So you want to know if you are ovulating? There are several ways to know if you are ovulating, each with varying degrees of efficiency. While there is a popular myth that you can simply take the start of your period and add 14 days to know when you ovulate, this is not true. Below, we will take a look at a few basic methods of knowing if you are ovulating.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
One way to know if you are ovulating is with ovulation predictor kits. Similar to pregnancy tests, ovulation predictor kits can be used in the privacy of your own home to find out if you are ovulating. Ovulation predictor kits work by measuring the level of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) in a woman’s body. Because LH levels will rise prior to ovulation, ovulation predictor kits can let you know when ovulation is about to occur.
While ovulation predictor kits are fairly accurate, it should be noted that because the kits measure LH, it does not indicate with 100% certainty that you have ovulated, only that your body is ready to ovulate. While this will will reflect actual ovulation in most cases, certain factors such as the presence of polycystic ovaries, ovarian failure or perimenopause can potentially trigger a false positive when you are using an ovulation predictor kit to test for ovulation.
Signs of Ovulation
Another way a woman can know if she is ovulating is to combine a general knowledge of the ovulation cycle with a knowledge of ovulation symptoms. While this will not necessarily indicate with 100% certainty if she is ovulating, it can certainly help. Signs of ovulation include:
- Changes in the nature or quantity of cervical fluid
- Pain in side of the abdomen
- Mild spotting
- Increased basal body tempereature
- Higher levels of LH (as indicated by ovulation predictor test)
- Tenderness in breasts
- Increased sex drive
- Bloating
- Heightened sensitivity to smell or taste
By being aware of the general signs of ovulation, understanding the ovulation cycle, and combining the use of the fertility tracking using the fertility awareness method and ovulation predictor kits, you can get a very accurate picture of when you are ovulating.