How do you know when your ovulating?

There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate ovulation, including:

1. Changes in cervical mucus: The cervix produces 2 types of mucus during the menstrual cycle. Before you ovulate, your cervix produces thick, sticky mucus which can cause a dry or sticky sensation for your vulva. After ovulation, mucus tends to be thin, watery, and stretchy, which feels like egg whites. This change in mucus can help you track your fertile window and estimate the best time to have intercourse if you are trying to conceive.

2. Mittelschmerz: Mittelschmerz is pain or discomfort that some people experience during ovulation. It is typically felt as a sharp or stabbing sensation on one side of the lower abdomen. Mittelschmerz is thought to be caused by the ovary releasing an egg.

3. Increased libido: Some people experience an increased sex drive around the time of ovulation. This is thought to be due to the hormonal changes that occur during ovulation.

4. Breast tenderness: Some people experience breast tenderness or pain around the time of ovulation. This is also thought to be due to the hormonal changes that occur during ovulation.

5. Changes in basal body temperature: The basal body temperature (BBT) is the lowest body temperature recorded during sleep. The BBT typically drops slightly before ovulation and then rises after ovulation. This rise in temperature is known as the "ovulatory shift" and can be used to track ovulation.

6. Ovulation predictor kits: Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) measure the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine. LH is a hormone that surges before ovulation. OPKs can be used to predict ovulation and identify the best time to have intercourse if you are trying to conceive.

7. Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be used to visualize the ovaries and follicles. Ovulation can be confirmed when a follicle ruptures and releases an egg.

It's important to note that not everyone experiences all of these signs and symptoms of ovulation. Some people may only experience a few of these symptoms, while others may not experience any at all. If you are trying to conceive, it is helpful to track your menstrual cycle and pay attention to these signs and symptoms to identify your most fertile days.