If you aren’t sure about when you are ovulating you aren’t alone! According to a survry we ran approximately 70% of women don’t feel like they really understand when their ovaries release an egg. Whether you are trying to get pregnant or want to avoid pregnancy, knowing your ovulation and fertile window is crucial.

Most information available teaches women that they ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. This is based on a 28 day cycle; but most women don’t have a 28 day cycle and some have irregular cycles, so what then? Luckily our body is very good at telling us when ovulation is close and our scientists have provided 5 signs for you to watch for.

1. Your cervical discharge will be more wet and sticky:

In a healthy vagina the cervical mucous is one of the strongest tell tale signs that you are close to ovulating. One of the purposes of vaginal discharge is to prtoect sperm and help them swim through to reach the ovulated egg in the fallipian tube. However not all discharge is sperm friendly and so the type of discharge will change depending on where you are in your menstraul cycle. When you are close to ovulation your cervical mucous will be more stretchy. slimy and wet. In some women it’s described as having an ‘egg white’ appearance and in others it’s reported to be ‘very wattery and wet’ leaving wet circles on their underwear. Once you identify this type of cervical mucous you know that ovulation is round the corner! Remeber if you are trying to conceive you want to be having unprotected sex in the days leading up to ovulation. This is because sperm can survive in your body for up to 4 days waiting for an egg but once an egg is released it only survives for 12-14 hours. Once ovulation has occured your discharge changes becoming less wet and more thick which is harder for sperm to get through. At this point there is no longer a viable egg available for sperm to fertalise and the fertile window has passed. So how can you check you cervical mucous? You can test your cervical mucous by inserting a clean finger into the opening of your vagina. Become familiar with your unique mucous and cycle. Once you know how your discharge changes through your cycle you will find it much easier to indentify your fertile mucous and estimate your ovulation time. 

2. Your cervix will feel higher and less firm:               

Usually your cervix ( the hard surface at the top of your vagina; which can be felt if you insert a finger to aorund the depth of your middle knuckle) will feel smooth and firm. However just before ovulation the cervix rises (so it will be higher up when you feel for it) and softens to feel more like your lips. You may also notise that your cervix feel wider or more open as it is ready to accept sperm.

 3. Your temperature will dip a little :                 

Another common sign used to find information on ovulation is the basl body temperature. Just before ovulation basal body temperature is found to fall. Although this fall in temperature is very small, often less than 1 degree, it can be picked up if you measure your temperature at the same time every mornoing as soon as you wake up. A bonus is that by tracking your temperature you can also confirm that you have ovulated! This is because just after ovulation you will notice a jump in your basal body temperature as progesterone levels increase causing an increase in temperature.

4. You might feel ovulation pain/discomfort: 

Upon ovulation an egg follicle ruptures from the ovary releasing the egg and follicle fluid into the pelvic cavity. Depending on how sensitive you are in your pelvic cavity you may be able to feel this as a mild discomfort or pain. 

5. You may experience ovulation spotting: 

Some women experience a bit of blood stained discharge (often borwn discharge) or blood spotting around the time of ovulation. This does not look like a preiod and should not last for days. If you do experience prolonged spotting between periods please see your GP or specialist. 

Still need help navigating your fertility? 

Book a consultation with one of ScreenMe’s fertility scientists who can help support your needs and answer your questions.

This consultation can help teach you about your hormonal and vaginal health, tailor your nutrition, lifestyle and supplements to optimise your health and fertility and identify any tests you may need to provide more answers. Book now!