When Am I Ovulating

Ovulation can be described as the most fertile period of a woman. For conception to occur, the sperm needs to fertilize the egg or the ovum which is released during ovulation. As ovulation determines the fertility of a woman, it is important for every sexually active woman to know her date of ovulation, both to become pregnant as well as to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Ovulation is different for every woman and largely depends on one's menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, though the date of ovulation cannot always be determined exactly, it is possible to find the answer, as there are several signs that can help to indicate the date of ovulation.

When Does a Woman Ovulate?

Though the exact date of ovulation cannot be determined, in a 28 days menstrual cycle, ovulation is likely to occur on the 14th day. So, if you have a regular menstrual cycle, you are most likely to ovulate on the 14th day starting from the first day of your periods or 14 days before the beginning of your next periods. However, this does not mean that you can become pregnant only on the day of ovulation. Rather, the fertile period of a woman extends from a few days before as well as after the date of ovulation. This is because, though the egg does not stay for a long time and begins to disintegrate within 12 - 24 hours, the sperms can live in the body for 5 - 6 days and fertilize the egg on the day of ovulation. Hence, it is important to indulge in sexual intercourse every other day during this time, if one wants to get pregnant. However, if you do not want to start a family, it will be a good idea to either abstain or use protection while having sex during the few days of the menstrual cycle.

How Can I Tell When I am Ovulating?

As we have seen earlier, it is easier for a woman who has regular periods to calculate her date of conception. However, this does not seem to be so easy in case of those who have irregular periods. In such cases, one will have to resort to other ways of knowing the time of ovulation. Though many people go through various physical changes during the time of ovulation, most of these signs are so subtle that one may not even realize them. However, if one focuses, it is likely that one may observe the changes taking place in the body during ovulation. So, people who want to know, how can I find out when I am ovulating, here are some of the signs of ovulation that one may experience.

Basal Body Temperature
Keeping a track of the basal body temperature is one of the most effective ways of knowing the date of ovulation. It has been observed that the woman's body temperature rises when she nears the time of ovulation by 0.2 degrees C. This usually happens because of the production of hormone progesterone in the body during ovulation. However, you will need to note your temperature everyday to notice the change that occurs. For this, keep a thermometer near your bedside and take your temperature early in the morning, even before you get up from the bed.

Change in Cervical Mucus
Another sign that can be an indicator of ovulation is the change in the color and texture of the cervical mucus. Under normal circumstances, the cervical mucus has a thick consistency. However, when women near the date of ovulation, the mucus becomes watery, clear as well as stretchy. One can also say that the consistency of the cervical mucus during the time of ovulation is akin to that of raw white eggs. The reason for the change of cervical mucus is because it becomes easier for the sperm to swim through it and reach the egg faster for fertilization.

Change in Cervical Position
The neck of the uterus i.e. the cervix also undergoes change during ovulation to make it easier for the sperms to travel to reach the egg. So, if you want to know whether you are ovulating, checking the position of the cervix can also be helpful. For this, you will have to insert your finger into the vagina towards the upward area. If you are not near your date of ovulation, you are likely to feel your cervix which feels similar to the tip of the nose. However, if you are ovulating or are near the date of ovulation, you will find it difficult to reach the cervix as it goes much higher than the usual position.

Physical Symptoms
One of the common physical symptoms that women experience during the time of ovulation is breast as well as nipple tenderness. During ovulation, the body is getting ready for pregnancy and hence, the hormones start to build up in the body and this causes tenderness in the breast and nipples. Apart from this, 20% of women are said to experience abdominal cramping while ovulating which is called 'Mittelschmerz'. At the time of ovulation, the egg bursts from its follicle on the ovary and this causes severe pain in the lower abdomen. Along with pain, there are people who also experience bloating during ovulation. Slight spotting i.e. observing a pinkish tinge in the cervical mucus is also a sign that indicates ovulation.

Apart from these signs of ovulation, another common thing that is observed in women during the time of ovulation is increased libido i.e. they tend to have an increased sex drive during this time. However, if one is not able to determine ovulation period with the help of these natural methods, one can make use of ovulation predictor kits, ovulation charts, etc. to know the date of ovulation.