WHAT IS OVULATION?

Ovulation is the period where an egg is released from the ovary awaiting fertilization from the sperm.

If the egg is fertilized, it travels down to the uterus and implants there.

If it doesn’t get fertilized, it disintegrates and gets reabsorbed into the body.

The uterine lining is then shed during the next menstrual period.
Ovulation usually happens mid-cycle, so if you have a 28 day cycle, ovulation is on the 14th day.

However, if you have a longer cycle, subtract 14 days from the number.

For example, if you have a 32 day cycle, 32-14 = 18.

Your ovulation date is 18th.
WHAT SIGNS SHOW YOU’RE OVULATING?

1. Cervical mucus

This is the most obvious sign of ovulation.

Your mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery, resembling raw egg whites.

This helps sperm swim more easily toward the egg.
2. Increased basal body temperature

Basal body temperature is the temperature of the body at rest, before any activity is carried out.

Normal body temperature is usually between 35.5 to 36.6 degree C

A slight raise (0.5 - 1 degree Fahrenheit) indicates ovulation.

This can be tracked using a thermometer.
3. Increased libido

There’s a surge in estrogen during ovulation, and it comes with a noticeable increase in sexual desire.

Women feel very sexually stimulated during ovulation.
4. Ovulation pain

This is called mittelschmerz. It’s a mild pain or cramp on one side of the abdomen during ovulation.

Some women feel this pain.
5. Breast tenderness

Some women feel breast tenderness after ovulation.

This is because of an increase in progesterone after the egg has been released.
Other signs include;

- Heightened sense of taste and smell
- Light spotting or bleeding
- Softer and higher cervix

Knowing when you ovulate is very important.

It gives you a sense of control over your body, and helps you get pregnant without hitch.
Other ways of tracking ovulation include;

- The calendar method
- Ovulation kits
- Fertility tracking apps

It’s also good