Ovulation symptoms: What are They?

Published at 23 September 2024

Ovulation symptoms can include: a change in vaginal discharge, dull pain on one side of the abdomen, and increased sexual desire. Learn more about ovulation symptoms, to increase your chance of pregnancy.

What are the ovulation symptoms?

Ovulation symptoms vary from one woman to another. For example, some women may not feel any noticeable symptoms, while others notice all or some of the symptoms, and these symptoms include: (2)(3)

1.Change in vaginal secretions

You may notice an increase in wet, clear vaginal secretions immediately before ovulation. On the ovulation day, these secretions become white and sticky, resembling egg whites. When this stage ends, you will notice a decrease in these secretions and an increase in viscosity.

2.Increased body temperature

There is a slight change in the basal body temperature at the time of ovulation, which is constant for the rest of the month in a normal situation.

To track the change in body temperature as a sign of ovulation, measure your body temperature daily upon waking up and immediately before doing any activity. As the date of ovulation approaches, you will notice a slight decrease in it, followed by a slight increase at a rate of 0.5 - 1 C^o immediately after ovulation occurs.

3.Change in the position and texture of the cervix

The cervix becomes soft, elevated, open and moist during ovulation. It may take some time to be able to distinguish between the normal texture of the cervix and the changes that occur during ovulation.

4.Unilateral lower abdomen pain

Some women feel lower abdominal pain known as ovulation pain. Ovulation pain occurs on the side where the ovary responsible for releasing the ovule is located. This pain may change between the two sides from one month to the next, or you may feel pain on the same side for several months. Ovulation pain may be mild or severe. (4)(5)

5.Positive ovulation test

Relying on ovulation tests is considered more accurate than searching for and tracking symptoms, as you may not exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned clearly and noticeably. Ovulation tests can be obtained from pharmacies. (4) A positive ovulation test indicates that ovulation will occur within the next 12-36 hours, meaning that fertility will be at its highest levels on the same day of the positive test and for two or three days after it. (6)

6. Increased libido

Sexual desire may increase as ovulation approaches and decrease as ovulation ends and menstruation approaches. (4)

7.Breast tenderness

Some people experience pain and sensitivity when touching their breasts shortly before and after ovulation. (7)

8.Other symptoms: (2)(3)

Dripping or a little blood.
The sense of smell and taste becomes more acute.
Abdominal bloating.
Changes in appetite.
Psychological symptoms: You may become more sensitive and susceptible to mood swings during this period as a result of hormonal changes. (8)

What are the signs of excellent ovulation?

Whether or not you feel signs of ovulation has no relation to the quality of your ovulation. As we mentioned, you may not feel noticeable symptoms indicating that ovulation has occurred, but in general the following signs indicate that your ovulation is often excellent: (10)(4)

Regular menstrual cycle indicates regular ovulation.
Positive results of home ovulation tests at consistent times each month.
General physical health.

If, however, you are facing problems with pregnancy and conceiving, you and your husband should consult a specialist doctor to obtain accurate medical examinations about ovulation and other reproductive system functions for you and your husband.

Common Questions

What is the ovulation period?

The ovulation period is the time in which the ovulation process occurs. If you have regular menstrual cycle, the day of ovulation is usually about 14 days before menstruation. (9)

The fertile window (ovulation) includes: the day of ovulation in addition to the 3-5 days preceding it; This is because the ovule remains viable and waits to be fertilized by the sperm for only 24 hours, and the sperm can live inside the woman’s body for 3-5 days. (9)

How do I know when I ovulate?

You can choose any of the following methods to find out the ovulation period: (6)

Track symptoms: As you approach the middle of your menstrual cycle, start tracking and noticing ovulation symptoms.
Home ovulation test: It is a test, like the home pregnancy test, that requires a urine sample, and it is recommended to start performing it several days before the expected time of ovulation, for example: 3-4 days after the end of the previous menstruation.
Measuring body temperature: It requires recording readings daily during the month to notice any change.

If you are planning to become pregnant or have problems conceiving, you should book an appointment with one of our specialist doctors in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital. Our doctors will provide you with a set of tips and methods to help you accurately determine the ovulation date and increase your chances of pregnancy.