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How do I know I’m ovulating? Spot your fertility signs
Written byMedico Digital
Reviewed byDr Shazia Malik
Want to know when you’re ovulating? Unlock the secrets of your cycle – discover the telltale ovulation signs and symptoms that reveal when you’re most fertile
Summary
1Ovulation and its role in the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a natural process that typically starts around age 12...
2Common signs and symptoms of ovulation
Ovulation’s a complex process that involves both physical and hormonal changes...
3Signs of ovulation after giving birth
It’s possible to get pregnant really soon after giving birth. In fact, you may ovulate as soon as...
Ovulation’s an important moment in your menstrual cycle – it’s when your body releases an egg from one of the ovaries, setting the stage for a potential pregnancy.1 But how can you tell when it’s happening?
From subtle changes in your body to more noticeable signs, ovulation can leave its clues.2 So whether you’re trying to conceive or simply want to understand your cycle better, here’s how to recognise those key tells…
Ovulation and its role in the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a natural process that typically starts around age 12 and lasts until menopause.1 Usually, the average cycle lasts around 28 days (but it can range normally from 21 to 35 days).
Ovulation is a key part of the menstrual cycle, typically occurring mid-cycle. During ovulation, a mature egg is released from the ovaries, triggered by rising oestrogen levels. If the egg isn’t fertilised, hormone levels drop and menstruation (your period) begins. Ovulation usually happens around day 14, but it can vary by several days, even in the same person in different cycles.1
Recognising signs and symptoms of ovulation could help pinpoint your most fertile window and improve your chances of conceiving.2
Common signs and symptoms of ovulation
Ovulation’s a complex process that involves both physical and hormonal changes in your body.2
Here are some signs you’re about to ovulate or have just ovulated…
One of the key signs you’re about to ovulate is a change in cervical mucus – you might hear this called ovulation discharge. Around ovulation, your vaginal discharge becomes thinner and stretchier, a little like raw egg whites.1 This happens because of an increase in levels of oestrogen.3
Ovulation happens due to a surge in a hormone called luteinising hormone (LH), which normally occurs 24–36 hours before ovulation.3
You can often tell ovulation is happening by using a predictor kit (a urine test) that detects this LH surge.4
BBT is your temperature when fully at rest. Tracking BBT can help you see if you’ve ovulated by noticing changes in your body temperature. After ovulation, a hormone called progesterone is released from the ovary, which causes your BBT to rise slightly and remain elevated until your next period.5
Some women experience ovulation pain when an egg is released from the ovary. This usually feels like a dull ache or sharp twinges, lasting for up to one or two days.6
It’s important to note that certain conditions, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts or an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), can also cause similar pain and can be serious. If you experience severe pain or other concerning symptoms, contact emergency medical services immediately.6
You may also notice other changes when you’re ovulating, such as:7
- changes in sex drive (libido)
- breast tenderness
- mood and appetite changes
Signs of ovulation after giving birth
It’s possible to get pregnant really soon after giving birth. In fact, you may ovulate as soon as three weeks after birth, and you could even get pregnant before you’ve had a period.8
Breastfeeding naturally suppresses the release of hormones needed for ovulation, which means you’re less likely to get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding your baby. Still, breastfeeding doesn’t prevent pregnancy for certain.9
If you’re not breastfeeding, the first ovulation usually happens around one to two months after giving birth.10
So, what signs should you look out for to know if you’re ovulating again?
Ovulation usually resumes when prolactin levels (the hormone that stimulates breast milk production) decrease. As prolactin levels come down, hormones like LH increase, signalling the ovaries to release an egg.11
As ovulation begins to return, signs like changes in ovulation discharge, ovulation pain, an increase in BBT and breast tenderness may suggest it’s starting to happen. These indicators can vary between women but are similar to the signs and symptoms of ovulation at any other time.
However, there may be no signs at all, so it’s important to have effective contraception in place before you resume sex after birth.
Signs of ovulation during perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition that all women experience before menopause, when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods haven’t yet stopped. It typically begins around 5 to 10 years before menopause. During this time, menstrual cycles and ovulation become irregular and hormonal changes lead to a decrease in fertility.12
Ovulation happens less often during late perimenopause, but it doesn’t disappear entirely, even if you’re experiencing very irregular or long cycles.13 Because periods can be so erratic during this time, it can be hard to spot the signs of ovulation, and it’s best to avoid using cycle tracking alone to determine ovulation or fertility during this stage.13
Ovulation signs can vary from person to person, and not everyone experiences them. If symptoms feel unusual or concerning for you, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.
It’s also important to use effective contraception if you don’t want to get pregnant right up to the menopause – it’s best to discuss suitable options with your GP or family planning clinic.
The final say
From changes in vaginal discharge and ovulation pain to increased LH and BBT, your body can provide many clues about its natural rhythms.1,3,5,6
Spotting ovulation signs can give you some powerful insights – whether you’re aiming to conceive or just connect with your body.
Curious how your health could impact your chances of conceiving? Explore our guide to see how various health conditions can affect fertility.
Disclaimer - This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. NHS. Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle [Internet]. [cited 2024 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/
2. Owen M. Physiological signs of ovulation and fertility readily observable by women. Linacre Q. 2012;80(1):17–23. https://doi.org/10.1179/0024363912z.0000000005
3. Reed B, Carr BR. The normal menstrual cycle and the control of ovulation. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com; 2000. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279054/
4. Su H, Yi Y, Wei T, Chang T, Cheng C. Detection of ovulation, a review of currently available methods. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine [Internet]. 2017 Feb 25 [cited 2025 Aug 27];2(3):238–46. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5689497/
5. Steward K, Raja A. Physiology, ovulation and basal body temperature. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546686/
6. NHS. Ovulation pain [Internet]. [cited 2024 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovulation-pain/
7. The Fertility Foundation. Ovulation symptoms: Signs you’re most fertile [Internet]. [cited 2024 Dec 13]. Available at: https://fertilityfoundation.org/ovulation-symptoms-signs-of-ovulation/
8. NHS. Contraception after birth [Internet]. [cited 2024 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.lnwh.nhs.uk/contraception-after-birth/
9. Calik-Ksepka A, et al. Lactational amenorrhea: Neuroendocrine pathways controlling fertility and bone turnover. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(3):1633. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031633
10. Wray S, et al. Physiology of the puerperium and lactation. Glob Libr Womens Med. 2021;15. https://doi.org/10.3843/GLOWM.415293
11. McNeilly AS. Effects of lactation on fertility. Br Med Bull. 1979 May;35(2):151-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/387162/
12. Grandi G, et al. Contraception during perimenopause: Practical guidance. Int J Womens Health. 2022;14:913–29. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S288070
13. Ferrell, Rebecca et al. Progesterone and Ovulation across Stages of the Transition to Menopause. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 2009; 16: 1178. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e3181aa192d
