For those trying to conceive, the fertile window is the most important moment of the cycle. That’s why it’s helpful to be able to catch the ovulation symptoms, pinpointing the best time to have intercourse and increasing the chances of getting a positive result. But what are the symptoms of ovulation? Sometimes they are not so obvious, and knowing your own body is essential during this process.

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First, let’s better understand how ovulation happens. When a woman menstruates with bright red blood, it marks the first day of the cycle1. It is commonly said that ovulation occurs 14 days before the next period, but that’s not always the case. It may happen between 11 and 14 days before, or at any point in the cycle for women with irregular periods.

During the cycle, a woman experiences hormonal changes of estrogen, FSH, and LH in the first phase, which are responsible for maturing the eggs for fertilization. Estrogen and FSH cause the follicle to grow and the endometrium, and are also responsible for the elastic mucus characteristic of the fertile period that helps sperm travel up the uterus to meet the egg.

IMPORTANT: women who know their bodies and menstrual cycles well can easily identify ovulation symptoms. Therefore, it’s a good idea to track and note your cycle for at least 2 months to learn more about your body and recognize ovulation.

When the egg is mature enough to be released, LH rises and prepares the body for ovulation to occur. Then, within 24 to 48 hours of the LH peak, the egg is released from the follicle, causing ovulation. But how can you identify this moment?

How to Identify Ovulation?

Let’s start from the principle that not all women have regular cycles of 28, 30, or 32 days. So how can you calculate your fertile window if your cycle lasts a different number of days each month? Let’s learn to identify the fertile period through symptoms that indicate ovulation is about to occur. Besides the elastic mucus, which is not a rule, there are other signs that are worth highlighting as ovulation symptoms2:

  • Elastic or slippery mucus with the appearance of melted soap
  • Abdominal pain on one or both sides
  • Pain or twinges around the navel
  • Lower basal body temperature
  • Increased libido
  • Increased vaginal moisture
  • Spotting, minimal bleeding, or brownish mucus
  • Positive ovulation test

So, if you experience two or more of these symptoms, it is very likely you are in your fertile window and hitting the best days for intercourse to get pregnant.

In addition to these symptoms, some women experience mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations. It is very similar to PMS and some even feel their nipples itch. Ovulation signs can also be similar to pregnancy symptoms, but they tend to appear earlier and are milder. It’s worth mentioning that some women suffer from headaches due to the drop in estrogen.

Does Ovulation Bleeding Exist?

Yes, it does! This occurs because when the egg is released, there can be bleeding from the follicle. This type of symptom is uncommon, but it can happen in one or another ovulatory cycle, indicating the beginning of the fertile period.

The appearance of ovulation bleeding is similar to implantation bleeding. It tends to be reddish with brown mucus and of course, not all mid-cycle bleeding is ovulatory. Women who take ovulation inducers are more likely to experience this type of bleeding.

Basal Temperature

Haven’t tried basal temperature yet? Learn how it works to detect ovulation even with an irregular cycle3. Rising estrogen levels also cause an increase in body temperature and as ovulation approaches, the temperature rises even more. That’s why those who track basal temperature can identify when ovulation is near. Nowadays, you can buy thermometers specifically made to measure basal temperature! Learn more about them here.

These ovulation symptoms may be subtle, but they make a difference for those trying to conceive. Keep an eye on the mucus – the more elastic and thin it is, the closer ovulation is! Have sex every other day, that’s not a problem. Follow these tips on the signs of ovulation and good luck!

Ovulation Test and When to Take It

Not all women have a regular 28-day cycle. In fact, most have cycles of 21 to 35 days and are not always regular.

So, it’s important to pay attention to ovulation signs and, to confirm, an ovulation test can be very helpful. It is recommended to take an ovulation test as soon as you notice the first signs of the fertile period. Some women start on day 10 of their cycle, others wait until day 20. And that’s fine. Remember every body is unique, and that’s the human reality.

Reader Questions:

Is there ovulation without mucus?

Yes, some women may not have noticeable mucus or it may be so minimal that it goes unnoticed, but that does not mean they are not ovulating. In these cases, women typically feel more vaginal moisture than usual and are able to recognize their fertile window thanks to other signs.

Is ovulation without mucus a sign of a problem?

Not necessarily. In some cases, lack of mucus may indicate low estrogen, but it is usually a common factor among women. If in doubt, talk to your gynecologist.

What is the difference between fertile window and ovulation?

The fertile window spans several days in which fertility is higher because of the proximity to ovulation. Ovulation itself happens on a specific day.

See also: The Billings Method: understanding cervical mucus and Fertile period calculator