What is mittelschmerz and how does it affect women. What are the signs of ovulation pain. How can ovulation cramping be treated. Is ovulation pain normal or a cause for concern. When should you seek medical attention for mid-cycle pain.

What is Mittelschmerz and Why Does It Occur?

Mittelschmerz, a German term meaning “middle pain,” refers to the cramping or discomfort some women experience during ovulation. This phenomenon occurs when the follicle in the ovary ruptures to release an egg. Approximately 20% of women report experiencing some form of ovulation pain, which can range from a mild twinge to more severe cramping.

While the exact cause of mittelschmerz remains unclear, several theories attempt to explain this mid-cycle discomfort:

• Stretching of the ovary surface as the follicle grows
• Irritation from released blood and fluid when the follicle ruptures
• Pain caused by the egg breaking through the ovary wall

Recognizing the Signs of Ovulation Pain

Ovulation pain differs from menstrual cramps in several key ways. Understanding these distinctions can help women identify when they’re experiencing mittelschmerz:

1. One-sided pain, typically corresponding to the ovary releasing the egg
2. Sudden onset without warning
3. Sharp pain, twinge, or cramping rather than a dull ache
4. Duration ranging from minutes to hours, rarely lasting more than 24 hours
5. Possible alternation between sides from month to month
6. Occurrence approximately two weeks before menstruation

Some women may also experience mild spotting or vaginal discharge during ovulation. In rare cases, severe cramping may be accompanied by nausea.

The Fertility Connection: How Ovulation Pain Can Be Beneficial

For women trying to conceive, recognizing ovulation pain can be advantageous. This natural signal indicates that ovulation is occurring, potentially increasing the chances of successful conception. The most fertile period typically includes the day before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after.

Conversely, women who wish to avoid pregnancy can use this knowledge as a supplementary method of birth control. However, it’s crucial to remember that sperm can survive in the female body for up to five days, making ovulation pain an unreliable sole method of contraception.

Treatment Options for Mittelschmerz

In most cases, ovulation pain is mild and brief, requiring no specific treatment. However, for more persistent or uncomfortable cramping, several options are available:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Application of a heating pad to the affected area
• Taking a warm bath to relax tense muscles and increase blood flow
• Hormonal contraception to prevent ovulation and associated pain

For women experiencing severe or prolonged mid-cycle pain, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to rule out other potential causes.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ovulation Pain

While mittelschmerz is typically harmless, certain symptoms may warrant medical evaluation. Women should consult a doctor if they experience:

• Extreme pain lasting longer than 24 hours
• Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Pain during urination or bowel movements

These symptoms could indicate more serious conditions such as appendicitis, ovarian cysts, or ectopic pregnancy, which require prompt medical attention.

The Role of Hormonal Contraception in Managing Ovulation Pain

For women who experience particularly bothersome ovulation pain every month, hormonal contraception can offer relief. Birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings work by preventing ovulation, thus eliminating the associated pain.

However, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of hormonal contraception with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication. Factors such as age, overall health, and family medical history should be considered when choosing a contraceptive method.

Tracking Ovulation Pain: A Tool for Fertility Awareness

Women who can reliably identify their ovulation pain may find it useful for tracking their menstrual cycles and predicting fertile windows. This natural family planning method, known as the symptothermal method, combines awareness of physical symptoms with basal body temperature tracking.

To effectively use ovulation pain as a fertility awareness tool:

1. Keep a detailed record of when you experience mid-cycle pain
2. Note the duration and intensity of the pain
3. Observe other ovulation symptoms, such as changes in cervical mucus
4. Use a calendar or app to track these symptoms over several months

By identifying patterns in your ovulation pain, you can better predict your fertile days and make informed decisions about family planning or conception.

Differentiating Ovulation Pain from Other Abdominal Discomfort

While mittelschmerz has distinct characteristics, it’s crucial to distinguish it from other types of abdominal pain. Some conditions that may mimic ovulation pain include:

• Appendicitis
• Ovarian cysts
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

If you’re unsure about the source of your abdominal pain or if it differs significantly from your usual ovulation discomfort, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Natural Remedies for Alleviating Ovulation Pain

For women who prefer to avoid medication, several natural remedies may help alleviate mittelschmerz symptoms:

• Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, to improve blood flow and reduce cramping
• Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to manage pain perception
• Dietary changes, including reducing salt intake to minimize bloating
• Herbal teas, such as chamomile or ginger, known for their anti-inflammatory properties
• Acupuncture or acupressure to target specific pain points

While these natural approaches may provide relief for some women, it’s important to remember that their effectiveness can vary. If natural remedies don’t adequately address your symptoms, don’t hesitate to explore other treatment options with your healthcare provider.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Ovulation Pain

Various lifestyle factors can influence the severity and frequency of ovulation pain. Consider the following aspects when managing mittelschmerz:

1. Stress levels: High stress can exacerbate pain perception and hormonal imbalances
2. Diet: Certain foods may trigger inflammation and worsen cramping
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate hormones and reduce pain
4. Sleep: Adequate rest is crucial for overall hormonal balance and pain management
5. Hydration: Proper fluid intake can help alleviate bloating and discomfort

By addressing these lifestyle factors, women may be able to minimize the impact of ovulation pain on their daily lives.

Mittelschmerz and Fertility Treatments: What to Expect

For women undergoing fertility treatments, ovulation pain may present differently or be more pronounced. This is particularly true for those taking ovulation-inducing medications or undergoing procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Common experiences during fertility treatments include:

• Increased intensity of ovulation pain due to multiple follicles developing
• Longer duration of discomfort as ovaries may be more stimulated
• Potential for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in rare cases

Women undergoing fertility treatments should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers about any pain or discomfort they experience. This ensures proper monitoring and adjustment of treatment protocols as needed.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Ovulation Pain

For some women, recurring ovulation pain can have psychological effects beyond the physical discomfort. These may include:

• Anxiety about upcoming pain during each menstrual cycle
• Disruption of daily activities or work due to pain anticipation
• Stress related to fertility concerns or family planning
• Impact on sexual relationships and intimacy

Addressing the psychological aspects of chronic ovulation pain is crucial for overall well-being. Women experiencing significant distress should consider speaking with a mental health professional or joining support groups for individuals with similar experiences.

Future Developments in Understanding and Treating Mittelschmerz

As medical research continues to advance, our understanding of ovulation pain and potential treatment options may evolve. Some areas of ongoing investigation include:

• Genetic factors that may predispose certain women to experience mittelschmerz
• Advanced imaging techniques to better visualize the ovulation process
• Development of targeted pain relief methods specific to ovulation discomfort
• Exploration of the relationship between ovulation pain and overall reproductive health

Staying informed about new developments in this field can help women make more educated decisions about managing their ovulation pain and overall reproductive health.

Integrating Ovulation Pain Awareness into Comprehensive Women’s Health Care

Recognizing and addressing ovulation pain is an important aspect of comprehensive women’s health care. Healthcare providers can support their patients by:

1. Educating women about the normal range of ovulation symptoms
2. Offering guidance on tracking and interpreting ovulation pain
3. Providing personalized treatment options based on individual needs and preferences
4. Addressing any concerns about fertility or reproductive health
5. Encouraging open dialogue about menstrual and ovulation experiences

By integrating ovulation pain awareness into routine health discussions, healthcare providers can empower women to better understand and manage their reproductive health.

Cramping when Ovulating – Signs, Treatment

Many women experience some cramping when they ovulate — there’s even a term for the pain: mittelschmerz.

By Jan SheehanMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Reviewed: February 17, 2010

Medically Reviewed

If you have abdominal pain or cramping in the middle of your menstrual cycle, when you’re ovulating, you may be experiencing mittelschmerz, a word derived from the German for “middle” and “pain.”

Mittelschmerz occurs when the follicle — a tiny sac in the ovary that contains an egg — ruptures and releases the egg. This mid-cycle pain and discomfort can range from a minor pinch or twinge that’s over in minutes to more severe cramping that lasts for hours.

“You’ll feel it only on one side of your lower abdomen, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg,” says Amy Autry, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California at San Francisco.

Some women don’t feel anything when the egg is released from the ovary; others feel cramping a couple of weeks before their menstrual period. Overall, about 20 percent of women experience some type of ovulation pain, according to Dr. Autry.

While it’s unknown exactly why women experience cramping or ovulation pain, several theories exist. Before the egg is released, the follicle grows. This may stretch the surface of the ovary, causing pain. It’s also believed that blood and other fluid is released when the follicle ruptures, causing irritation that disappears as the fluid is reabsorbed. Because the ovaries have no openings, there may be some pain when the egg breaks through the ovary wall.

Six Signs of Ovulation Pain

Ovulation pain differs from menstrual cramps that come on just before or during a woman’s menstrual period. “It’s easy to recognize ovulation pain because it has a number of symptoms that are different from menstrual cramps,” says Autry.

The six signs of ovulation pain are:

• It’s one-sided.
• It comes on suddenly and without warning.
• It’s a sharp pain, twinge, or cramping rather than a dull ache.
• It often lasts only minutes, but may last a few hours or even up 24 hours.
• It may switch sides from month to month.
• It occurs about two weeks before your menstrual period starts.

Mild bleeding (spotting) or vaginal discharge may occur during this time. Some women may also experience nausea, especially if the cramping is severe. Mid-cycle pain is most common in adolescents and women in their twenties, but it can occur all the way up to age 45.

Understanding Your Body’s Signals

Women who experience ovulation pain may actually be at an advantage if they’re trying to get pregnant. Cramping in the weeks before your menstrual period is a sign that you’re ovulating and probably fertile. “You’re most likely to conceive if you have intercourse right before ovulation, on the day of ovulation, or immediately after ovulation,” says Autry.

On the other hand, mid-cycle pain may also help women who would rather not get pregnant. But while avoiding intercourse during times when you feel ovulation pain can be an effective back-up to your regular birth control method, don’t rely on it as your sole method of preventing pregnancy. “Sperm can live up to five days in a woman’s body,” cautions Autry. So you could get pregnant from unprotected sex on the days before you feel mittleschmerz pain.

Preventing and Treating Mid-Cycle Pain

For minor or brief ovulation pain, treatment is usually not necessary. For cramping that lasts more than a few minutes, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others) or naproxen (Aleve and others) will usually relieve the discomfort. Applying a heating pad to the site of the abdominal pain or taking a warm bath can also help. Heat increases blood flow, which relaxes tense muscles and eases cramping.

If your mid-cycle abdominal pain happens every month and is particularly bothersome, hormonal contraception (birth control pills, patches, or the vaginal ring) is an option because it prevents ovulation. And without ovulation, you can’t have ovulation pain.

Mid-cycle abdominal pain that is extreme or lasts longer than a day should be evaluated by a doctor. Appendicitis, ovarian cysts, and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy can sometimes mimic ovulation pain, although pain from these conditions is typically much more severe.

A medical exam and diagnostic tests can rule out other causes for abdominal pain. “But in the vast majority of cases, abdominal pain or cramping in the middle of the menstrual cycle simply means that you’re ovulating and the pain will disappear soon,” says Autry.

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Cramping During Ovulation Isn’t Unusual

Women have long associated the female “cycle” with pain, at least some of the time. But most people might not realize that there’s a specific pain or cramping during ovulation that is different than typical menstrual pain and which occurs at a different time.

If you’ve felt abdominal pain in the middle of your menstrual cycle – about two weeks before you are due for your period – that is likely pain or cramping associated with ovulation, a process lasts a total of 12-24 hours.

There’s even a name for this pain. Known as mittelschmerz – which is German for “middle pain” – this cramping during ovulation can last for just a brief minute or two or it may plague some women for up to a few hours.

Why does cramping happen?

Technically, mittelschmerz occurs when the tiny sac in the ovary that holds the egg ruptures and releases it. Occurring mid-cycle, it’ll only be felt on one side, unlike common menstrual pain. This is because only one egg is usually released during ovulation, so the cramping will be felt in EITHER the left or right ovary, depending on which one is releasing the egg.

Theories hypothesize that the pain occurs because the surface of the ovary is stretched as the follicle grows prior to the release of the egg. Other studies have determined that blood and other fluid is released when the follicle ruptures. That causes irritation initially, but it disappears when the fluid is reabsorbed.

Regardless of why it happens, according to a variety of studies, only about 20 percent of all menstruating women notice ovulation-related cramping on a regular basis though a higher percentage report it on occasion.

How can you tell if it’s ovulation pain?

There are plenty of ways to diagnose ovulation-related pain.

• You don’t have your period. Instead, it occurs between two periods.
• It happens only on one side, though it may switch sides from month to month.
• Menstrual cramps often feel like a dull ache but cramping from ovulation is usually described as sharp or like a twinge or pinch.
• There’s usually no warning as there are no other physical signs to go along with it, like the bleeding that accompanies menstruation. It comes on suddenly.
• It lasts only a few minutes to a few hours, rarely longer.

Cramping during ovulation can be helpful!

If you are trying to get pregnant, experiencing cramping or other kinds of pain during ovulation probably means that your body is working correctly and producing eggs for fertilization, which will occur naturally or by artificial means. Those who experience regular cramping like this can often – after a few months – judge when they are ovulating and can determine the best time for intercourse that could result in a pregnancy.

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Early pregnancy.

What is implantation cramps?

When do cramps occur during implantation? How to define them? What other early signs of pregnancy are there

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If you have ever been pregnant or tried to get pregnant, you may have heard of implantation cramps. But when exactly do such spasms occur and why?

When ovulation occurs, one ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tubes. If you have sex 3 days before or within 24 hours after this release, then there is a high chance that the egg will be fertilized. When this happens, the newly fertilized egg settles on the lining of the uterus. The implantation process can cause mild cramps (implantation cramps). Not everyone feels them, they do not have any effect on the course of pregnancy or the health of the fetus.

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What does cramping look like after implantation?

In most cases, they feel like mild spasms, a little aching. Some people also describe a tingling or pulling sensation. Typically, cramps are felt in the lower back, lower abdomen, or even the pelvis.

When do they occur?

Each menstrual cycle is different and it may take six to ten days for a new fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

As a rule, if the menstrual cycle is a regular menstrual cycle, then cramps can disturb 4-8 days before the next menstruation. (The average time between ovulation and menstruation is about 14 days)

Do they look like menstrual cramps?

The sensation itself is similar to menstrual cramps, but usually not as strong. Many women do not realize that they experience cramps after implantation because they are due to start their period within the next week. They consider their mild cramps to be premenstrual symptoms.

If spasms after implantation cause discomfort, then you can apply a warm heating pad to the place of pain, or drink painkillers. However, it is important to note that spasms after implantation should not be too painful. If the pain is severe, accompanied by other disturbing symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or fever, then you should contact your doctor. This may be a sign of an early miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or an ovarian cyst.

Other signs of implantation

Other signs of implantation may be felt along with cramps. Here are some of them that may indicate pregnancy.

• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Headache
• Food cravings or aversion
• Headache circling

how to track ovulation and understand that it has come

If a woman is visiting a gynecologist complains that she cannot get pregnant, one of the reasons may be the lack of ovulation. Contrary to popular belief, it does not occur every month, but is necessary for conception. Few can boast that they feel the onset of this condition, focusing on sensations, so we will highlight the signs of ovulation in a woman.

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Causes of pain

Delayed menstruation causes

ovulation

Let’s talk about how to find out that ovulation has come, highlight the main signs and methods for determining.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

When the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube after the rupture of the mature follicle, ovulation occurs. Thus, its meaning lies in the release of the egg for further fertilization and transportation through the genital tract. The ovulatory period does not have clear boundaries and a specific duration. For the most part, a woman is not able to feel the moment or day of ovulation, but certain signs and methods can indicate this.

What is ovulation and how does it happen

Each of the two ovaries contains approximately two hundred thousand immature eggs. By the time of puberty, about five hundred eggs reach full maturity. The female reproductive system goes through the same sequence of stages about once a month, which is associated with the activity of hormones. These stages are called the menstrual cycle – the time from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next. A favorable period for the onset of pregnancy occurs in the middle of the cycle, when signs of ovulation can be distinguished.

The release of the egg from the ovary towards the sperm occurs on average on the 14th day of the cycle, but when it comes to a 28-day cycle. In women, these numbers vary, so deviations from the average are normal. The definition of ovulation is that at this time a mature egg leaves the ovary and descends through the fallopian tube into the uterus. During the day, it can be fertilized.

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In the second phase of the cycle, the “main” follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, its function is the synthesis of the hormone progesterone. The corpus luteum functions for about ten days. In parallel, the lining of the uterus grows and thickens to receive and nourish the fertilized egg if needed. If conception does not occur, the egg dies, and the uterus cleans itself from the mucous membrane – critical days come. We will tell you what signs are noticeable during ovulation, but first we will explain how the egg matures.

• After the start of menstruation on the fifth or seventh day, the cell size reaches 4-5 mm.
• Cover of connective tissue appears on about the eighth day, the dominant follicle is different from the rest.
• In diameter, the leading follicle is 16-18 mm by the twelfth day, the rest regress at this time.
• The egg matures and leaves the follicular cavity through the rupture on the fourteenth day, about 36-48 hours pass between the process of preparing for ovulation and ovulation itself, but no more.
• The ovulatory cycle begins on the fourteenth or sixteenth day, when the diameter of the follicular cell (graafian vesicle) can exceed 20 mm.
• If the egg is fertilized, by the fourth day the embryo will enter the uterus and implantation will occur. If not, the egg will die.

Once again, we recall that we have considered the standard option – 14 days with a 28-day cycle. As a rule, observations during one cycle do not reflect an accurate picture. And the duration of the menstrual cycle is affected by the rate of maturation of the egg in its first phase before the onset of ovulation, the first signs of which we will consider below.

Sensations during ovulation and its main signs

Some women say that their intuition, sixth sense or some personal observations tell them about the onset of the desired phase. Like, the body sends them strong signals. Medicine reacts with caution to subjective sensations, but signs and symptoms that indicate ovulation still exist.

• Spasms on one side of the abdomen (on the side where the process is taking place), sometimes similar to cramps, pulling pains below, which is most likely due to tension in the organ.
• Increased vaginal discharge in the middle of the menstrual cycle is also a sign of ovulation in a woman. The secret becomes more liquid and creamy, similar to raw egg white.
• Often the body temperature rises by about 0.3 – 0.5 degrees, and after two or three days it returns to its previous value.
• Increased sensitivity of the breast, including in the area of ​​the nipples. The occurrence of this symptom is affected by hormonal fluctuations in the body.
• The cervix rises and is less palpable through the vagina, becoming softer and wider. The gynecologist may notice this during the examination.
• How to understand and recognize ovulation if there are signs of an emotional nature? A woman’s mood improves, she experiences increased sexual desire, her sense of smell even becomes more acute (to search for a partner). This is because the level of the hormone estrogen rises, which affects the emotional lift. From a physiological point of view, the quality of cervical mucus improves, which promotes conception.

You should not rush to the forum to read how girls find all the signs of ovulation in themselves, and then note imaginary flaws in themselves. The listed symptoms are individual, may appear separately or not at all.

How to calculate ovulation

It is believed that ovulation occurs two weeks before the next period. So that the signs of early pregnancy do not take you by surprise, it is better to know when ovulation will begin. To do this, it is enough to keep a women’s calendar. It is necessary to subtract fourteen days between ovulation and the first day of menstruation from the menstrual cycle as a whole.

If the cycle lasts 30 days, ovulation will occur approximately on the 16th day, if 33, then on the 19th. The regularity of the cycle plays a big role in this regard. When it is unstable, the calculation may be wrong. For example, if the cycle lasts from 27 to 31 days, ovulation will occur between 13 and 17 days. To make the most accurate calculations, you need to track several cycles and calculate the average duration. Subtract 14 from the last digit and get the approximate date. No matter what obvious signs of ovulation you have, it is better to do a test, an ultrasound scan, or use other methods to get a reliable result.

How to determine ovulation: working methods

Knowing when this process occurs is important in addressing two questions. If a woman plans to become pregnant, and if she uses a calendar method of contraception. It is not enough to rely solely on signs, we will tell you how else you can understand that you have started ovulation.

Folliculometry

Ultrasound diagnostic method by which the doctor observes folliculogenesis during the menstrual cycle. He sees the process of maturation of the follicle and the development of the dominant. This method is much more informative than just external signs during ovulation or subjective sensations. For example, if the size of the dominant follicle is 18 mm, this day and the next are suitable for pregnancy.

The procedure is performed either transvaginally (by inserting a transducer into the vagina) or abdominally (through the anterior abdominal wall). On the monitor, the specialist identifies signs of the onset or past ovulation:

• maturing follicles
• follicular rupture
• accumulation of fluid behind the uterus

This method has its positive and negative sides: 9000 3

• Pros: Monitoring allows you to see the fertile day and find out if artificial hormonal stimulation is needed.
• Cons: For research, you need to go through several procedures, and for a more complete picture, you need to observe for several menstrual cycles. First you need to come 3-5 days from the beginning of your period, then 5-7 days after the previous ultrasound. Then the intervals of the sessions are every two days. It turns out that observations take a lot of time and you have to bear the costs.

Ovulation Tests

A test that you can do at home and buy at the pharmacy will help you catch signs of ovulation. It detects the rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and is similar to a pregnancy test. They have a common mechanism of action – you need to wet the strip with urine and wait for the result.

True, the reliability of the study is noted in the morning hours after the onset of pregnancy, while the signs of ovulation are more accurately seen in the daytime. Just then, the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the urine increases. Before ovulation, the values ​​will be maximum, and tests make it possible to fix the peak. A positive result indicates that this and the next days are the most favorable for conception.

For example, if the cycle is 30 days, then from the 13th day you need to start measuring. Even if there are signs of ovulation, but it has not come, without ovulation, the second strip will not appear. Around day 15, the test line will become as bright as the control line. This means that the ovulatory period needs to wait for the next day.

• Pros: Convenience and ease of doing research at home. Observations do not take much time.
• Cons: False-negative results are due to different testing times, the amount of fluid drunk, with an irregular cycle, there is a high chance of missing ovulation. In addition, sensitive tests are expensive.

Temperature measurement

If the first sign of ovulation is vaginal discharge, the second is fever. The dynamics of its change speaks about the onset of the process. In the first days of the cycle, the basal temperature is kept at approximately the same level. The day before ovulation, it decreases by fractions of a degree, and on day X it increases above the beginning of the cycle.

It is important to remember that discharge is easy to spot, and sensations due to temperature fluctuations are less obvious signs of ovulation. They do not affect well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to take measurements with an accurate thermometer with a minimum error. The procedure is performed immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. You can’t even run to the toilet or to another room for a thermometer. It should lie next to the evening. It is advisable to take measurements at the same time and highlight the results on the graph by connecting the points at the end into a broken line.

So, how to know that ovulation has come, what are the signs for this regarding changes in body temperature. On the first day of the cycle, it can be 36.9 degrees. A few days before ovulation – 36.2. And if she crawled up to 37 degrees, then ovulation most likely occurred. During menstruation, you do not need to use the method.

If the temperature rises after ovulation, the probability of successful conception is high, what early signs may indicate this, we wrote earlier. Note that measurements are taken rectally, since other methods give large deviations from the actual basal temperature. It is necessary to see changes in tenths of a degree, so it is possible that a woman sometimes notes a random wandering of temperature with false rises and falls.

• Pros: The availability and efficiency of the method, while following the rules of measurement, makes it stand out from the rest.
• Cons: The result is affected not only by the phase of the cycle, but also by stress, ailments, sleep disturbances, diseases, sexual contacts. Because of all these points, the temperature can rise, which complicates the search for symptoms. Reviews of experts say that the method determines the signs of ovulation, but it is considered auxiliary, not the main one.

Blood test

There is no specialized blood test to determine ovulation. But in laboratory conditions, indicators of luteinizing hormone are monitored. We will tell you what signs in this case appear so that you can catch the day of ovulation. About a day before the onset, the concentration of LH in the blood increases tenfold. Blood must be donated on days 3-8 and 19-21. At the peak of the hormone concentration, ovulation occurs. It reflects the level of the hormone in numbers with great accuracy.

Also, the analysis gives the opportunity to see the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is he who stimulates the growth of follicles, and together with LH is responsible for the secretion of estrogen and ovulation in general. If its concentration reaches 40 or more mIU / ml, it is almost impossible to get pregnant. In young women, this indicator may indicate a low ovarian reserve, and in mature women, it may indicate a loss of childbearing function.

• Pros: The blood sampling procedure itself takes little time, the analysis shows the onset of ovulation with great accuracy.
• Cons: There is a need to regularly go to the clinic, the analysis has to be taken several times, so the method can be considered expensive.

Why pain occurs during ovulation

Pain is not a common symptom of ovulation. It is not found in all women. Drawing pains are in the lower abdomen in the center, on the right or on the left, which depends on which ovary the dominant follicle matures. An unpleasant sensation is associated with an increase in the level of biologically active substances in the body of a woman before ovulation – prostaglandins.

They dissolve the wall of the follicle so that the egg can enter the fallopian tube. This gap cannot be physically felt, but the mechanisms associated with the process sometimes lead to nausea, headaches and discomfort in the lower abdomen. It should be noted that after menstruation, signs in the form of pain really indicate impending ovulation, and not about any pathology. The first is characterized by the following indicators:

• Pain occurs on the day of ovulation, sometimes it is noted the day before or a day or two after it. It should last no more than two days and pass on its own.
• Feelings accompany ovulation for several cycles, for clarification it is advisable to keep a diary and describe such phenomena in it.
• Approximately two weeks after the painful symptoms, another ovulation occurs.
• Pain is usually mild and does not require medication.

Severe pulling pains should alert, especially if they are accompanied by fever, dizziness, vomiting. Signs of pathology – blood discharge during ovulation. If they are weak, then hormonal changes take place. There is a decrease in the amount of the hormone estrogen and a weakening of the endometrium. But if the discharge is plentiful or purulent, this is a clear reason to see a doctor. And you should not prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on your own, because on the days of the expected ovulation or shortly before them, they can reduce the chances of conception.

What happens to the egg after ovulation

When a follicle ruptures, the egg travels into the fallopian tube, where it can meet the male sex cells. If spermatozoa survive up to seven days in the uterus and fallopian tubes, the cell is given much less time – from 12 to 24 hours. Conception will occur only if the meeting of the spermatozoon with the female reproductive cell took place during the period of her vital activity.

The path to the female cell is difficult, spermatozoa do not always pass it in time. If fertilization does not occur, the next day the egg is unable to complete the task after ovulation. It turns out that if the fetal egg does not attach in the uterine cavity, it dies. But during fertilization, the egg finds a place and attaches to the hairs of the uterine wall. During this period, there may be slight pink discharge. A fertilized egg is already considered an embryo. You can confidently talk about the onset of pregnancy in 6-8 weeks.

Why ovulation does not occur and is it dangerous? If conception did not occur in a short period of cell viability, after ovulation, the first signs of pregnancy in the same cycle should not be expected. Most likely, it will not come. But it also happens that conception occurs in the second phase of the cycle. But then ovulation is not celebrated on the 14th day, as usual, but approximately on the 18th. Then ovulation is called late.

In this situation, the risk of an unplanned pregnancy is likely, because the woman considers the days safe and does not use contraceptives. By the way, for planning pregnancy, the signs of early ovulation are also not very convenient. This cyclic pathology has a short follicular phase – less than 12 days, so the chances of conceiving a child are reduced. In this case, it has not yet fully developed and matured, and therefore is not ready for fertilization. If it happens, the risk of miscarriage is high.

Sometimes it happens that menstruation comes on time, but ovulation does not occur. Normally, a woman can observe up to three anovulatory cycles without changes in her health status. But if there are more of them, you should consult a doctor and be examined. We have told how ovulation manifests itself, we will list the main reasons for its absence:0048

• elevated prolactin hormone levels
• thyroid dysfunction
• lack of estrogen, excessive production of androgens
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• oncology of the pituitary, ovaries and adrenal glands
• automyom lunar diseases
• taking antidepressants, COCs, corticosteroids, etc.

In any case, all these factors require increased attention, because they pose a danger to women’s health. You can suspect something is wrong with an irregular cycle, the absence of menstruation, with prolonged bleeding, a sharp increase in weight, hair loss. Determining ovulation is important not only for the implementation of plans to become a mother, but also for controlling body functions.