Are you having difficulty getting pregnant? Then, it must have something to do with the time of your intercourse. You need to know exactly when you will ovulate to time your intercourse correctly and get pregnant.
This is because the time around your ovulation is when your body will be at the “peak” of fertility. It is also called “the window of fertility.” You will have a higher chance of success getting pregnant at this time.
Ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before your next menstrual cycle. In this article, we’ll discuss some signs you can look for to know when you will ovulate. Whether you want to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy, knowing when you ovulate can be helpful for you.
Signs Ovulation is Over
Your body will undergo several hormonal changes during ovulation due to the increase in estrogen, FSH, and LH levels. These changes can make it easier to predict when your ovulation will end, even without an ovulation kit. Below are some changes your body will undergo to indicate an ovulation is over.
Consistency of cervical mucus changes
- Cervical mucus transitions from thick to thin and slippery around ovulation, aiding sperm movement and indicating fertility.
Changes in the consistency of your cervical mucus are one of the main indicators that you are nearing ovulation. Before ovulation, the consistency of your cervical mucus will be thick, sticky, and creamy. This will make it harder for the sperm to survive and move around.
However, during ovulation, its consistency becomes thinner and slippery. This makes it easier for the sperm to swim through the mucus and reach the egg for fertilization.
After ovulation, the cervical mucus will return to its previous consistency. So, check when your cervical mucus changes consistency and have intercourse during the period.
Hormone level changes
Every month, ovulation occurs due to the hormonal changes in your body. During this period, certain hormone levels will increase to facilitate ovulation. The hormones involved in ovulation are
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),
- Luteinizing hormone (LH), and
- Estrogen.
Each of these hormones plays a specific role in ovulation. The FSH stimulates the follicles to develop the eggs into maturation. The LH stimulates the release of the mature egg, and the estrogen is responsible for readying the uterus for implantation once the egg is fertilized.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) changes
Your basal body temperature is your body temperature when you are fully at rest. This is also another method to estimate when you will ovulate.
During ovulation, the hormone changes will cause your BBT to increase slightly by 1–2℉. This is not a big increase in temperature, and you won’t notice it unless you record your temperature regularly.
Your temperature will stay high for two days after ovulation and return to normal afterward. If you note when your BBT increases and have intercourse accordingly, you have a higher chance of getting pregnant.
Position of the cervix changes
During ovulation, the position of your cervix changes significantly. This is due to the estrogen surge during ovulation. In this period, your cervix will position higher in the vagina, become softer and more moist to facilitate the movement of sperm through them.
This will also make it easier for sperm to pass through the cervix and reach the egg. Once ovulation ends, the cervix will return to its previous position and become firm and narrow. This might make it a bit difficult for sperm to pass through them.
Sex drive changes
As we saw earlier, you will have a surge in hormone levels during ovulation. The increase in estrogen levels will change your sex drive (libido) and make you more interested in having sexual intercourse.
It is normal for all women to have this feeling, and it will decrease gradually after the 6-day ovulation cycle ends.
Abdominal discomfort changes
You might experience some abdominal discomfort every time you ovulate. It is called Mittelschmerz or middle pain. It is a slight lower abdominal pain (cramping) that happens when the follicles rupture to release the mature eggs.
You might also feel other symptoms like nausea and bloating. This pain reduces once ovulation is over.
Breast tenderness changes
The increase in the progesterone and estrogen hormones during ovulation is responsible for this. You might feel like your breast is more tender and sore while ovulating. Some may even feel like their breasts have grown a bit.
Urine hormone concentration
We saw above that the hormone levels increase during ovulation. You can detect these changes by using a urine hormone detection kit at home. This can help you understand when you are ovulating.
Mood swings subsiding
Mood swings are one of the common symptoms of ovulation. This is also due to the hormonal changes that occur in your body. These mood swings will subside once ovulation is over.
What Happens After Ovulation is Over?
There are only two things that will happen once ovulation is over.
- In case your egg gets fertilized during ovulation, it will pass through the fallopian tube to reach the uterus for implantation. This will then result in pregnancy.
- If your egg isn’t fertilized, then it will disintegrate in the uterus. Your hormone levels will return to normal, and the uterine lining will start to shed, resulting in menstruation.
Can You Get Pregnant After Ovulation Is Over?
- The days leading to ovulation are crucial for conception, as sperm can survive for days, making intercourse before, during, or after ovulation ideal for maximizing pregnancy chances
Yes, it is still possible to conceive even after the few days of ovulation period. The optimal time for conception is in the days leading up to ovulation, as sperm can live for several days within the female reproductive tract. The mature egg released by your ovary remains available for fertilization for up to 24 hours after ovulation.
So, even if you have intercourse a day or two after ovulation, there’s still a chance of getting pregnant. However, the time between ovulation and intercourse should not be too long. It’s best to have intercourse right before, during, or immediately after ovulation to maximize your chances.
Conclusion
Whether you want to get pregnant or to avoid getting pregnant, knowing when you will ovulate is the best way to achieve your desired results. By understanding what changes your body undergoes during ovulation and tracking them regularly, you can get great insights into your ovulation cycle and increase your chances of pregnancy.
FAQs
Ovulation is a monthly cycle where the follicle releases a mature egg for fertilization. Pregnancy occurs if the egg gets fertilized by the sperm.
Ovulation typically happens between days 11 and 21 of the cycle, beginning with the first day of the previous period. Ovulation typically lasts one day, can occur at any time during this window, and is not necessarily the same month after month.
The luteal phase comes after ovulation. Your hormones will prevent the uterine lining from shedding if pregnancy occurs during this time. Otherwise, bleeding will begin around day 28 of the cycle, signaling the start of the next cycle. In a nutshell, ovulation occurs in the midst of the menstrual cycle.