Is there any way to know that your ovulating?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER and thank you for your question.

There are definite changes in your body that help you track ovulation.

Ovulation can be calculated by starting with the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) or by calculating 12-16 days from the next expected period. Most women ovulate anywhere between Day 11 – Day 21 of their cycle, counting from the first day of the LMP.

One sign of ovulation is a twinge of pain or a series of cramps in your lower abdominal area, usually localized to one side — the side you're ovulating from. Called mittelschmerz — German for "middle pain" — this monthly reminder of fertility is thought to be the result of the maturation or release of an egg from an ovary. About 20% of all women experience this.

Your basal body temperature (BBT) changes throughout your cycle as fluctuations in hormone levels occur. Your BBT will reach its lowest point at ovulation and then rise immediately and dramatically (about a half a degree) as soon as ovulation occurs. Charting your BBT for one month will not enable you to predict the day you ovulate but rather give you evidence of ovulation after it has occurred.

One detectable sign of oncoming ovulation is the position of the cervix itself. During the beginning of a cycle, your cervix is low, hard, and closed. But as ovulation approaches, it pulls back up, softens a bit and opens just a little. Check your cervix daily, using one or two fingers, and keep a chart of your observations.

The other cervical sign you can watch for is the appearance, increase in quantity, and change in consistency of cervical mucus.

I hope this is the information you were looking for.

Maryann