What is Ovulation? A Brief Understanding
Ovulation is the part of female menstrual cycle wherein every month a mature ovarian follicle, releases an egg. The egg during the process of ovulation, travels into one of the fallopian tube where it has the possibility of meeting a male sperm and getting fertilized.
The process of ovulation is governed by hypothalamus; a part of the brain. It sends signals instructing the anterior lobe as well as the pituitary gland to release the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Ovulation in general takes place between the 10th and 19th day of menstrual cycle. This is the time when a female happens to be the most fertile thereby boosting the chances of conceiving.
Ovulation and Pregnancy, the Connection!
A natural pregnancy occurs when a female egg meets a male sperm in the fallopian tube. A female egg can survive not more than 24 hours post ovulation. Thus, the sperm must meet the egg within this time frame, which sadly is very short. However, the sperm on the other end can survive for as long as 7 days. They stay in the female vagina, the uterus or either of the fallopian tubes during this time.
This clearly indicates that a female has a fertile window of about four to six days. Thus, if you are willing to plan a baby then you need to have sex with your partner during these fertile days as the chances of getting pregnant would be high. Your ovulated egg will meet the healthy sperm and get fertilized resulting into your conception. Planning a natural pregnancy will always be positive if you are aware of your fertile days in a month.
What is an Ovulation Calendar?
Ovulation calendar has been designed to aid a woman know of the time in the month when she will be the most fertile. There are many web applets and also ovulation kits available that assist this process. For using the web ovulation apps or ovulation calculator, you need to be aware of the first day of your menses or period, and the length of the cycle in general.
How to Calculate the Ovulation Period?
Ovulation generally takes place between the 12th and 19th day before the start of your next period. To predict the fertile days of a month, you need to be aware of your menstrual cycle length. A cycle in general is counted from day one of your current period to the beginning of next period. The average cycle length is 28 days. It can even range from 21 to 35 days in case of adults and from 21 to 45 days in the young teens.
For instance, for a regular cycle of 28 days, the first day of period will be counted as day one. So you are most likely to be fertile around day 12 and 17. For those who battle irregular cycle, ovulation can take place either a week earlier or later. You can make use of the ovulation calculator available online. Just mention the first day of your last period and your average cycle length; it will give you the exact days when you will be fertile.
Symptoms and signs of Ovulation You Must Look For
Increased cervical mucous: There will be an increase in the cervical mucous before your ovulation process begins. You will notice a slippery and somewhat “egg white” like cervical mucous.
Increased sex-drive: The time around ovulation might make you aroused. It can boost your sex-drive and increase the urge of involving in physical intimacy.
Breast tenderness: Some of the women even notice breast tenderness, which is also a premenstrual symptom.
Bloating and water weight: During the ovulation time, you might even feel bloated or retain water.
Swollen vagina or vulva: Another ovulation sign to look for is the labia or vagina that would become full and also more sensitive.
Ovulation pain: Some women even complain of slight pain and cramping on or around the ovulation time.
High Cervix position: The position of your cervix can also help in predicting the ovulation time. During this time, your cervix will be high, soft as well as more open.
Mood swings: For some women, changes in mood are also indicative of their ovulation. There can be unreasoned changes in your mood and also you might feel quite energetic during ovulation.
Ovulation spotting: This is a rare sign of ovulation but there are females who tend to notice light spotting when the process nears.
Headache or nausea: Given the hormonal changes you encounter around ovulation, there are chances you can encounter some mild headaches or nausea.
You can by all means increase the chances of getting pregnant by tracking your ovulation period. Just watch out for your menstrual cycle and the ovulation symptoms as mentioned, and get to know when will you be the most fertile!