If you’re trying to get pregnant you already know one key thing: having sex during your body’s most fertile period offers the best chance to conceive.
And that window of opportunity happens around ovulation.
Ovulation typically lasts about six days — sometime between day 11 and day 21 — with the window opening a little earlier or later depending on the length or your cycle.
Many people looking to conceive use an ovulatory stimulant like Clomid (clomiphene citrate). The medication lowers estrogen production, triggering an increase in the two hormones that stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles, thereby increasing the number of eggs available for fertilization.
“Clomid is one of the most widely used meds and considered the first line of treatment in many [fertility] centers,” explains Cindy Golubisky, Clin Ops & Fertility Clinician at Hera Fertility. “It is used to treat a number of infertility factors — often those related to irregular ovulation.”
There are a few ways to digitally track ovulation, whether by monitoring body temperature or using ovulation predictor kits. But you can often detect the signs of ovulation simply by paying attention to changes in your body.
[Read our blog post: Embracing Hope with Clomid and Letrozole: A Journey Towards Successful Conception]
And when you’re taking Clomid, there is often “increased ovarian sensitivity around the time of ovulation,” Golubisky adds. So you might feel some of the following physical symptoms a little bit more.
Am I ovulating? Some common signs
Changes in cervical mucus
One of the most noticeable symptoms of ovulation occurs with vaginal discharge. Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle. During the few days before you ovulate and immediately after ovulation, you may notice an increase in cervical mucus and a change in its texture. When that mucus becomes clear, slippery and stretchy — think of raw egg whites — these are the most fertile days.
Also during this time, the cervix becomes softer, more moist and more open than usual. You may also experience mild spotting.
Rise in basal body temperature
You likely won’t feel it, but when you’re ovulating your basal body temperature increases — typically 0.5 to 1.0 degrees F. And the best way to monitor this slight rise is tracking it. Use a basal body thermometer, which measures in tiny increments, at the same time each day to chart your temperature changes. You’re likely to be the most fertile two to three days before your temperature rises.
Cramps (mittelschmerz)
Feeling some cramping in your lower abdomen or pelvis? This could be ovulation at work. Called “mittelschmerz” (German for "middle pain") these cramps are sometimes intense, but not always. Often you’ll feel the pain on the same side as the ovary with an impending follicular rupture (egg release) that cycle. Mittelschmerz — or ovulation pain — occurs in approximately 40% of women of reproductive age. That twinge on your right or left side? You might be ovulating.
Tender breasts
Another common sign that you’re ovulating: tender breasts. This is thanks to the surge of hormones — progesterone in particular — after ovulation. Your breasts might feel heavier or achy, and your nipples could feel tender and even sore.
Swelling of the vulva
That spike in progesterone spike can also cause the vulva and vaginal lips to slightly enlarge. They also feel more sensitive at this time. Libido can also increase during ovulation.
Back pain
You might be surprised to know that back pain can also indicate ovulation. Higher progesterone levels can relax body structures, loosening ligaments and joints (known as “ligament laxity”). All that subtle shifting, particularly around the spine, can cause back pain.
Bloating and nausea
Feeling a little bloated or even nauseous? Surges of luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen right around the time you ovulate can lead to fluid retention. And progesterone can slow down digestion and increase gas. Thankfully, this discomfort typically only lasts for a few days during your cycle.
Senses working overtime
Right around the time you’re ovulating, you can experience a heightened sense of smell. That’s thanks to increased estrogen.You might also be able to detect more subtleties in aromas and odors. Your partner might even smell more appealing too — which pairs nicely with an increased sex drive!
Ovulation can also elevate your sense of vision and taste. Things might seem brighter and clearer, and food might seem more delicious.
Feeling — and being! — more attractive
Some women say they feel more flirty or physically attractive just before and during ovulation. Pair that with a potentially revved up sex drive and you have a winning combination for intimacy.
However, you might also BE more attractive to your partner when you’re ovulating. Research has found that facial attractiveness can be enhanced by ovulation. In a study that showed photos of women's faces during the follicular phase (before ovulation) and the luteal phase (after ovulation), men and women were asked to choose which faces they found most appealing. Over half of those surveyed said that the photos taken soon after ovulation were more attractive.
When you’re trying to conceive, knowing the signs and symptoms of ovulation can be empowering. When you experience some of the tell-tale cyclical changes, feel those twinges or notice subtle differences in how you’re experiencing the world, you can be more confident about managing your fertility.
Unlocking the benefits of Hera Medications
If you are seeking to take control of your reproductive health, we are here to assist you. The Hera Meds program offers affordable conception-boosting medications such as Letrozole or Clomid, among others. Whether you aim to start a family, preserve your fertility, or simply gain insights into your fertility status, our team of fertility experts can provide the answers you seek.
The program comprises medications for a 3-6 month period, a complimentary consultation with a fertility specialist, and care navigation to ensure you receive the necessary support and achieve desired results. Get in touch with our team to learn more.