Signs You Are Ovulating

1. What Is Ovulation?

image source: reddit.com

Ovulation is the stage of your period cycle when an egg has been released, ready to be fertilized - and it's a key stage you'll want to know about if you're trying to get pregnant! This usually happens once a month, which is why it's important to know the signs so you can jump on the chance!

2. When Does Ovulation Happen?

image source: reddit.com

So how are you supposed to know when this 'key stage' happens throughout your entire cycle every month? Typically - though this can be different for everyone - ovulation happens around 12 to 16 days before

your next period. A menstrual cycle lasts between 28 and 32 days, and ovulation happens between days 10 and 19. Too much math? Here are some signs!

3. Signs You Are Ovulating: Your Resting Body Temperature Will Change

image source: reddit.com

To check this, you'll need to keep track of your overall temperature through the months using a digital thermometer (there are some designed exactly for this). When ovulation is approaching, your resting body temperature will dip slightly. It will have a steady increase after

you have ovulated. Keep track of when that significant increase happens, and you'll know you ovulate before this time every month.

4. Time To Keep Track Of Your Periods!

image source: reddit.com

One of the simplest ways to do it is what many people might fail to do every month when they're so busy - and that's to keep a strict log of when your periods are. Keep track of your entire cycle, and then you'll be able to do the ovulation math based on when you're next due.

5. There Should Be Changes In Your Cervical Mucus: Think Egg Whites!

image source: reddit.com

As ovulation draws near, your cervical mucus should change to reflect that by becoming thicker and more stretchy. It also should be more clear in appearance. To check, just get some mucus on your finger and see if it's stretchy, slippy and wet - which is a good sign!

6. A Heightened Sense Of Smell

image source: reddit.com

You might find that your sense of smell is heightened during your period of ovulation, and your nose might be more sensitive to everything around you! This is because when your body is more fertile, it's heightened to track out the scent of a 'mate' - so you might find your smell is more sensitive.

7. You Might Also Have A Heightened Sense Of Taste!

image source: reddit.com

Having a heightened sense of smell is definitely more common during your time of ovulation, but you might also find that you have a better sense of taste, too! You might be more sensitive to certain tastes, and as your taste and smell is all connected anyway, you might experience both.

8. Your Boobs Are Sore

image source: reddit.com

This is something we're all used to during our period, but you might have thought this was just a sign that you were due on. Actually, it's a sign of ovulation specifically. If your breasts are more tender and feeling sore, it can be thanks to the hormones rushing through your body around ovulation time.

9. You Might Actually Feel Ovulation Pain

image source: reddit.com

That's if you even notice it alongside agonizing period cramps, of course! Ovulation pain can feel different to menstrual cramps, usually a pain on one side of your lower abdomen that can feel sharp as the ovary releases the egg. You're not always guaranteed to feel any pain during ovulation, though, so looking for this particular sign can be tricky.

10. You Can Always Try An Ovulation Kit

image source: reddit.com

This is a great way to keep track of your ovulation, because it's what it's designed for. This involves peeing on a stick, of course, and then you can work out if you're within an ovulation window. To make sure you're not wasting sticks and giving yourself the best chance, it's a good idea to keep track of your cycle first to know the best time to use one!

11. Go All In: A Fertility Monitor!

image source: glow.com

If you want very accurate information and you're serious about knowing when it's babymaking time, a fertility monitor can also be a great investment (though more pricey). This will tell you the specific days that you're most fertile so that you can plan around that.

12. You Might Get Nausea

image source: reddit.com

The whole menstrual cycle can be enough to make anyone feel nauseous, which is why this one might be tricky to pinpoint, but you may feel sick alongside the time of ovulation, especially if you're getting ovulation pain in your abdomen. Ovulation-related nausea might come only during a certain time of your period.

13. You Might Get Light Spotting - But It's Nothing To Worry About

image source: whattoexpectforum.com

Any sign of bleeding outside of your normal period might cause you to worry, but light spotting is completely normal - and can be a sign of ovulation. This could happen if the area growing around the egg during ovulation breaks down and then causes slight bleeding during this time.

14. You May Also Find Brown Discharge

image source: reddit.com

Brown discharge can actually be another variety of spotting - this is because blood can turn a darker brown color as you get older, so brown discharge may just be another sign of blood spotting during a time of ovulation in between your main periods. Discharge is nothing to worry about!

15. You Might Be More Turned On!

image source: reddit.com

It makes sense why your libido might kick in during your time of ovulation, as it could be your body giving you a big nudge to go and make a baby while you can! Changes in libido can be affected by many different things, though - and it's also nothing to worry about if you're not in the mood even during ovulation!

16. You Can Physically Feel Changes In Your Cervix: It'll Be Softer

image source: pinterest.com

This one will take a little exploration, but you can do it by standing in the same way you would to insert a tampon! Putting your finger inside, your cervix will normally feel a little harder - like hard skin - during a time outside of ovulation. During the time that you're most fertile, it will be a lot softer to the touch, like soft squishy skin.

17. You Might Get Headaches

image source: reddit.com

Another great symptom of ovulation is that it can give you a pretty annoying headache, as well as making you feel sick. Due to the change of hormone levels in your body during this time, it could result in you getting more headaches. If you don't usually get any, this can be a key sign for you that ovulation might be here!

18. You Might Be Wetter Than Usual, And More Often

image source: whattoexpectforum.com

You might notice that your vagina is a lot wetter than it normally is around the time of ovulation - you might notice through evidence in your underwear, or just through touching and feeling. It's a normal reaction to the time when you're most fertile and your body is reacting to that!

19. You Might Get Bloating

image source: reddit.com

This one's a tough symptom to notice when you already bloat during your menstrual cycle anyway. Many people get bloating as a common sign of menstruation, so it can be difficult to pinpoint this to a sign of ovulation specifically. But if you usually go through a stage of extra bloating during a certain point of your cycle, it could be that!

20. Your Cervix May Actually Feel Higher Up

image source: reddit.com

As well as changing from hard to soft, your cervix may actually change position during the time of ovulation, and feel higher up in your body. To notice this more easily, you may need to check your cervix regularly every month so that you can more easily feel when it's a little more out of reach!

21. A Slump In Libido Might Be A Sign, Too

image source: quora.com

Though your libido is likely to peak during the time you're actually ovulating, it's also common for it to slump right after you've finished ovulating, before your next period. So if there's a time you have a particular lack of sex drive, you can calculate back to understand that you're ovulating right before this time.

22. You Have A Burst Of New Energy

image source: reddit.com

It's amazing to think you have any energy whatsoever during a menstrual cycle, but there's a certain stage when you might have more energy than before: the ovulation stage. When your fertility is at its highest, you may find you have a high amount of activity in everyday life.

23. The PMS Sluggishness You Feel Can Actually Signal Ovulation Is Over

image source: reddit.com

We all know that sluggishness that hits us when we're due on, and it's important to pay attention to when this hits if you want to understand your ovulation better. The sluggishness usually sets in after you've finished ovulating, so you can calculate back from that.

24. You Might Have A Gloriously Shiny Complexion

image source: reddit.com

Because there's actually a link between hormones and the condition of your skin, you might find that your complexion is looking particularly clean and bright during the days of ovulation. This glowing complexion can be a result of a greater presence of estrogen during this time.

25. Or, Unfortunately, More Breakouts

image source: reddit.com

Sadly, a change in skin is very likely - but it could be more negative than positive. You might find you have more breakouts during the time of ovulation rather than clearer skin. A lot of people get breakouts close to their time of the month, but breakouts can be caused by the rising progesterone levels that happen during ovulation.

26. A Huge Surge In Hormones

image source: reddit.com

Around 24 to 28 hours before you're due to ovulate, your body will experience a high surge in hormones - specifically, the hormone luteinizing. You can actually get LH tests to measure the levels of this hormone, so you can find out when it's most present - and that'll likely be your ovulation time.

27. Signs Of Ovulation Issues: You Have Very Irregular Cycles

image source: reddit.com

When you're trying to time the stage in a normal cycle when you're due to ovulate, this can be very difficult when you have crazy cycles. Irregular cycles that are all over the place can be caused by stress, weight changes or other health problems. This can be a sign ovulation isn't taking place naturally.

28. Your Body Temperature Isn't Changing

image source: reddit.com

As mentioned, an increase in body temperature after ovulation takes place is one of the key symptoms to track fertility - so if you're measuring your temperature and you aren't seeing any change whatsoever throughout the full month's cycle, it could be a sign you're not ovulating properly.

29. Ovulation Test Results Keep Changing

image source: reddit.com

Your ovulation might be irregular if test results from an official test keep giving changeable results every month. It could also be a sign your hormones are all over the place, enough that the tests aren't coming up the same every time you take one during a cycle.

30. Some People Don't Experience Any Ovulation Symptoms At All!

image source: reddit.com

Even though there are many signs and symptoms of ovulation happening during your cycle, it's not guaranteed you'll have any changes during this stage! It's completely normal, so if you don't have any physical signs, your best bet is an ovulation or fertility tracker.

Here's How You Can Increase Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant While Ovulating... 31. Have Regular S*x

Image Source: Reddit 

To increase your chances of getting pregnant, it is vital that you regularly 'do it' during your fertile window. This period is usually the day your ovulation period begins, and 5 days prior, and is when the egg is most likely to be fertilized by the sperm.

32. Track Your Ovulation

Image Source: Reddit 

There are several methods to track ovulation, including a predictor kit which can detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine which usually occurs 24-48 hours before ovulation. The other method is basal body temperature tracking which involves taking your temperature every morning before getting out of bed to detect the small rise in temperature that occurs after ovulation.

33. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Image Source: Reddit 

Being underweight or overweight can make it difficult to conceive. If you are overweight, excess body fat can disrupt hormone levels, and if you are underweight, your body may not be producing enough hormones to support ovulation. Both factors can impact your chances of conceiving.

34. Eat A Balanced Diet

Image Source: Reddit 

A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can improve fertility. research has shown that women who eat a Mediterranean-style diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains may have a higher chance of getting pregnant. On the other hand, a diet that is high in processed foods and saturated fats may decrease fertility.

35. Avoid Smoking

Image Source: Reddit 

Smoking, along with alcohol and drugs, can all decrease fertility, and increase the risk of miscarriage. Smoking can damage eggs and sperm, while alcohol and drugs can interfere with ovulation and sperm production. Abusing substances like these ones create an uninhabitable home for your fetus, so cut these things out so your baby wants to stick around!

36. Reduce Stress Levels

Image Source: Reddit 

High levels of stress can interfere with ovulation and make it more difficult to conceive. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to de-stress. It is important to exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and spend time with loved ones to help reduce stress.

37. Maximise Your Sleep

Image Source: Reddit 

Getting enough sleep is important for regulating hormones and improving fertility. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and establish a regular sleep routine. A lack of sleep can disrupt your hormone balance, and if stress is disrupting your sleep, it can interfere with ovulation, and decrease your libido.

38. Avoid Lubricants

Image Source: Reddit 

Some lubricants can interfere with sperm movement and make it more difficult to conceive. While lubricants provide extra comfort, certain types can negatively affect the quality of sperm, which can lead to reduced fertility. You can try natural alternatives like coconut oil, or try out a fertility-friendly lubricant instead.

39. Position It Right

Image Source: Reddit 

The position you use during intercourse can influence how sperm moves inside the female reproductive system, and therefore the likelihood of conception. certain positions can help sperm travel more easily to the cervix and travel towards the egg while others will penetrate less, decreasing your chances!

40. Consider Fertility Supplements

Image Source: Reddit 

Some supplements such as folic acid, zinc, and vitamin D may improve fertility. Folic acid, for example, can help prevent birth defects and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Vitamin D can also help regulate ovulation in women; however, it is always important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

41. Try Different Timings

Image Source: Reddit 

Timing is key when it comes to conception. Have s*x in the days leading up to ovulation, and on the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, so these days can be really important to increase your chances.

42. Avoid Hot Tubs & Saunas

Image Source: Reddit 

Exposure to high temperatures can decrease sperm production in men and interfere with ovulation in women! Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and hot baths when trying to conceive. Exposure to high high temperatures for a prolonged period of time can reduce sperm count and mobility, which reduces your chances of conceiving.

43. Stay Hydrated

Image Source: Reddit 

Drinking plenty of water can help improve fertility by increasing cervical mucus production and helping sperm travel more easily. Cervical mucus is necessary for the sperm to reach the egg, and dehydration can reduce its production. Drinking plenty of water could also flush out any toxins from the body, which can help fertility.

44. Get STI Checked!

Image Source: Reddit 

STIs such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause infertility if left untreated. Get tested and treated for any STIs before trying to conceive. Untreated STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility.

45. Watch Out For Toxins

Image Source: Reddit 

Exposure to pesticides, chemicals, and other environmental toxins can interfere with fertility. Use natural cleaning products, avoid pesticides and herbicides, and limit exposure to plastics and other synthetic materials. If you're at a loss, this could be something to consider!

46. Consider Acupuncture

Image Source: Reddit 

Acupuncture is a form, of traditional Chinese medication that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture may improve fertility by reducing stress! While there is no conclusive evidence that it can directly increase the chances of getting pregnant, some studies have shown that it may be helpful in improving fertility.

47. Exercise Regularly

Image Source: Reddit 

Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and improve fertility. However, excessive exercise can have the opposite effect, so it is important to find a balance that works for you. Regular exercise can improve blood flow to the reproductive system, and can be a massive stress reliever as high stress levels can reduce fertility.

48. Practice Good Hygiene

Image Source: Reddit 

Practicing good hygiene can reduce the risk of infections that can affect fertility. This includes washing your hands regularly, and using condoms to avoid STIs. Good hygiene also helps maintain a healthy vaginal environment; your vagina has a delicate balance of bacteria, so avoid using any harsh soaps that could impact that.

49. Consider Going To The Doctor's Office

Image Source: Reddit 

If you have been trying to conceive for several months without success, consider seeing a doctor to determine if there are any underlying fertility issues. Don't be disheartened if you decide to see a doctor, they are happy to help and you DEFINITELY will not be the only one.

50. Stay Positive

Image Source: Reddit 

Trying to conceive can be stressful, but staying positive can help. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and practice self-care activities such as journaling, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy. As we have already established, stress can interfere with ovulation, so keeping positive is vital!