Understanding the female body is pertinent, especially for women who are trying to get pregnant or want to get pregnant in the near future.
In this endeavor, understanding ovulation is key. It not only helps you attune better to your body but increases your odds of getting pregnant as well.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation refers to the release of the egg from the ovaries via the fallopian tube. Each cycle, one egg is, generally, released. Naturally, ovulation is a the most fertile time, and if you want to get pregnant, have sex before ovulation is important, as your gynecologist would have told you as well.
Even though the sperm can last in the uterus for a few days, eggs remain viable for 12 to 24 hours only, so catching this window is important.
To ascertain the precise time of when you ovulate, you need to figure out your cycle. Menstrual cycle can last from 21 to 35 days, and your ovulation day comes out to be hallway through the cycle; you can determine it accordingly then.
You can make use of mobile apps to figure out when you are ovulating if the period math is too much for you.
What are the signs of ovulation?
Since ovulation is an important process, it does present signs that make it easier for people to ascertain it. Some discernible signs of ovulation include:
Basal body temperature
After women have ovulated, their basal body temperature rises, before the dip of when you ovulate. For to figure it out, you must measure your temperature first thing in the morning, and when there is a spike, especially that coinciding with half-points in your menstrual cycle, you can make a good guess that you have ovulated.
Basal body temperature requires you to invest some time into it. Finding the perfect spot, the first time, might not be possible. You can thus download applications in which you can chart your temperature for throughout months to get a better idea of when you ovulate. It is more effective when you have regular periods.
Cervical mucus
The discharge from vagina, which is the cervical mucus, also changes in appearance and texture. At the start of the cycle, there is a dry spell, and gradually, the discharge increases.
At the time of the ovulation, the mucus changes in consistency. It is often referred to as egg-white consistency. This change in consistency of the mucus allows for the sperm to reach deeper inside of the uterus.
Cervix opening
To allow for the sperm to gain easy entry into the uterus, cervix opening also changes. It is generally low and firm during the initial phase of your cycle. However, towards the time of ovulation, it becomes softer, so is more receptive to the sperm.
Similarly, it also opens up, and moves slightly back up. You can check the opening of the cervix with the aid of your fingers, and you might then have to start from the prospective days.
Sex drive
Sex drive is also another indicator of imminent ovulation. Since our bodies are designed in way to encourage reproduction, which is a human need, thus the sex drive also increases during this time for women to increase their chance of procreation.
Kits
Ovulation kits capitalize on the hormonal changes that occur before ovulation, LH hormone peaks before ovulation. It is then ascertained with the high level of LH in the urine. All these ovulation strips require is that you pee on them the first thing in the morning.
Word of caution
Women who do not have a regular cycle struggle more with finding their fertile window. Not only is the prediction harder, but they might be missing on their periods as well. Moreover, just because you might be having your periods does not mean that you are ovulating.
Hence, if you do not have regular periods, consult the Best Gynecologist in Karachi.
