increased sexual desire, her sense of smell even becomes more acute (to search for a partner). This is because the level of the hormone estrogen rises, which affects the emotional lift. From a physiological point of view, the quality of cervical mucus improves, which promotes conception. nine0150

You should not rush to the forum to read how girls find all the signs of ovulation in themselves, and then note imaginary flaws in themselves. The listed symptoms are individual, may appear separately or not at all.

How to calculate ovulation

It is believed that ovulation occurs two weeks before the next period. So that the signs of early pregnancy do not take you by surprise, it is better to know when ovulation will begin. To do this, it is enough to keep a women's calendar. It is necessary to subtract fourteen days between ovulation and the first day of menstruation from the menstrual cycle as a whole. nine0017

If the cycle lasts 30 days, ovulation will occur approximately on the 16th day, if 33, then on the 19th. The regularity of the cycle plays a big role in this regard. When it is unstable, the calculation may be wrong. For example, if the cycle lasts from 27 to 31 days, ovulation will occur between 13 and 17 days. To make the most accurate calculations, you need to track several cycles and calculate the average duration. Subtract 14 from the last digit and get the approximate date. No matter what obvious signs of ovulation you have, it is better to do a test, an ultrasound scan, or use other methods to get a reliable result. nine0017

How to determine ovulation: working methods

Knowing when this process occurs is important in addressing two questions. If a woman plans to become pregnant, and if she uses a calendar method of contraception. It is not enough to rely solely on signs, we will tell you how else you can understand that you have started ovulation.

Folliculometry

Ultrasound diagnostic method by which the doctor observes folliculogenesis during the menstrual cycle. He sees the process of maturation of the follicle and the development of the dominant. This method is much more informative than just external signs during ovulation or subjective sensations. For example, if the size of the dominant follicle is 18 mm, this day and the next are suitable for pregnancy. nine0017

The procedure is performed either transvaginally (by inserting a transducer into the vagina) or abdominally (through the anterior abdominal wall). On the monitor, the specialist identifies signs of the ongoing or past ovulation:

Follicles
follicular rupture
Flood accumulation of

This method has its positive and negative sides:

pluses for the overlapping for the overlapping for the adjustment for and find out if artificial hormonal stimulation is needed. nine0150
Cons: For research, you need to go through several procedures, and for a more complete picture, you need to observe for several menstrual cycles. First you need to come 3-5 days from the beginning of your period, then 5-7 days after the previous ultrasound. Then the intervals of the sessions are every two days. It turns out that observations take a lot of time and you have to bear the costs.

Ovulation Tests

A test that you can do at home after purchasing it from a pharmacy will help you catch the signs of ovulation. It detects the rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and is similar to a pregnancy test. They have a common mechanism of action - you need to wet the strip with urine and wait for the result. nine0017

True, the reliability of the study is noted in the morning hours after the onset of pregnancy, while the signs of ovulation are more accurately seen in the daytime. Just then, the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the urine increases. Before ovulation, the values will be maximum, and tests make it possible to fix the peak. A positive result indicates that this and the next days are the most favorable for conception.

For example, if the cycle is 30 days, then from the 13th day you need to start measuring. Even if there are signs of ovulation, but it has not come, without ovulation, the second strip will not appear. Around day 15, the test line will become as bright as the control line. This means that the ovulatory period needs to wait for the next day. nine0017

Pros: Convenience and ease of conducting research at home. Observations do not take much time.
Cons: False-negative results are due to different testing times, the amount of fluid you drink, with an irregular cycle, there is a high chance of missing ovulation. In addition, sensitive tests are expensive.

Temperature measurement

If the first sign of ovulation is vaginal discharge, then the second is fever. The dynamics of its change speaks about the onset of the process. In the first days of the cycle, the basal temperature is kept at approximately the same level. The day before ovulation, it decreases by fractions of a degree, and on day X it increases above the beginning of the cycle. nine0017

It is important to remember that discharge is easy to spot, and sensations due to temperature fluctuations are less obvious signs of ovulation. They do not affect well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to take measurements with an accurate thermometer with a minimum error. The procedure is performed immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. You can’t even run to the toilet or to another room for a thermometer. It should lie next to the evening. It is advisable to take measurements at the same time and highlight the results on the graph by connecting the points at the end into a broken line. nine0017

So, how to know that ovulation has come, what are the signs for this regarding changes in body temperature. On the first day of the cycle, it can be 36.9 degrees. A few days before ovulation - 36.2. And if she crawled up to 37 degrees, then ovulation most likely occurred. During menstruation, you do not need to use the method.

If the temperature rises after ovulation, the probability of successful conception is high, what early signs may indicate this, we wrote earlier. Note that measurements are taken rectally, since other methods give large deviations from the actual basal temperature. It is necessary to see changes in tenths of a degree, so it is possible that a woman sometimes notes a random wandering of temperature with false rises and falls. nine0017

Pros: The availability and effectiveness of the method, while following the rules of measurement, makes it stand out from the rest.
Cons: The result is affected not only by the phase of the cycle, but also by stress, ailments, sleep disturbances, diseases, sexual contacts. Because of all these points, the temperature can rise, which complicates the search for symptoms. Reviews of experts say that the method determines the signs of ovulation, but it is considered auxiliary, not the main one.

Blood test

There is no specialized blood test to determine ovulation. But in laboratory conditions, indicators of luteinizing hormone are monitored. Let's tell you what signs in this case appear so that you can catch the day of ovulation. About a day before the onset, the concentration of LH in the blood increases tenfold. Blood must be donated on days 3-8 and 19-21. At the peak of the hormone concentration, ovulation occurs. It reflects the level of the hormone in numbers with great accuracy.

Also, the analysis gives the opportunity to see the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). It is he who stimulates the growth of follicles, and together with LH is responsible for the secretion of estrogen and ovulation in general. If its concentration reaches 40 or more mIU / ml, it is almost impossible to get pregnant. In young women, this indicator may indicate a low ovarian reserve, and in mature women, it may indicate a loss of childbearing function. nine0017

Pros: The blood sampling procedure itself takes little time, the analysis shows the onset of ovulation with great accuracy.
Cons: There is a need to regularly go to the clinic, the analysis has to be taken several times, so the method can be considered expensive.

Why pain occurs during ovulation

Pain is not a common symptom of ovulation. It is not found in all women. Drawing pains are in the lower abdomen in the center, on the right or on the left, which depends on which ovary the dominant follicle matures. An unpleasant sensation is associated with an increase in the level of biologically active substances in the body of a woman before ovulation - prostaglandins. nine0017

They dissolve the wall of the follicle so that the egg can enter the fallopian tube. This gap cannot be physically felt, but the mechanisms associated with the process sometimes lead to nausea, headaches and discomfort in the lower abdomen. It should be noted that after menstruation, signs in the form of pain really indicate impending ovulation, and not about any pathology. The first is characterized by the following indicators:

Pain occurs on the day of ovulation, sometimes it is noted the day before or a day or two after it. It should last no more than two days and pass on its own. nine0150
Feelings accompany ovulation for several cycles, for clarification it is advisable to keep a diary and describe such phenomena in it.
Approximately two weeks after the painful symptoms, another ovulation occurs.
Pain is usually mild and does not require medication.

Severe pulling pains should alert, especially if they are accompanied by fever, dizziness, vomiting. Signs of pathology - blood discharge during ovulation. If they are weak, then hormonal changes take place. There is a decrease in the amount of the hormone estrogen and a weakening of the endometrium. But if the discharge is plentiful or purulent, this is a clear reason to see a doctor. And you should not prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on your own, because on the days of the expected ovulation or shortly before them, they can reduce the chances of conception. nine0017

What happens to the egg after ovulation

When a follicle ruptures, the egg travels to the fallopian tube, where it can meet the male sex cells. If spermatozoa survive up to seven days in the uterus and fallopian tubes, the cell is given much less time - from 12 to 24 hours. Conception will occur only if the meeting of the spermatozoon with the female reproductive cell took place during the period of her vital activity.

The path to the female cell is difficult, spermatozoa do not always pass it in time. If fertilization does not occur, the next day the egg is unable to complete the task after ovulation. It turns out that if the fetal egg does not attach in the uterine cavity, it dies. But during fertilization, the egg finds a place and attaches to the hairs of the uterine wall. During this period, there may be slight pink discharge. A fertilized egg is already considered an embryo. You can confidently talk about the onset of pregnancy in 6-8 weeks. nine0017