Recognizing ovulation signs is essential for understanding your fertility window, whether you're trying to conceive or simply want to know your body better.

Cervical Mucus Changes

One of the most reliable ovulation indicators is cervical mucus. As ovulation approaches, it becomes clear, stretchy, and resembles raw egg whites. This type of mucus helps sperm travel to the egg.

Basal Body Temperature

Your basal body temperature (BBT) slightly increases after ovulation due to progesterone. Tracking this daily can help you identify your patterns over time.

How to track BBT:

  • Take your temperature first thing in the morning
  • Use a basal thermometer for accuracy
  • Record temperatures daily
  • Look for a sustained 0.5-1°F rise
  • Track for at least 3 months to identify patterns

Physical Symptoms

Many women experience physical signs around ovulation, though these vary from person to person.

Common signs:

  • Mild pelvic or lower abdominal pain (mittelschmerz)
  • Increased libido
  • Breast tenderness
  • Heightened sense of smell
  • Light spotting

Using multiple tracking methods together provides the most accurate picture of your ovulation timing. Consider combining cervical mucus observation, BBT tracking, and awareness of physical symptoms for best results.