How to tell if ovulation is over? 7 telltale signs

Ovulation is a major part of the menstrual cycle. Detecting and monitoring its signs is very important, especially if you're trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy.

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilized by sperm. It is the third phase in the uterine cycle and usually occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, although it varies from person to person.

It is triggered by hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In each cycle, only one follicle is released, and thousands of others are lost in the process.

The ovulation phase matters because it marks the most fertile days of the cycle when pregnancy can occur.

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Signs of Ovulation

Knowing the signs of ovulation helps you recognize when your fertile window is open.

Most Accurate Ways to Confirm Ovulation

1. Daily transvaginal ultrasonography and laparoscopic monitoring
   • Transvaginal ultrasound lets doctors see the ovaries daily and track the follicle. When the follicle bursts, ovulation has occurred.
   • Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure using a camera inserted into the abdomen to view the ovary directly and see the follicle rupture.
2. Identification of an ovum in the female reproductive tract or detection of pregnancy
   • This is the only positive confirmation of ovulation.

However, these methods are too invasive, expensive, and impractical for everyday use.

Other Reliable Indicators

1. Luteinizing hormone (LH) surge
   • LH levels peak in urine or blood tests when ovulation is near, providing a strong signal for ovulation.
2. Basal body temperature (BBT) rise
   • BBT is the lowest body temperature reached during rest, usually after waking up.
   • BBT rises slightly after ovulation due to increased progesterone secretion.
   • Factors like fever, alcohol, stress, sleep disturbance, room temperature changes, or climate changes can affect BBT, so it provides clues rather than definitive proof.
3. Cervical mucus changes
   • Secreted by cervical and endocervical glands, cervical mucus varies throughout the cycle.
   • Outside the ovulatory period, mucus is thick, scant, and viscous.
   • During ovulation, under estrogen, mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and egg-white-like, but dries afterward.
4. Salivary ferning
   • Rising estrogen and ACTH levels increase aldosterone, which raises saliva salt content.
   • When saliva dries, salt crystallizes into a fern-like pattern under a microscope before ovulation.
5. Mittelschmerz (ovulation pain)
   • Preovulatory lower abdominal pain occurring midcycle (days 7–24) in some women.
   • Pain can range from mild to strong and is usually felt on the side of the maturing egg.
6. Breast tenderness
   • Swelling and increased sensitivity before ovulation due to hormonal fluctuations.
7. Bloating
   • Caused by changes in fluid retention during the menstrual cycle.
8. Spotting or light bleeding
   • Usually light, pink or red, and lasts 1–2 days.
   • Caused by a temporary drop in estrogen when the egg is released.
9. Heightened senses and mood changes
   • Some women experience stronger smell, increased sex drive, or mood shifts due to hormonal changes.

Observing all these signs together gives a clearer picture than relying on just one.

Signs Ovulation Has Already Occurred

Once ovulation is complete, the body shifts into the luteal phase:

• Cervical mucus thickens and becomes creamy
• Breasts become less tender
• Sex drive decreases
• Ovulation cramps reduce
• Basal body temperature rises slightly
• Bloating or fluid retention eases
• Spotting stops if it was present

These markers indicate preparation for either pregnancy or menstruation.

What Happens After Ovulation?

• The body enters the luteal phase, lasting about 14 days
• The released egg travels down the fallopian tube
• If fertilized, it implants into the uterine lining, and pregnancy begins
• If unfertilized, hormone levels drop, and the uterine lining sheds (menstruation occurs)

This cycle repeats every month until menopause, except in case of pregnancy (1).

Can I Get Pregnant After Ovulation Is Over?

Yes you can get pregnant after ovulation  but only within that narrow window right after egg release. Once the egg disintegrates, pregnancy is no longer possible until the next cycle.

The egg only survives 12–24 hours after release. Sperm, however, can live in the reproductive tract for up to five days. That’s why sex before ovulation often leads to pregnancy. However, after ovulation, the probability decreases with each passing hour.

Summary

Ovulation marks the most fertile phase of the menstrual cycle, driven by hormonal changes. Signs include cervical mucus changes, basal body temperature rise, LH surge, mittelschmerz, bloating, breast tenderness, spotting, and mood shifts.

After ovulation, cervical mucus thickens, cramps ease, and BBT stays elevated, signaling the luteal phase. The egg survives only 12–24 hours, so conception is possible shortly after release but unlikely once it disintegrates, until the next cycle begins.

Learning to recognize the signs of ovulation and when it's over helps you understand your cycle clearly, whether you’re planning pregnancy or preventing it.

Remember, each woman’s cycle is unique. If your cycle is irregular or confusing to track, you can consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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