Friday, October 3, 2008

What Are the Symptoms of Ovulation?

By Shola Oslo

When you ovulate, you probably notice that you have some symptoms. If you know what you're looking for, symptoms of ovulation can be very easy to take note of. You usually ovulate between 12 and 16 days after the first day of your last period. During this time, you'll likely notice some slight changes, such as transparent cervical secretions, or a higher basal body temperature. It's possible that you've always known about these changes but simply have paid no attention to them. After all, they're quite subtle. However, it's easy to pay attention to these changes if you know what you're looking for.

It's important to be in tune with the way your body works, so you can notice the subtle changes brought about by ovulation. Perhaps the first symptom of ovulation is that your vaginal secretions become thicker and increase in volume. This happens because your hormones change during this time of the month.

Two or three days before you ovulate, you'll have an increase of clear and slippery cervical discharge. You are fertile during these days, but are most fertile on the last day, as this is when ovulation actually occurs. Because sperm can live for up to five days in the reproductive system, having intercourse on any one of these days is very beneficial and will increase your chances of conception.

Another thing you may notice is that you might cramp ever so slightly. You'll usually feel this pain on one side or the other around your ovaries. The pain can feel a little sharp, and can be experience over several hours, or can occur quickly and intermittently. It signifies that the egg has been released from one of your ovaries, and is ready to move down the fallopian tube.

You may have pain associated with ovulation every month, but for many people, it only occurs every third month. This type of pain should be fleeting and should disappear within six to eight hours regardless. However, it can stay around for up to 24 or 48 hours. If you have particularly severe ovulation "symptoms," you may also have bloating, pain during intercourse, frequent urination, or nausea. You should know that these types of symptoms are pretty uncommon, though.

You may notice that your vaginal secretions are becoming slightly pink during this time, too. This is completely normal and these types of symptoms vary from woman to woman. One good way to check and see if you're ovulating is to check your basal body temperature. After ovulation, your temperature will rise approximately 0 .4 to 1 degree.

In addition to the above listed symptoms, you may also find that you actually feel more sexual and want to have sex more often. This is just your body's way to make sure that you increase your chances of conception. After all, it takes two to make a baby!

I know this may seem like a lot to take in right now but, in the long run becoming more familiar with your body and all its working structures will not only help you identify the symptoms of ovulation but, can also help you get pregnant in the shortest period of time. - 14130

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