Important physical signs that you are fertile

Congratulations, as you have decided to become a mother and good luck for you to enjoy your bundle of joy soon. To succeed in this mission, you must optimize your shot at conception by identifying the appropriate ovulation period.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the phase that occurs during your menstruation period when your ovary releases a matured egg, as a way of preparation for conception. Women possess millions of eggs that are immature in their ovaries and release one egg every month during their menstrual periods. The released egg starts traveling through the fallopian tube and on the way it merges with sperm and becomes fertilized.  

When does ovulation occur?

Every normal woman will ovulate on the 15th day after her menstrual period, but this does not happen the same for every woman. In most healthy women, the menstrual cycle happens between 28 to 32 days and the ovulation period occurs chiefly on the 10th to 29th day of this cycle. However, the ovulation timing can vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle. If you are experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle, then it is necessary to consult with your gynecologist to rule out any health issues. 

How long does the ovulation period last?

Once the matured egg is released there is a fruitful six-day time in your menstrual cycle “fertile window”.  You will be in the peak fertility phase two to three days before ovulation and on the ovulation day. Once the egg is released on the ovulation day, it survives only for 24 hours period and it is important to conceive before this day. Beyond that ovulation day, you will not get pregnant until the next menstrual period.

We have shortlisted 8 important physical signs that portray you are fertile:

1. Ovulation Predictor 

One, easy and effective method to identify the perfect ovulation day is using the ovulation predictor. This is an amazing medical kit that comprises test strips. You need to dip these strips in urine samples for detecting if your body is ovulating. It shows a positive sign when your body is fertile and ready to conceive. 

When you are fertile your body will release a spurge of hormones known as LH or the luteinizing hormone that activates the ovulation process. The ovulation predictor displaying a positive sign means there is a gush of LH hormones and it is the best time to have sex with your loving partner. 

2. Increased libido 

Nature and creations are wonderfully designed. Your body starts stimulating high levels of testosterone and estrogen just before entering the ovulation period. Therefore, your body’s libido increases. 
Another vital symptom of fertility is an increase in your desire for sex because of hormonal changes. During this fertile period, you will be experiencing facial changes and fuller lips, which makes you more sexy and attractive to your partner. 

3. Maximised sense of Smell 

You may feel increased sex drive when you smell your partner’s body even post-workout odor, indicating that you are at peak of the ovulation period. Studies have shown that when a woman is entering the ovulation period her sense of smell sharpens and she becomes sensitive to male scents and perfumes. This might be nature’s way of increasing your sex drive and a perfect sign to reveal that you are fertile. 

4. Sharp Pain in the lower abdomen 

Sometimes you might experience lower abdomen pain in the middle of your menstrual cycles. This sharp pain and cramping in lower pelvic regions are known as the mittelschmerz pain and may last for a few minutes or even hours. Therefore, this abdomen pain could be considered one of the vital signs that you are ovulating. But, some women may not experience such pains and it is normal too. 

5. Tender breasts 

During the fertile period, women experience their breasts being extremely tender, achy and sore. This heavy discomfort feeling in the breasts and nipples is because of hormonal changes. There will be an increase in progesterone secretion, which is the hormones released by your body after the ovulation period. Therefore, tender or sore breasts do not predict the ovulation period but are a sign that reassures your fertility.

6. Changes in Cervical Mucus 

Another vital change you experience is the cervix mucus as a sign of your ovulation period.  Your body starts generating more estrogen hormones, which causes clear and stretchy cervical mucus. This happens as a preparation for the sperm to effortlessly swim swiftly to reach the egg released on the ovulation day. 

The cervical mucus condition happens in almost every woman when she is fertile and ovulating. You can evaluate yourself, by inserting your finger into the vagina and removing a portion of the cervical mucus. If the mucus is wet, sticky, slippery and stretchy, it is a perfect sign that you are fertile. 

7. Discharge or spotting 

Spotting or brown-coloured discharge is normal. This happens when the follicle that protects and surrounds the developing egg, matures and ruptures causing slight bleeding or discharge. It could be considered a very common symptom unless the spotting and discharge persist for a longer period even after the ovulation day. In such cases, you should seek medical assistance immediately. 

8. Headaches and nausea

The fluctuations in the secretion of progesterone and estrogen hormones can cause headaches and nausea in some women during their ovulation period.