Ovulation is a process in which an egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube, making it available for fertilization by sperm. For women trying to conceive, identifying the signs that ovulation is over can help them determine their fertile window and increase their chances of getting pregnant. Here are some common signs that ovulation is over:
- Basal body temperature (BBT) shift: After ovulation, there is a slight increase in basal body temperature (BBT), which is the temperature of your body at rest. This shift usually occurs within 24 hours of ovulation and can be detected using a basal thermometer. Tracking your BBT can help you determine when ovulation has occurred and when it is over.
- Cervical mucus changes: Before ovulation, cervical mucus is usually thin, clear, and stretchy, resembling raw egg white. This type of mucus is called fertile cervical mucus and is designed to help sperm swim up to the egg. After ovulation, the mucus becomes thicker, cloudier, and less stretchy, indicating that ovulation has occurred and that the fertile window has ended.
- Ovulation pain: Some women experience ovulation pain or mittelschmerz, which is a sharp pain or cramping on one side of the lower abdomen. This pain is usually felt on the side where the ovary has released the egg and can last for a few hours or days. If you experience ovulation pain, it can be a sign that ovulation has occurred.
- Changes in the cervix: During ovulation, the cervix becomes softer, higher, and more open, allowing sperm to enter the uterus more easily. After ovulation, the cervix returns to its normal position and becomes firmer and less open. By tracking changes in your cervix position and texture, you can determine when ovulation has occurred.
- Positive ovulation test: Ovulation tests measure the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which surges just before ovulation. A positive ovulation test indicates that ovulation will occur within the next 12-36 hours, after which the LH level will drop, and ovulation will be over.
- Decreased sex drive: After ovulation, some women may experience a decrease in their sex drive due to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. This can be a sign that ovulation has occurred, and the fertile window has ended.
- Mood changes: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can also affect mood. After ovulation, some women may experience mood changes, such as irritability or depression, due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. These changes can be a sign that ovulation has occurred.
- Breast tenderness: Some women may experience breast tenderness or swelling after ovulation due to hormonal changes. This can be a sign that ovulation has occurred and that the fertile window has ended.
In conclusion, there are several signs that can indicate ovulation is over, including a shift in basal body temperature, changes in cervical mucus, ovulation pain, changes in the cervix, a positive ovulation test, decreased sex drive, mood changes, and breast tenderness. By tracking these signs, women can determine their fertile window and increase their chances of getting pregnant.