What Are the Main Symptoms of Ovulation?
Each woman’s body is different. Because of this, it will respond in its own way to the many and varied symptoms of ovulation, and other hormonal changes that women experience.
In some cases, women’s cycles are so precise that they ovulate on the same day of each month. There are others, however, who can’t specify their ovulation date with too much precision as it varies every month. Before we look at the symptoms in more detail, we need to define exactly what ovulation is.
What exactly is ovulation?
When one of the ovaries releases an egg then we say that ovulation has taken place. Once released, the ovule can be fertilized and then it implants itself in the uterus, thus beginning the process of pregnancy.
A woman’s most fertile period occurs five days before ovulation, and on the day of ovulation itself. A woman is more likely to get pregnant on the last three days of this period.
Some women think their menstrual cycle starts and ends with their period, but that’s only partly true. Menstruation brings with it physical and emotional symptoms. However, the menstrual cycle isn’t the only event that sends signals.
The symptoms of ovulation are noticeable in some women, and for others they go unnoticed. It’s very likely that those who have experienced them don’t associate them with the fact that they’re ovulating.
That’s why we’ll describe some of the main symptoms of ovulation here, so you can see if you suffer from some of them.
Most common symptoms of ovulation
1. Headache
This is one of the most common symptoms. The fact that you’re suffering from a headache shouldn’t cause you concern, but if the pain becomes quite intense then you should consult your doctor for an alternative treatment.
The cause of these headaches are the hormonal changes that women experience in their body. Some women even have menstrual migraines during these periods.
If a woman takes oral contraceptives then the pain can become even more intense and frequent. In these cases, we recommend that you consult with your gynecologist who may suggest that you change the type of contraceptives, or even the contraceptive method.
These types of headaches can be recognized because most of them are felt on just one side of the head.
2. Mood changes
Hormonal changes can cause mood swings. A woman can experience several swings between happiness and sadness throughout the day.
3. Changes in cervical fluid
Cervical fluid has a gelatinous and transparent appearance when the woman is ovulating or is close to ovulating. A greater amount of this discharge indicates that ovulation is in progress.
4. Variations in body temperature
Before ovulating your body’s temperature is very constant. One of the symptoms of ovulation is the possible decrease in your normal temperature at the beginning of the cycle and then a drastic increase immediately afterwards.
If you monitor this symptom on a monthly basis then you’ll be able to predict when ovulation will occur.
5. Increase in sexual desire
The desire to have sex and the chances of getting aroused often increase.
6. Vagina is more sensitive and swollen
You may notice a slight swelling in the vulva plus an increase in sensitivity.
7. Abdominal pains
Colic or abdominal pain may occur at the time of ovulation.
8. Pains in the back and kidney area
You may well suffer from some cramps in the lower lumbar area, although these shouldn’t be too intense. These can cause you discomfort and an awkward posture when walking or when sitting.
9. Increase in the amount of gases
In the ovulation process, women increase the production of gases. This can become really uncomfortable, and cause further pain in their stomach area. Foods such as pulses, beans or legumes should be avoided as they tend to favor the production of gases too.
Other symptoms of frequent ovulation are:
- Staining
- Inflamed abdomen
- Sensitivity in the breasts
- A more acute sense of smell and taste
How to know for certain if you’re ovulating
These days there are devices available for purchase called “ovulation tests.” These act in a similar way to pregnancy tests. They detect the concentration of hormones, indicating whether ovulation is taking place or not.
The symptoms of ovulation that we’ve mentioned above may indicate that the process is about to begin or is in progress. But to detect it accurately you must resort to these kinds of tests.
These tests can also help detect possible health complications that are being attributed to ovulation, but could well be some other condition or illness.
When you think that you’re suffering from symptoms of ovulation, then you can apply this test, and check the results. If the result is negative then you can deduce that your symptoms are due to another illness, and you’ll be able to seek appropriate treatment for what you’re suffering.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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- Infantil, I. M. (2020, agosto 24). Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre la ovulación y el embarazo. Recuperado 25 de diciembre de 2021, de Instituto Materno Infantil website: https://www.institutomaternoinfantil.es/todo-lo-que-necesitas-saber-sobre-la-ovulacion-y-el-embarazo/.
- Telfer, N. (2019, abril 25). Dolores de cabeza, migrañas y el ciclo menstrual. Recuperado 25 de diciembre de 2021, de Clue website: https://helloclue.com/es/articulos/ciclo-a-z/dolores-de-cabeza-migranas-y-el-ciclo-menstrual.
