Ovulation, the process in which a follicle in your ovary releases an egg, occurs at *approximately* the midpoint of your cycle. The exact timing of egg release can vary, sometimes by several days or more; however, there’s a predictable way to know when ovulation is approaching. And you can reliably determine that ovulation has already happened. The bottom line is that knowing how to recognize the way your body changes before ovulation can help you identify the most fertile days in any given cycle.
To some this might be new information, and if that’s you, read on for a basic summary of fertility info:
The timing of “events” happening in the menstrual cycle is dictated by hormones levels that change throughout your cycle. For some helpful textbook-style visuals, check out these two charts.
-Image sources listed below in References-
There are four hormones that play a primary role (FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone) but two are dominant (Estrogen and Progesterone). Sound familiar? These hormone levels change in a recognizable and repeating pattern and trigger specific symptoms in your body – so you can keep an eye on the following three things as each cycle progresses:
- Cervical Mucus / Cervical Fluid
- Waking Temperature
- Cervix Position & Characteristics
Let me explain further:
After your period ends estrogen levels start to increase. This causes the cervix to start secreting mucus, which typically continues for several days and will eventually stop at the end of your fertile window. The consistency of the mucus will change as ovulation approaches, and you can learn how to recognize these changes. It may seem somewhat subtle at first but with practice you will be able to observe a distinct pattern, thankfully. Your cervical mucus will transition gradually from a tacky to more watery to eventually egg-white appearance the closer you get to ovulation time. (Although it may sound gross, there is a very good reason for your cervical mucus to exist! It’s just another one of those healthy and normal bodily functions, lucky us.) During the fertile time mucus can be seen on toilet tissue when wiping before and after using the bathroom. But don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to observe and track it so you know exactly what to look for.
Right before ovulation your basal body temperature will often show a slight drop followed by an immediate rise. That rise in temperature is caused by increased progesterone, which is the hormone that elevates just after ovulation. So keep watch for a temperature shift to signal that ovulation has occurred – you can see it happen right there on your chart, every cycle.
Lastly, if you decide to check your cervix you will find that its internal position will rise, the tissue will change from firm to soft, and it will open as ovulation approaches. This is a more subjective fertility signal and requires consistent observation and a bit of experience to be able to detect. It is often considered an “optional” fertility sign when using the sympto-thermal method but it does provide valuable information and can help you more accurately interpret your chart, particularly if temperature or mucus signs seem confusing.
Other additional fertility signals you might experience around the time of ovulation are:
- Increased libido
- Abdominal bloating
- Breast swelling
- Ovulation pain
So now you know a little more about what’s going on inside your body around the time of ovulation. How does this information ultimately help you in the quest to avoid or achieve pregnancy, you ask?
The practice of NFP provides you an organized way to record your observations during each cycle to ultimately determine whether pregnancy is possible on any given day. Imagine what that information can do for you: no more ambiguity about what your body is doing throughout your cycle! You can observe and learn to interpret how your changing hormone levels affect you physically as well as emotionally – and use that information to your advantage. Empowering, wouldn’t you agree?
Just know that interpreting your chart can be difficult at first. I encourage you to get educated and get help before relying on any method of NFP for family planning.
Looking for a more individualized approach? To work with me click here.
References:
American Pregnancy Association “Signs of Ovulation” http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/signs-of-ovulation/
Images: Beautiful Cervix Project http://beautifulcervix.com/your-cycle/
Office on Women’s Health “Menstrual Cycle” https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle