10 Things That Happen in the Body During Ovulation

Key takeaways:

• Ovulation is the phase in your menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary, setting the stage for fertilization. It happens around the 14th day of a 28-day menstrual cycle.
• Some signs that may indicate you are ovulating are increased basal body temperature, clear cervical fluid, ovulation pain, increased libido, breast pain, changes in cervical position, and an increased sense of smell or taste.
• See your primary healthcare provider if you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year without success, having irregular menstrual cycles, or showing symptoms of hormonal imbalances, such as excess facial or body hair, acne, and weight changes.

Ovulation is the phase in the menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary and waits to be fertilized by a sperm. It happens around the 14th day of a 28-day menstrual cycle. 

The average length of menstrual cycle is considered to be 28 days. But keep in mind that this varies from person to person—a normal menstrual cycle length can range from 21 to 35 days. 

Tracking ovulation can be challenging, especially because each individual’s body is different. If you constantly monitor your menstrual and ovulation cycles, you may be able to tell when you are ovulating.

Signs of ovulation

Here are some important changes that may occur in your body that signal ovulation.

1. Changes in cervical mucus

As ovulation approaches, cervical fluid increases in volume and has the consistency of raw egg whites. Your most fertile period is when the fluid is clear, slippery, and stretchy, providing the best environment for sperm motility.

You can check your cervical fluid by inserting a clean finger into your vagina, observing the fluid's stretchiness and slipperiness by feeling its texture with another finger, and then pulling your fingers apart. Stretchy, slippery fluid indicates ovulation is near or occurring.

2. Increased basal body temperature

Your body temperature increases slightly during ovulation, usually about 0.5 to 1 degree. However, it’s important to note that this temperature increase occurs slightly after you have already ovulated and may remain slightly high for up to 72 hours or even until the start of the next menstruation.

3. Mittelschmerz (ovulation pain)

Some people experience ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz. This type of pain occurs during the release of an egg and feels like a dull ache or sharp, sudden cramps in the lower abdomen. 

This ovulation discomfort can last from a few minutes to one or two days. It typically occurs about 14 days before the onset of a period. The side of the abdomen that experiences pain and discomfort can change with each cycle, depending on which ovary releases the egg.

4. Increased libido

According to a study, women tend to have a higher libido around the time of ovulation. During this period, they may initiate sexual activity, and more sexual fantasies accompany their stronger sexual desire.[3] However, not everyone will experience this.

5. Breast tenderness

Cyclical breast pain (pain that occurs on a regular pattern) is associated with hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The pain typically starts about a week before your period. However, some people may experience it around ovulation, and it improves with the start of the period.

6. Light spotting

In addition to ovulation pain, you may notice a small amount of vaginal bleeding in the middle of your cycle. This can be another indicator that ovulation is happening. Ovulation-related bleeding is typically light and may appear as spotting.

7. Heightened sense of smell

The results of a published study show that women on oral contraceptives (which prevents ovulation) were less sensitive to scents like lemon, peppermint, and male pheromones compared to their counterparts who were not taking contraceptives. This suggests that those who are ovulating have a heightened sense of smell.

8. Changes in cervical position

During ovulation, the position of the cervix changes. These changes happen due to increased estrogen levels. The cervix becomes high, open, soft, and straight. These changes facilitate the passage of sperm into the uterus, enhancing the chances of conception.

9. Changes in appetite

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, including around ovulation, can influence your appetite. Estrogen, which rises before and around ovulation, suppresses appetite, which means you may eat less around your ovulation period. 

In contrast, the progesterone hormone, which increases after ovulation, might stimulate appetite.

10. Bloating or fluid retention

During the menstrual cycle, people with ovaries experience hormonal fluctuations that aid ovulation. These hormonal changes can also lead to observable physical symptoms, which include bloating or fluid retention.

A study carried out in 2011 on 62 women found that bloating typically began around five days before ovulation and lasted until the start of menstruation. This suggests that the hormonal changes that cause ovulation may also contribute to temporary fluid buildup.

Other ways to track and predict ovulation

Aside from listening to your body and noting ovulation symptoms, you can track and predict ovulation in other ways. They include:

Menstrual charting

Menstrual charting is recording and monitoring various aspects of your menstrual cycle. This involves keeping track of cycle length, the start and end dates of menstruation, and calculating the number of days in each cycle. 

A menstrual chart also records details such as the intensity and duration of menstrual bleeding, symptoms like cramps and breast tenderness, and mood changes.

You can keep a chart of your menstrual cycle by using traditional paper calendars, journals, or smartphone applications like Flo and Period Tracker.

Use of an ovulation predictor kit

Ovulation predictor kits are test kits typically used by people trying to get pregnant or those who want to avoid pregnancy, e.g., Clearblue and Mira ovulation and fertility test kits. 

These kits help you identify your fertile window during your period by detecting a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. A peak in LH hormone triggers the release of an egg from the ovaries.

There are two types of ovulation predictor kits: paper test strips and pregnancy test-like sticks.

Here's how to use an ovulation predictor kit properly:

• Ovulation prediction test kits come with five to seven sticks or strips. The test should be performed for several days to detect a surge in luteinizing hormone.
• You will need to urinate on the test stick or strip. You can also pee in a clean cup and then dip the stick or strip into the cup. If the test line appears, it means there’s a surge in LH, and ovulation will soon occur. 
• A positive result means you are very likely to ovulate in the next 24 to 36 hours, but this may not be the case for everyone.

To ensure accurate results, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using an ovulation test kit. 

Tracking basal body temperature

Basal body temperature (BBT) is the lowest natural body temperature recorded after rest. Charting your daily basal body temperature will show an increase of approximately 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit shortly after ovulation. This increase may be sustained for some days or until the start of menstruation. 

Accurate results depend on consistent measurements. For accurate results, you need to record your temperature at the same time every day, immediately after you wake up, using a digital thermometer.  Record whatever result you get for several months and note the day of your cycle when a temperature increase occurs.

Keep in mind that while ovulation can cause a slight increase in temperature, other factors like fever, stress, alcohol consumption, and starting or discontinuing oral contraceptives can also affect your basal body temperature.

How long does ovulation last?

Ovulation happens around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. The released egg lives for about 24 hours.

Signs you may not be ovulating

Not everyone with ovaries ovulates regularly, and there may be different reasons for this, including hormonal imbalances, stress, and extreme exercise.

Medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure,  thyroid disorders, or problems with the hypothalamus are also common causes of lack of ovulation.

Signs that you’re not ovulating include:

Irregular menstruation

Irregular menstruation is common, affecting about 14–25% of people with uterus. Some cycles may be shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual. These irregular cycles can be anovulatory, meaning ovulation does not occur. Hormonal imbalance is usually the cause of anovulation.

Negative ovulation test result

A common cause of female infertility is a lack of ovulation. It occurs in about 40% of women with fertility issues.  An ovulation test checks for an LH surge; a negative result means you are not ovulating.

No changes in cervical mucus

As ovulation approaches, the cervical fluid is supposed to become clear and stretchy, indicating increased fertility. But when there are no changes in cervical mucus, it could mean that you are not ovulating.

When to speak with a healthcare provider

See a healthcare provider if: 

• You have been trying to get pregnant for over a year without success
• Have menstrual cycles that are consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
• Experience absent or irregular periods or symptoms of hormonal imbalances like excess facial or body hair, acne, and weight changes.