Ovulation a moment of power and deeper understanding of your body

How does ovulation affect your body?

Many women don’t realize how much their cycle influences their overall well-being.

During ovulation, hormone levels peak, affecting both physical and emotional health. Understanding these changes can help you get to know your body better and embrace your natural strengths.

Ovulation is the time when the body is at its peak fertility, but it is also an opportunity to focus on self-care and emotional balance.

When does ovulation occur?

Ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the follicle, usually happens about 12 to 16 days before the end of the cycle. In an average 28-day cycle, this means ovulation typically occurs around the middle of the cycle.

Phases of the menstrual cycle and ovulation

• Follicular phase – The first phase begins on the first day of menstruation. During this time, an egg matures within a follicle in the ovary.
• Ovulation – The follicle ruptures and releases the egg, which travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.
• Luteal phase – After ovulation, the ruptured follicle turns into the corpus luteum, producing progesterone and estrogen. If the egg is fertilized, it implants in the uterus, leading to pregnancy. If not, the cycle ends with menstruation.

How can you feel ovulation?

Some women experience physical signs of ovulation, which can help identify fertile days.

• Lower abdominal pain – Mild or moderate pain on one side of the lower abdomen, known as mittelschmerz, lasting from a few minutes to several hours.
• Changes in cervical mucus – During ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clearer, slippery, and stretchy, resembling egg whites, helping sperm move more easily toward the egg.
• Increase in basal body temperature – After ovulation, resting body temperature rises by 0.2-0.5°C. Measuring temperature every morning can help track ovulation.
• Higher libido – Many women notice an increase in sexual desire during ovulation, a natural response to improve the chances of conception.
• Breast sensitivity – Hormonal fluctuations can cause tenderness or tightness in the breasts.

Tracking your cycle

To monitor ovulation and fertile days accurately, you can use ovulation calculators or test kits that detect luteinizing hormone levels. However, ovulation calculators provide only estimates based on average cycle lengths and mathematical predictions.

In reality, ovulation can shift due to stress, lifestyle changes, or health conditions. Therefore, these tools should be used as a general guide rather than a precise method.

Understanding your cycle can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health and overall well-being.