If you stopped taking birth control and you’re entering the family planning process, your gynecologist will encourage you to get to know your body and pinpoint the exact days when you’re ovulating. By understanding your ovulation schedule and when an egg has been released, you can increase your odds of conception. 

4 Signs That Indicate You’re Ovulating

1. Breast Tenderness

Before and immediately after ovulation, your body will experience a rush of hormones. This can lead to breast sensitivity and tenderness, so mark any changes on your fertility calendar and use that information to hone in on your exact ovulation dates.

2. Pelvic Pain

Many women can actually feel ovulation as an egg is released from the ovary and moves through the fallopian tubes. This feeling is described as mild pelvic or abdominal pain on one side of the body. The sensation won’t last very long and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication or a heating pad. 

3. Spotting or Discharge

A follicle surrounds each egg to protect it. During ovulation, it’s common for this follicle to grow and rupture, thus leading to a brown or red colored discharge. Light spotting during ovulation is not a cause for concern; however, you should consult your family planning team if spotting persists and is on the heavier side. 

4. Change in Body Temperature

Family planning experts highly recommend that women invest in a basal body temperature thermometer. Take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. The average temperature is between 97.2 and 97.6 F, but during ovulation, you will notice a mild dip following by a fast increase of up to 1 degree. 

If you’re looking for a dedicated gynecologist to help with family planning, Greece OB-GYN in Rochester, NY, is the ideal practice for compassionate, comprehensive care. With over 30 years of experience and a commitment to ensuring patients’ reproductive health at every life stage, you’ll always feel well cared for and understood. Call today at (585) 225-6680 to schedule an appointment and visit their website to learn more about their services.