Ovulation: What It Is and How to Spot It

Ovulation is the moment an egg leaves the ovary and heads toward the uterus. It’s the only time a woman can get pregnant, so knowing when it happens can help you plan or avoid a pregnancy.

Most people think ovulation is a mystery, but your body drops clues every month. Those clues are easy to notice once you know what to look for.

Common Ovulation Signs

One of the clearest signs is a slight rise in basal body temperature. After ovulation your temperature goes up about half a degree and stays there until your next period. If you take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed, you’ll see the pattern.

Cervical mucus also changes. Right after your period it’s usually dry or sticky. As you get closer to ovulation it becomes clear, stretchy, and feels like raw egg whites. That slippery texture helps sperm swim.

Some women feel mild pelvic or lower‑back pain on the day of ovulation. It’s called mittelschmerz, a German word for “middle pain.” The ache usually lasts a few hours and is on one side of the pelvis.

Other signs include a slight rise in libido, breast tenderness, and a boost in energy. These symptoms are subtle, but together they paint a picture of when you’re most fertile.

Simple Ways to Track Ovulation

Using a basal temperature chart is cheap and reliable. Just buy a digital thermometer, record your temperature each morning, and look for the post‑ovulation rise.

Ovulation test kits detect the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers the egg’s release. You bite a test strip or dip it in urine, and a line shows up when LH peaks—usually 24‑36 hours before ovulation.

Tracking cervical mucus is free and works well once you get the habit. Check the consistency each day, and note when it becomes clear and stretchy.

Many apps let you log all these signals. The app calculates your fertile window based on the data you enter. It’s a handy way to see patterns over several cycles.

Combine at least two methods for the best accuracy. For example, use both basal temperature and an LH kit, or pair mucus tracking with an app.

Remember that stress, illness, and travel can shift ovulation. If something throws off your routine, give yourself a few extra days of tracking before drawing conclusions.

Understanding your ovulation helps you decide when to have intercourse if you’re trying to conceive, or when to use protection if you’re not. Use the signs and tools above, stay consistent, and you’ll get a clear picture of your fertile window in no time.