What Are the Signs of Ovulation & How to Estimate When You're Ovulating to Boost Chances of Pregnancy?

Knowing about when you’re ovulating and then having sex regularly before and on the day of ovulation can improve the chances of conception. Ovulation is the process when a mature egg is released by the ovaries. It is these six days that are important to make sure that the egg is fertilized between 12 - 24 hours post-release. As sperms can live up to five days inside the female reproductive tract, the chances of you getting pregnant are highest during the ovulation period.

In a normal 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation is usually seen around 14 days prior to the start of the next menstrual period. To help you increase the chances of conception, you can create a menstrual calendar to determine the ovulation period of the cycle, observe the signs and symptoms of ovulation or use an ovulation calculator.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovulation

Here are the most prominent signs and symptoms of ovulation that can help you identify when you're ovulating:

1. Change in vaginal discharge

Just before ovulation, you are likely to notice an increase in vaginal discharge which is clear and stretchy.

2. Change in body temperature

The body’s temperature increases during ovulation. You can use a thermometer to keep a track of your basal body temperature and look for specific patterns to emerge. You will be more fertile two to three days before your temperature rises.

3. Abdominal cramps

Pain in the lower abdomen can be present due to the rupturing of the follicle when the egg is released. You may feel slight or heavy cramping which can last for a few minutes to hours. In case you experience severe long-lasting pain, consult your doctor. They may conduct a pelvic examination in order to ascertain the cause of the pain.

4. Increased sexual desire

According to several studies, women are found to have increased sexual desire during the time of ovulation. This is caused due to the rise in oestradiol levels.

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5. Breast tenderness

Some women may experience breast tenderness before or after ovulation. It may be confusing with the sign of pregnancy. But in both situations, it is related to a change in hormonal levels.

6. Headache or nausea

You may also experience headaches and nausea during the ovulation period. Such symptoms can be attributed to rising estrogen and progesterone levels.

7. Ovulation bleeding

Bleeding can be alarming but is actually a sign of ovulation. The variation in the hormone levels is known to be associated with the bleeding pattern. However, if you experience mid-cycle bleeding with severe cramping or bleeding which lasts a few days, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

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How to Know Your Ovulation Cycle Using an Ovulation Calculator?

Knowing when you are ovulating makes it easier for a woman to conceive. You can use an ovulation calculator to get an idea about your ovulation cycle. Here is how an ovulation calculator can help you track your fertility days:

• An ovulation calculator usually asks for information about your last period. You can enter the date of the first day of your period that you had the last time.

• After entering the date, the calculator's next question is about the duration of your cycle, which means when your next period cycle starts, which is probably somewhere between 28 to 30 days.

• On pressing submit, the ovulation calculator gives you an approximate estimation of your most fertile days, your next menstrual period date, and the days you can try to get pregnant to conceive a baby.

The ovulation calculator may not give you the exact date, but an approximate number of days between which you can have sex with your partner to increase the chances of conception of a baby. You can use the ovulation calculator tool in the Mylo App, which is very easy to use and understand. Just enter the information asked and get an estimate of your ovulation cycle.