Let’s explain the process as only a woman would understand it. Ovulation is like the monthly version of a big sale at your favorite boutique. The store (the ovary) puts your top product (the egg) on promotion, and you must grab it. This is the moment when your body says, “It’s super shopping time!” or in other words, you are at the height of your fertility. Super!
How can you more easily know that you are in this period of the month? Now we will tell you.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is that special part of the monthly cycle when your ovary tells you it is showtime. In this period, the egg is ready to be released and begins its great journey to the uterus. This is the time when your body prepares itself for the biggest adventure possible – getting pregnant.
Every woman has her own unique monthly cycle, which usually lasts between 21 and 35 days. Ovulation usually occurs around the middle of this cycle. In addition to calculations, it is important to monitor your symptoms to confirm exactly when it occurs.
What are the symptoms of ovulation?
Changes in basal body temperature: Grab your thermometer and start monitoring your basal body temperature every morning. You will notice a slight rise just after ovulation occurs. This is your internal “heat” detector alerting you that something new is occurring;
Pain and discomfort: ah, that nasty mittelschmerz – does that sound like the name of an exotic cocktail? Not at all. It is that small, nagging pain in the lower abdomen that some experience during ovulation. It may be dull, it may be sharp, but remember – it is a sign that your body is doing its job;
Increased libido: Let us face it – sometimes we feel so sexually charged that we would jump ourselves. If you suddenly feel ready for action, it is your hormones gently whispering to you that “you’re the top.”
Secret changes: watch out for cervical discharge – it becomes transparent and elastic like raw egg white. This is a signal that you are in your most fertile period;
Hormonal changes: during ovulation, your hormones behave like a show in heels – you never know what to expect. Your mood goes up and down like a speeding roller coaster, and your appetite is constantly changing its mind.
How is ovulation calculated?
Calculating ovulation may sound like complicated math, but it is not.
First, you need to know how many days your menstrual cycle lasts. This is the period from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. The cycle can vary, but is usually between 21 and 35 days.
Usually, ovulation happens around the middle of your cycle. The most common rule of thumb is that ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. So, if your cycle is 28 days, ovulation will probably be on the 14th day. If your cycle is 30 days, ovulation will be around the 16th day. However, it is fair to say that everybody is unique and different.
Can you get pregnant outside the ovulation period?
Here’s the big question. The answer is: difficult, but not impossible. Sperm are hardy fighters and can survive in your body for up to 5 days, so even if you have sex a few days before ovulation, you can still get pregnant. But, of course, the greatest likelihood of it happening is right around the time of ovulation.
You are now armed with all the information you need to recognize all those little signals your body is sending. Enjoy this process and be coordinated with your body. Remember that the female body is unique and knows well what it is doing. It is your responsibility to listen to it and take care of it in the most beautiful way. It deserves it!
