Unless you’re actively trying for a baby, it’s likely that you’ll be completely unaware of when you’re ovulating. Some people may not even know what it means.
Sure, some of you may be aware of some of the indicators of ovulation, such as thinner discharge, a rise in body temperature, irregular bleeding, such as spotting, and abnormal bloating. But, did you know? There are also some more surprising side effects that you probably don’t know about.
If you’ve already googled, ‘what does ovulation mean’ and still have only a vague idea, let us help. We spoke to GP Dr Tatiana Lapa, who not only explained what the most common symptoms of ovulation are, but further explained what exactly ovulation means. Time to go back to basics.
What does ovulation mean?
In the simplest terms, ovulation is the term used to describe when an egg (or sometimes multiple eggs) is released from your ovaries. Tatiana explains that the egg travels down your fallopian tubes and hangs around for a few days, waiting to be fertilized. This is your most fertile time of the month, and it usually occurs about 12 to 14 days before your period starts.
The NHS website says the same, and goes on to add that you are at your most fertile within a day or two (either side) of ovulation. Fun fact: you don’t have to have sex on the day of ovulation. Sperm can survive in your body for up to seven days after sex.
“If you want to get pregnant, having sex every few days will mean there are always sperm waiting to meet the egg when it’s released,” the website advises.
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Then keep reading for everything you need to know. And yes, apparently it is one…
8 Signs You Might Be Ovulating
1. You can feel pain
Most people think you only get cramps during or slightly before your period, but ovulation can also be painful. The process where your egg is released can cause pain (from mild tingling to full-on cramping) similar to period pain. This process is called ‘middle pain‘ and is usually felt on one side of the abdomen, depending on which side of your body your egg is released, explains Lapa.
2. You may have vivid dreams
While the old wives tale about eating cheese before bed may not be true, ovulation has been shown to give women crazy dreams. Studies have linked changes in body temperature to how frightening or vivid dreams are, Lapa shares. A woman’s temperature usually rises halfway through the monthly cycle, around the time of ovulation, which can cause negative, vivid or unusual dreams.
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3. You might feel hotter
The increase in the testosterone hormone also increases libido and the chances of getting pregnant, Lapa reckons.
4. You may feel impulsive
Eventually, science explains your shopping habits. As you move toward ovulation, your body releases the desire hormone, testosterone. It can increase your libido, and combined with estrogen, improves assertiveness and self-confidence.
While taking on something big like a new job can be great, it can also make you more impulsive, especially when it comes to your love life, food and shopping. Be warned.
Confessions of a Shopaholic
5. You might be meaner
It’s not just premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that makes our bodies spin out of control. A study by the University of Texas found that women were more likely to act more mean, selfish and competitive with other women during ovulation. At the same time, they were also nice to men, explains Lapa.
6. You may be more assertive
As you move toward ovulation, your body releases the desire hormone, or testosterone. This, combined with estrogen, improves assertiveness and confidence, according to Lapa.
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7. You might feel sexier
Along with feeling more assertive and confident, the mix of hormones released during ovulation makes women feel much sexier. Research from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management showed that women were more likely to buy sexier clothes while they were ovulating than at any other time of the month. According to Lapa, scientists believe that attracting the best romantic partner can be subconscious.
8. You might catch a cold
Studies have found that during ovulation, women’s immune systems become weaker and more open to infection. This is because the increase in the estrogen hormone lowers the activity of an important immune system molecule, which allows sperm to survive in the reproductive tract for longer, explains Lapa. The downside to this is that germs can also survive longer, leading to an increase in the likelihood of catching a cold.
What are the signs that ovulation is over?
In short, it is quite difficult to know. Some women may notice this as they do not experience the thinning discharge mentioned above. Normally, the mucus that comes from your cervix is white, thick and creamy. Doctors have said that, when you ovulate, cervical mucus is stereotypically much clearer.
Other than that, according to the NHS website, regularly tracking your cycle and using ovulation trackers are two of the most reliable ways to know.
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