Am I Ovulating?
This article is about ovulation, what it means to ovulate and how you will know it, when you ask yourself “Am I Ovulating?”
The information contained in the article is sought by many women since popular belief defines menstrual bleeding being the main indicator of ovulation. However, besides menstrual bleeding there are some other signs that will be able to determine whether you are ovulating or not.
What is Ovulation?
When an egg matures in the ovarian follicle and gets released into the fallopian tube it means that ovulation has occurred. The fertilization of the egg takes place in the fallopian tube 12-24 hours prior to disintegration. Then, 6-12 days after ovulation has occurred, the egg gets implanted into the lining of the uterus. In case the egg is not fertilized it disintegrates and proceeds to get absorbed into the lining of the uterus before being shed during menstruation.
Factors indicating ovulation
The following are some of the factors indicating that ovulation is occurring:
• Increased levels of luteinising hormone (LH)
• An increase in estrogen levels
• Fluctuations in basal body temperature
• Changes in cervical mucus.
Estrogen levels increase just before ovulation. This increase triggers a sudden increase in levels of LH. Fertile Focus, a saliva fertility monitor, identifies surges in estrogen levels.
Ovulation is achieved through the surge in LH. Ovulation Predictor Kits can accurately detect ovulation through a woman’s urine.
Once the process of ovulation is complete the levels of progesterone and basal temperature start to increase. A basal thermometer can detect the change in progesterone through a check of the basal temperature of the body. The basal body temperature will rise once the process of ovulation is complete. This change could even be as minute as four tenths of a degree.
You will also notice your cervical mucus changing its consistency once your menses are over. You may look out for this as well. In fact the entire process of change in consistency will proceed from dry to sticky, then creamy, watery, and eventually clear and slippery.
Remember that it is not necessary that the above consistencies may occur, but when the last stage of clear and slippery mucus is seen you can be sure that your cervical mucus is of fertile quality.
Having a good understanding of your body’s menstrual cycle and being aware of changes in your cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and LH surge can be helpful in identifying your fertile window. It is important to note that every woman’s menstrual cycle can be different, and tracking your own cycle can take time and patience. However, once you have a good understanding of your cycle, you can increase your chances of conceiving by timing intercourse during your most fertile days.
It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which can contribute to fertility. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can all help support your body’s natural fertility. If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a reproductive specialist.
Conclusion
If you would like to get pregnant you must learn to identify these signs. If you become familiar with the hints given by your body you will be able to identify the period of ovulation when it occurs. If you are undergoing the process of ovulation then you can figure out when you ovulate as well as the peak fertility period during the month.
Photo by Zoom Baby
This post first appeared in July 2015 and has been updated since
Zoom Baby is a leading supplier of Pregnancy Tests and Ovulation Test Kits
