Know the Symptoms and Tracking Methods of Ovulation

As a female, you decide to consult a respective doctor at a fertility or IVF clinic in Nepal when your conception effort does not bear fruit. At the clinic, the doctor advises you to know your menstruation cycle and track your ovulation. Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg is released from the ovary, making it available for fertilisation by a sperm. For couples trying to conceive, tracking ovulation is essential to increase their chances of getting pregnant. You can do it easily when you have an idea about it. Here, know how to identify and track your ovulation:

Symptoms of ovulation

Usually, you notice some changes in your body whenever you have some troubles or excitement for something. Similarly, you have some visible signs that can indicate you are going to ovulate. Here are some symptoms that you should know:

• Changes in cervical mucus: Cervical mucus is a fluid produced by the cervix that changes in consistency and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. During ovulation, cervical mucus becomes thin, stretchy, and clear, resembling the consistency of egg whites. This helps sperm swim through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes to fertilise the egg.
• Basal body temperature (BBT) changes: Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature measured at rest, usually in the morning. During ovulation, BBT increases by about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit, which can be detected by using a basal thermometer. This increase in BBT is due to the release of the hormone progesterone, which is produced after ovulation.
• Ovulation pain or mittelschmerz: Some women experience mild to moderate pain or cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvis during ovulation. This pain, known as mittelschmerz, occurs when the mature egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube.
• Increased sex drive: Hormonal changes during ovulation can increase a woman’s libido, making her more interested in sex.
• Breast tenderness: Some women may experience breast tenderness or swelling during ovulation due to hormonal changes.

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Tracking methods of ovulation

Tracking ovulation is crucial for females willing to get pregnant. In your search or through a consultation with a respective doctor, you can come across numerous options to track your ovulation. Here are some useful ovulation tracking methods for your support:

• Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs): These are urine-based test kits that detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation. LH is a hormone that stimulates the release of the mature egg from the ovary. OPKs are widely available over-the-counter and can be used at home.
• Basal body temperature (BBT) charting: As mentioned earlier, BBT increases after ovulation due to the release of progesterone. By charting BBT over several months, women can identify the pattern of temperature changes and predict when ovulation is likely to occur.
• Cervical mucus monitoring: As discussed earlier, cervical mucus changes in consistency and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. By monitoring the changes in cervical mucus, women can identify when they are most fertile.
• Saliva ferning: Saliva ferning is a method where women place a sample of their saliva on a glass slide and examine it under a microscope. During ovulation, oestrogen levels increase, causing a unique pattern to appear in the saliva that resembles a fern plant.
• Calendar method: The calendar method involves tracking menstrual cycles over several months and identifying the average length of the menstrual cycle. By subtracting 14 days from the length of the menstrual cycle, women can estimate when ovulation is likely to occur.
• Ovulation tracking apps: There are several apps available that can help women track their menstrual cycles, predict ovulation, and identify their fertile window.

Conclusion

Tracking ovulation is essential for couples trying to conceive. By understanding the symptoms of ovulation and the different tracking methods, women can identify their fertile window and increase their chances of getting pregnant. It is important to remember that not all women experience the same symptoms of ovulation and that tracking methods can vary in accuracy. Therefore, it is recommended to use a combination of methods to track ovulation and seek medical advice if there are concerns about fertility.