One of the first signs that your body is ovulating is a change in cervical mucus consistency. During your menstrual cycle, you may notice a sticky or creamy discharge.

However, as you ovulate, the mucus becomes thinner, clearer, and stretchy, resembling egg whites. This change helps facilitate sperm movement and indicates your fertile period.

2. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Shift

Monitoring your basal body temperature can also help you identify ovulation. Before ovulation, your BBT is relatively low. However, after ovulation, it rises due to increased progesterone levels.

Tracking your BBT every morning with a basal body thermometer can pinpoint the time of ovulation.

3. Ovulation Pain or Mittelschmerz

Some women experience a slight twinge or pain on one side of their lower abdomen during ovulation. This sensation, known as mittelschmerz, occurs when the mature egg is released from the ovary.

Although not everyone experiences ovulation pain, it can be a helpful indication for some individuals.

4. Increased Libido

During ovulation, your body experiences hormonal changes that can lead to an increase in sexual desire. This heightened libido is nature’s way of encouraging procreation.

If you notice a sudden surge in your sex drive, it could signify that you are currently ovulating.

5. Breast Tenderness

Fluctuating hormone levels during ovulation can cause breast tenderness or soreness in some women. This sensitivity is similar to what you may experience in the days leading up to your period and typically subsides once ovulation has occurred.

6. Ovulation Spotting

Occasionally, some women may experience light spotting or a small amount of bleeding during ovulation. This spotting is caused by the release of the egg and disruption to the uterine lining. It is usually harmless and resolves quickly.

7. Changes in the Cervix

The position and feel of your cervix can change throughout your menstrual cycle, and these changes become more noticeable during ovulation. When you are ovulating, the cervix becomes softer, higher, and more open.

You can track these changes by performing regular self-checks.

8. Increased Saliva Ferning

Saliva ferning, also known as saliva ovulation test, involves looking at dried saliva under a microscope. During ovulation, estrogen levels rise, leading to an increased salt content in saliva.

When the dried saliva is viewed under a microscope, it forms a fern-like pattern, indicating the onset of ovulation.

9. Pelvic Discomfort

Some women may experience mild pelvic discomfort or a feeling of fullness during ovulation. This discomfort is caused by the egg’s release and the subsequent stimulation of the follicles in the ovary. It is usually short-lived and not severe.

10. Positive Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK)

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) are widely used to detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that occurs prior to ovulation.

A positive OPK result indicates that ovulation is likely to occur within the next 24-36 hours, giving you a clear sign that your body is preparing for ovulation.