OVULATION: when the hen lays eggs!

Ovulation is that phase of the menstrual cycle in which fertility reaches its peak: every person with an active sex life - and no intention to procreate - soon learns to accurately formulate the calculation of ovulation, hoping that this is enough to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. The method is not absolutely reliable while it is true that couples who want to remain "pregnant" can learn to read the physical signs of this phenomenon. From how ovulation tests work to how to manage a possible painful ovulation: let's see how to experience the various symptoms of ovulation in a peaceful way and take full advantage of its benefits.

SUMMARY
Ovulation - what is it?
Ovulation: calculation of the fertile period
Ovulation: symptoms and how to recognize them
Ovulation test and efficacy
Painful ovulation: causes
How to organize the calendar based on ovulation

Ovulation - what is it?

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from one of the ovaries, which occurs every month in a regular cycle. A person is generally more fertile in the period of ovulation: the egg is in fact "put on display" for any sperm that might pass by chance there. But - like all beautiful things - it does not last long because it has a vitality of about 12-24 hours depending on the case. With ovulation you have to literally seize the moment before the egg is discharged. In this period you feel sexier, full of energy to share and even give as a gift.

Ovulation: calculation of the fertile period

The calculation of ovulation: if on the one hand it is not a reliable method of contraception, it is instead a useful gesture for those people who are looking for a pregnancy because it helps to understand the fertile window in which to get pregnant!

When does ovulation happen?

Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, or around the 14th day for those with an average cycle of 28 days, counting from the first day of menstrual flow to the first day of the next. But as with everything related to pregnancy, there is a wide range of possibilities, as cycles can last from 23 to 35 days, and your cycle and time of ovulation can also vary slightly from month to month as well. An egg can be fertilized between 12 and 24 hours after ovulation. The specific time it takes for the egg to be released from the ovary and collected by the fallopian tubes varies, but occurs 12 to 24 hours after the LH hormone peaks. During each menstrual cycle, healthy couples who do not use contraceptives generally have about a 25-30% chance of becoming pregnant, although this calculation can vary greatly depending on the circumstances, particularly in relation to age: it is however an extraordinarily high probability considering that the egg remains available for eventual fertilization no more than 24 hours! Furthermore, the spermatozoa are able to survive longer than the egg, from three to six days. Which means that even if you have sex a few days before ovulation, there may be plenty of sperm still around to do an egg hello before it makes its journey down the fallopian tubes. And remember: it only takes one sperm to make a baby. For those wishing to become pregnant, having sex on the day of ovulation would be ideal, as after that the window tends to close until the next period. So when the goal is pregnancy it is essential to know how to recognize the signs of ovulation or buy an ovulation test.

Ovulation: symptoms and how to recognize them

There are some signs that indicate an impending or ongoing ovulation. Obviously they are not a scientific evaluation method but if you are people who love to listen to your body and its language you will learn over time to decipher them: only 20% of menstruating people, to date, are able, according to statistics, to understand when they are ovulating. We want this percentage to go up until all people have enough time and heart to recognize the body's signals. But, watch out, none of us should still consider it as an infallible method of contraception.

Let's find out the signs of ovulation

1) You have a slight drop in temperature which then rises again, a similar thing happens before you fall asleep when the body loses 1 degree of temperature. For those who want to follow this path it is possible to learn how to track the basal body temperature : it is measured with a special thermometer in the morning, before getting up. Basal temperature changes based on hormonal fluctuations. In the first phase of the cycle - where estrogen dominates - the temperature is lower which indicates that we are just before ovulation. As soon as we ovulate, the progesterone rears up and heats the body to keep the baby warm. Following the temperature trend allows you to understand if ovulation has actually occurred.

2) You may feel slight cramps or even a slight twinge - also known as mittelschmerz . Usually this twinge is perceptible on one of the two sides (on the ovary that is ovulating) and is like the bell that signals the full maturation and release of the egg.

3) If you also like to observe the monthly changes in your vulva and vagina , you will notice that during ovulation the vulva swells and the cervix (or the "neck" of the uterus, at the bottom of the vaginal canal) becomes softer, for welcome incoming spermatozoa. Try doing a first-person test by sticking your finger in and tapping: in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, the cervix is ​​closed and low. In the period of ovulation it softens and opens a little to let the sperm pass. Not all people are used to perceiving these changes in the body but it is possible to discover them with a daily check of the cervix.

4) You would also make the street lamps. Or as well-bred people say, you have a marked increase in sexual desire.

5) You may notice spots, known as spotting - including blood - which are absolutely possible and not alarming. We are not talking about copious blood loss, however. In that case it is better to consult a gynecologist.

6) Your secretions are a very clear parameter. After bleeding, drought. Then the mucus begins to descend again. Just before ovulation, your cervical mucus builds up, becomes transparent and takes on a thin consistency similar to that of egg white. This is the mucus that will help the sperm to get deep inside you. You recognize it like this: take some between your fingers and try to pull it. If you create a thread that takes a while to break, it means you are about to ovulate. Not all of them produce this type of mucus, however, particularly people who have undergone surgery for abnormal Pap smears .

Ovulation test and efficacy

If you don't have the time or mind to recognize the signs and don't want to mess with your cervical mucus, there are practical ovulation tests that help you predict the date of ovulation 12 to 24 hours in advance by analyzing the levels. of luteinizing hormone , or LH , the last of the hormones to peak before ovulation. All you have to do is urinate on a stick and wait for the indicator to tell you if you are about to ovulate. These approaches are more accurate than using apps that have an ovulation calendar but may vary for reasons beyond the app's control. A test that currently measures the hormone level is much more reliable. Another possible approach is the salivary ovulation test, much less common but cheaper than the ovulation test. There are also tests that detect the numerous salts (chloride, sodium, potassium) in sweat, which change during the different periods of the month, but there are not yet enough studies to confirm its effectiveness.

Painful ovulation: causes

You may notice unilateral pain for a few minutes or even a couple of hours on the day of suspected ovulation. Ovulation involves a follicular cyst that swells and then ruptures and releases the egg after luteinizing hormone (LH) increases. After the egg is released, the fallopian tubes contract to help it reach the sperm awaiting fertilization. Blood and other fluids from the ruptured follicle can also enter the abdominal cavity and pelvis during this process and cause irritation. The sensation can range from a dull pain to sharp pangs. It can be accompanied by spotting or other discharge. If the pain becomes severe or occurs at other points in your period, consult your gynecologist.

How to organize the calendar based on ovulation

You have many good reasons to learn how to organize your calendar based on the time of ovulation: if you don't want a pregnancy, well, it is useful to know that in those days you are fertile, but remember that it is not a contraceptive method. The same is true if you want to have a baby and it is therefore a good time to stay a little longer in your love's arms, plan a romantic getaway or even just plan a candlelit dinner and a hot, hot bath. Furthermore, ovulation is a magical time to enjoy all the energy it brings: go out, socialize, talk about your ideas to everyone you know and showcase what you have been hatching during preovulation. It's time to be fertilized: physically or metaphorically!
Did you know that? "During ovulation, menstruating people have a more receptive sense of smell because estrogen levels peak and this allows them to choose a potential partner more accurately."