How can you tell when are about to ovulate?

1. Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking

Your BBT is the lowest temperature your body reaches during sleep. It typically rises slightly just before ovulation and remains elevated until your period begins. To track your BBT, take your temperature each morning before you get out of bed and record it on a chart. After a few months, you'll be able to identify your ovulation window (the days when you're most likely to conceive).

2. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs)

OPKs measure the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. LH is a hormone that surges just before ovulation. OPKs can be purchased over the counter at most drugstores. To use an OPK, start testing your urine a few days before you expect to ovulate. When you get a positive result, you're likely to ovulate within the next 24-48 hours.

3. Cervical mucus changes

Your cervical mucus changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Just before ovulation, it becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery, like raw egg whites. This type of cervical mucus is called "fertile cervical mucus" because it helps sperm travel to the egg.

4. Ovulation pain

Some women experience pain or discomfort around the time of ovulation. This pain is called mittelschmerz, and it's caused by the ovary releasing an egg. Mittelschmerz typically lasts for a few hours or days and can range from mild to severe.

5. Other signs of ovulation

In addition to the above, there are a few other signs that you may be about to ovulate, including:

* Increased desire for sex

* Breast tenderness

* Bloating

* Headaches

* Mood changes

If you're trying to conceive, it's helpful to be aware of the signs of ovulation so that you can time intercourse accordingly. Ovulation typically occurs 14 days before your period begins, but this can vary from woman to woman. By tracking your BBT, using OPKs, and observing your cervical mucus and other symptoms, you can get a good idea of when you're most likely to ovulate.