I think it's safe to say that most people know very little about their own reproductive systems. We generally know what parts we have and the basics of how to make a baby, but are typically pretty clueless about the actual science that is involved in the process. We know that women ovulate every month and that unprotected sex around that time can result in pregnancy, we know that we get our periods a couple weeks later if we're not pregnant, and we know that if we don't use some form of contraception and have unprotected sex there is always a chance of getting pregnant. But, there's actually a lot more to fertility than those basic facts!
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I've personally used the Fertility Awareness Method for years as a means to prevent pregnancy as well as to achieve pregnancy, so I consider myself a bit more well informed than the average person, but a recent visit to my gynecologist clued me in to a few things that even I didn't know about. Here are the facts that every woman should know about ovulation, whether you're planning a pregnancy or trying to avoid one.
1. Discharge is normal. We'll start with the most bothersome sign — vaginal discharge. There are three types of vaginal discharge that occur leading up to ovulation, each of which is an indicator of how fertile you are. The discharge is really cervical mucus (sounds gross, I know) and is necessary for conception. A couple days after your period, the mucus secreted will be sticky or pasty and as ovulation approaches it will turn wet and creamy, and eventually, just before ovulation it will be slippery like raw eggwhite. Slippery eggwhite means you will likely ovulate within a day or two. After you ovulate, the mucus will dry up almost entirely for the remainder of your cycle. Note: if you are experiencing very yellow or green discharge, or if it has an unpleasant odor, it's not cervical mucus and you should see a doctor.
2. Your cervix changes. The cervix actually changes position during ovulation in order to facilitate conception. Before and after ovulation, the cervix is firm, closed and located very near the vaginal opening. As ovulation approaches, the cervix transforms in order to make it easier for sperm to pass through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes — it becomes soft and open, and estrogen causes it to rise higher and nearer to the uterus. You can use a clean finger to check your cervical position once a day between the end of your period and ovulation.
3. You're hotter when you're not fertile. Some women take their basal body temperature at the same time every morning in order to monitor their fertility. That's because your waking temperature is lower during your period and prior to ovulation. A sustained rise in temperature usually indicates that ovulation has already occurred and your fertile window for that cycle has ended.
4. Cramping, breast tenderness, bloating and more. Many women notice PMS-like symptoms weeks before their period is due, but have no idea why. It's actually because immediately before and during ovulation a number of secondary signs may occur, including breast tenderness, bloating, spotting, increased sexual feelings and heightened senses. You may experience one or all of these symptoms leading up to ovulation. Though they are not completely reliable as any hormonal changes can cause similar symptoms, not just ovulation.
5. PMS has a positive side. Lastly, if you experience PMS regularly, you most likely have a healthy reproductive system. Those annoying mood swings, headaches, cramps, and breakouts are good indicators that your body has produced the hormones necessary for a healthy menstrual cycle, starting with your period, climaxing at ovulation and ending with some general unpleasantness just before your next cycle begins.
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