"Am I Ovulating?"

Whether you’re trying to start your family or not, ovulation is the main event of the menstrual cycle. It directs the hormone fluctuations that occur leading up to a period or a pregnancy, and without it neither of these two things can happen.

If you’ve been following along with us for a while, you’ll know that I am a big fan of the "Symptothermal" and Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) – both strong methods in the prevention and planning of pregnancy. Both methods involve tracking basal body temperatures, changes in cervical mucus and cervical height, and additional symptoms throughout a menstrual cycle that can indicate fertility status.

Human beings are not fertile for the entirety of the menstrual cycle, and these methods can assist them in identifying when the best time to attempt conception is, and when the least safe time for unprotected sex is. When used effectively and consistently, these methods carry a 98% effectiveness rate for pregnancy prevention, similar to that of condom and birth control use.

With FAM and "Symptothermal" method use, the goal is to identify ovulation as this indicates highest fertility throughout the cycle. So what does ovulation actually look like, and how do you know if you are ovulating?

Increased basal body temperature. Prior to ovulation, body temperature increases slightly – with regular and consistent tracking, we can correctly identify the beginning of the fertile window. Temperature can help confirm ovulation as progesterone produced after an egg is released creates increased body temperature. This spike is also relatively small, but is easier to identify with tracking patterns over multiple cycles – the average increase in temperature may be anywhere from 0.4 to 0.8 of a degree depending on the person and their typical pattern.

"Mittelschmerz" or lower belly cramping. These are usually low grade cramps and typically don’t last very long – on average a few hours. This is caused by the physical action of ovum release in the ovary, as the tissue ruptures to move the ovum into the fallopian tube. A little bit of belly massage and a hot pack can make this more comfortable if you notice this!

Increased libido. Even if you’re not trying to get pregnant, your brain is – hence the reason for ovulation! In order to stimulate possible conception, we receive an increase of testosterone, driving us to get busy and “make a baby”. You might notice you’re more social with the people you’re attracted to or more snuggly with your partner(s). Those who identify as asexual or who don’t participate in sexual relationships may just notice they feel a little more social with the people around them!

Watery or egg white cervical mucus. In order to support sperm in getting to an ovum, the body produces mucus that is more slippery and wet – think of it like water on a slip and slide! Over the course of a cycle, cervical mucus changes in consistency and amount to support identification of fertility status. This type of cervical mucus predicts ovulation (it may be present before that ovulatory temperature spike), and can be used to find the end of the fertile window – after the last day of watery mucus, also called the peak day, we can count approximately 4-5 days after (along with a sustained higher temperature) to find the next safe time to engage in unprotected sex if a pregnancy is not desired. Again, you’ll want to track this consistently over a few cycles to find yours.

Increased energy and happier mood. Prior to ovulation, estrogen and testosterone levels rise. Both of these hormones are involved in mood regulation and feelings of wellness. This is a great time in work and life to plan project proposals, public appearances, interviews and social activities as you will likely have the energy and drive to engage more fully with them!

Breast/chest sensitivity. As a result of increases estrogen levels, there can be some water retention and tenderness of breast/chest tissue. This may cause a slight increase in tissue size and potentially soreness – a good bra or binder will be helpful to provide support and comfort, especially if you engage in moderate-high intensity physical activity or work in a physically active job environment.

When put together, all of these signs and symptoms can provide part of the fertility picture for you – no matter what your fertility goals are!