Forget complicated methods of counting days and taking your temperature, there are some simpler methods you can use to figure out when you may be at your most fertile. Your body goes through subtle changes during your monthly cycle and if you can tune into the signs, you can increase your chances of falling pregnant.
Changes in consistency of cervical mucous
As you approach ovulation your cervical mucous becomes more fluid, stretchy and clear and looks like egg white. You also might find you feel wetter during the day, and your vagina feels more lubricated during sex. Also at this time, your cervix becomes higher and softer and opens more. These are all changes that happen to help the sperm move easily up the vagina. You can easily monitor changes in your discharge, and with some practice you can monitor changes in your cervix too.
Tenderness of the breasts
The large fluctuation in hormone levels at the time of menstruation is known to cause breast sensitivity and tenderness. Some women also notice that their breasts become tender and more sensitive around the time they ovulate. This is a time of another large fluctuation in hormones as the body prepares for ovulation, so if you notice breast sensitivity when you are not premenstrual, then it is a good sign that you are nearing ovulation and have a better chance of conceiving.
Mid-cycle lower abdominal pain
Many women experience one-sided lower abdominal cramping or pain midway through their cycle. This is well-documented and Mayo Clinic explains that, these ‘mittelschmerz’ as named by German doctor, are believed to be caused at ovulation as the egg is released and is moved towards the uterus by contractions of the fallopian tube. The pain can be accompanied by some discharge or vaginal bleeding and tends to switch sides from month to month depending on which ovary is releasing the egg.
Smell sensitivity
We all know that women can be particularly sensitive to smell around ‘that time of the month’. However, if you’re not having your period, are midway through your cycle and finding your sense of smell is particularly sensitive, it could be an indication that you’re ovulating. This can explain why most of the time your partner’s post-gym odour might bother you, but sometimes it turns you on!
You’re in the mood
Researchers have found that many women have an increased sex drive around the time of ovulation. You might find that you feel more desirable, more sexy mid-cycle, and that you are more attracted to your partner at this time – just as you might find his work-out smell as sudden turn-on – and just generally more in the mood for sex than usual. What’s particularly interesting is that many men can also pick up on this subtle change and more drawn to their partners.
In short, if you pay attention to your body, it will tell you when you’re at your most fertile. If you’re not sure what it’s saying, keep a journal and note changes that happen over a few months. You may be surprised by just how much it has to say.
About the author:
Skye Bothma writes for Koster Clinic, she is a South African-born New Zealander who has worked in a variety of fields from horticulture and medicine through to government and radio, and is now working as a freelance editor and writer.
Disclaimer: The above is general advice only and not intended as medical advice. You should not delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information in this article.
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