Ovulation is simply when a mature egg is released from the ovary in females. Usually, it starts at the midpoint of your cycle; about two weeks from the start of your last period. The egg that is released makes its journey to the fallopian tube and then to the uterus. If the sperm of a man is in the fallopian tube when the egg is released, there is a good chance that the egg will be fertilised, creating an embryo, which then grows into a baby.

It is important for every woman to know about Ovulation and Ovulating. It is much more important to understand the ovulation process especially if one is trying to conceive or not to conceive. This is largely because there is only a short time for the egg to be fertilized after it is released.

 

For women who are looking to get pregnant, knowing your ovulation period is very important because pregnancy is technically only possible if you have sex during the five days before ovulation or on the day of ovulation. Generally, you want to have the sperm ready and waiting for the egg. This is why most ovulation signs appear in the days before the egg is released. But the most fertile days are the three days leading up to and including ovulation. Having sex during this time gives you the best chance of getting pregnant.

By 12-24 hours after ovulation, a woman is no longer able to get pregnant. This is because the menstrual cycle has started and therefore the egg is no longer in the fallopian tube.

 

There’s almost no chance of getting pregnant if you have sex before or after the fertile window (but if you’re not trying to get pregnant, don’t rely on this – contraception is your best option!).

As earlier mentioned, Ovulation happens about two weeks from the start of your last period. Ovulation has popularly been known to occur on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle but this is just an approximation. Every woman is different and so, ovulation occurs at every unique woman’ own schedule.

Throughout your menstrual cycle, Your hormone levels change. During the first half, your ovaries give off the hormone estrogen. When your estrogen levels get high enough, your ovary releases an egg. Then your body starts to make progesterone, another hormone. which makes your body temperature rise slightly.

 

Signs of Ovulation

How can you tell when you’re ovulating or about to enter your ovulation period?

1. Changes in your vaginal discharge; When your body is approaching Ovulation, there is an increase in estrogen which in turn leads to increased production of cervical mucus popularly known as vaginal discharge. The discharge changes from sticky with a clumpy texture to looking more like raw egg whites. You can pay attention to this change by simply monitoring your underwear or checking the toilet paper after wiping.

 

2. Basal Body Temperature: This is a more technical way of checking your ovulation. Most people experience a small increase in their body temperature around ovulation. The change is very small—between 0.4 and 0.8 of a degree Fahrenheit. Because of that, in order to predict ovulation using temperature, you must buy a special basal body thermometer (which will measure temperature to two decimal places) and take your temperature every day at the same time, usually before you get out of bed.

 

There are other ways to check and calculate your Ovulation period. These methods include;

- Using an Ovulation Predictor Strip; just like the pregnancy strip, there are ovulation strips available like the Predicte Ovulation prediction Test that can help you predict your ovulation period. 

Ovulation Cramps

The ovulation process is painless for most women, but others experience middle pain. Middle pain can cause discomfort in the lower abdomen but is rarely any cause for concern because it is manageable and short-lived

The pain women experience during ovulation should be manageable and short-lived. If you're feeling extreme discomfort during your cycle, you may have a more serious condition known as endometriosis.

This condition can cause pelvic pain at any time, but it is typically more severe around ovulation and menstruation. Endometriosis can also cause discomfort during sex, making it difficult for women who are timing intercourse to try to conceive.

 

How can you relieve Ovulation Pain?

Even though Ovulation pains are usually mild, there are several options available for relieving the pain. These options include:

1. Using Pain Relievers: such as ibuprofen, may help lessen discomfort.

2. Applying heat: Using a heating pad or warm cloth on your abdomen helps relieve the pain. You can try taking a warm bath too.

3. Rest: Getting off your feet and relaxing can be useful in alleviating discomfort. Try lying in bed to lessen symptoms.

 

It is important to note that women with endometriosis are more likely to experience severe ovulation pain, so it's unclear in these cases whether it's the health conditions or medications that are impacting fertility.

Ovulation and Ovulating is part of what makes a woman. It's a natural gift that should be welcomed. If you have any other questions on Ovulation, please click here to have a chat with a pharmacist. 

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