Recognizing the symptoms of ovulation

Sore breasts, tight ovaries or even an increase in your libido: are your hormones agitated even though you are only halfway through your cycle? You may be experiencing ovulation symptoms . The latter corresponds to the release of a mature egg from your ovaries and occurs 14 days before the start of your period. While ovulation is asymptomatic for many menstruators, some report various recurring symptoms that they experience each menstrual cycle. But how do you know which symptoms are common and which are less common? Let's discover together the different symptoms of ovulation.

Pelvic pain or ovulatory pain

The first symptom of ovulation is pelvic pain that some women may feel when the mature egg is released from one of their ovaries. We also talk about pain in the ovaries.

Most often it will be a pinching in the lower abdomen where the working ovary is located, but some women also report severe localized pain.

How to respond to pelvic pain?

Pain in the ovaries during ovulation is a normal symptom of ovulation. The cycles are all different, so it may or may not be recurring. If it is recurring and uncomfortable to the point of disrupting your daily life, you can respond with a painkiller (just because pain is natural does not mean you have to suffer it). CBD and electrosimulation can also be an interesting answer to calm your pelvic pain, at the time of your ovulation and your period.

🌈In store, we offer you different sublingual CBD oils, ideal for starting CBD and understanding its effects on your body. CBD oil 15% is recognized as being very effective against this pain.

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🌈Among our favorite products, you will also find the Bluetens electrosimulation device which helps fight menstrual cramps and even more so , ovulation pain. It is presented as a box extended by electrodes to be placed on the painful area. An application then allows you to modulate the intensity of the electrical stimulations.

Is it okay if it's really too painful?

If your pelvic pain is severe and lasts a long time, it is possible that it indicates another health problem or that there is a problem during your ovulation (endometriosis and ovarian cyst are, for example, causes of significant pain in the belly, during ovulation). It will then be interesting for you to consult your doctor or gynecologist who will carry out your medical examination and suggest additional health examinations, if he considers it necessary.

Sticky cervical mucus

The second most common ovulation symptom is a change in the texture of your vaginal discharge, also called cervical mucus. They evolve throughout the menstrual cycle: the discharge is initially thick and white before becoming more fluid, almost liquid and translucent. They finally become sticky during the luteal period.

In order to promote fertilization of the egg about to be released or released, the mucus becomes more abundant, slippery and translucent. Its texture is similar to egg white. This facilitates the passage and survival of sperm so that they can reach the egg.

So, if you notice this change in the texture of your vaginal discharge: don't panic! This simply means that you are about to ovulate or have just recently ovulated.

Breast tenderness

The third common symptom of ovulation is chest discomfort. It can take several forms: tightness, swelling, pain when touched or even when moving (playing sports, walking)...

This sensitivity begins at the time of ovulation and can continue for a few days (during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle) or until the arrival of your period, 14 days later.

How to respond to chest pain?

Chest discomfort in the days surrounding ovulation is a normal symptom of ovulation. However, just because pain is natural doesn't mean you have to endure it. If it is uncomfortable to the point of disturbing you in your daily life, you can consult a health professional: he or she will be able to respond by prescribing a hormonal cream to apply to your chest to alleviate the tightness.

A cream to reduce breast pain during ovulation

Breast pain at the time of ovulation is similar to that felt during your period. This is why you can turn to creams to soothe tightness in the breasts during periods , such as one of our favorite products, 🌈 Tits party cream, a soothing comfort treatment for the breasts from Nidéco. Our tip: refrigerate the cream and apply it cool to your chest to quickly soothe your pain!

Light bleeding

Another possible and benign symptom of ovulation is the appearance of very light bleeding, also called spotting.

Very light, these bleedings are not pathological. Research tends to show that they are linked to the physiological phenomenon of ovulation: the tension of the ovarian follicle fluid increases and ultimately leads to the rupture of the follicle and the expulsion of the oocyte. When the rupture of the follicle is sudden, it can lead to the rupture of a small blood vessel, which generates these small benign bleedings.

What flow is considered “normal”?

It is always complicated to talk about normality when it comes to the menstrual cycle as there are so many special cases. Bleeding due to ovulation is usually light and much lighter than menstrual bleeding. Often, it is only traces of blood, or spotting, which will last a few hours, maximum one or two days. Since the source of the bleeding is a rupture of a small blood vessel, it may be accompanied by a pinching sensation in the lower abdomen.

When to consult a health professional?

Bleeding between periods is most often related to ovulation if it occurs in the middle of your cycle. In principle, however, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in the event of bleeding between periods, especially if it is accompanied by pain or if it lasts for more than two days. Other causes can cause bleeding and, if they are not necessarily serious (presence of a uterine fibroid or genital infection for example), they require treatment.

Nausea

Among the symptoms regularly observed at the time of ovulation, nausea is often reported. They are caused by the rapid change in the level of sex hormones in the body of menstruating people. This symptom lasts from a few hours to approximately 2 days.

Is it “normal” to have nausea around the time of ovulation?

Nausea is often associated with pregnancy. Having nausea at the time of ovulation or in the days following ovulation can therefore be interpreted as pregnancy. While some menstruators can indeed spot pregnancy early because of nausea (as well as breast pain), it's more likely that your nausea is due to your ovulation.

It will be necessary to ask you about a possible pregnancy if the nausea lasts more than a few days and if you notice a delay in the onset of your period. In other words: don't worry too much at first!

Increased libido

The days surrounding ovulation correspond to the days during which menstruating people are the most fertile, so it is not uncommon for them to observe an increase in their libido on this occasion! It's ultimately quite natural.

If you tend to have this spike in libido, nothing too serious! ;) Just remember to protect yourself with the method of contraception that suits you if you don't have a baby plan because this is the period of your cycle when you are most likely to get pregnant.

Natural latex condoms to protect yourself

Protecting yourself during sexual intercourse, at the time of your ovulation and, more broadly, at all stages of your cycle, is essential. To avoid getting pregnant but also for your health.

🌈Our favorite products are the ultra-thin natural latex condoms without controversial ingredients from the My Lubie brand . We selected them because they are healthy, vegan and odorless. Very thin and very strong, these condoms allow you to enjoy the moment without worrying about the rest!

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Bloating and water retention

The feeling of abdominal bloating and fluid retention is another symptom associated with ovulation. According to studies, it is the peak of hormones that occurs at this time that would lead to strong water retention and with it, a feeling of bloating similar to what some women feel just before the rules. Symptoms last from a few hours to about 2 days.

How to respond to the feeling of bloating

The feeling of bloating and swelling that occurs in the days surrounding ovulation is a completely normal and common symptom. That being said and as we have already repeated in this article: just because pain is normal does not necessarily mean you have to accept it.

On the one hand, taking action on your diet can help you:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. 🌈 Our tip? Start taking herbal tea when you ovulate to alleviate your premenstrual syndrome . This will not only allow you to stay well hydrated but also start preparing for the end of your cycle! We particularly recommend the Mood & Happy Cycles Infusion from Miyé, at the rate of one sachet per day, from your ovulation to the onset of your period.
• Limit your salt consumption during this period and, in turn, reduce your consumption of foods containing a lot of salt (processed foods and fast food in particular).

On the other hand, you can consult a health professional who can prescribe treatments to relieve you. Indeed, a change in diet may not be enough to relieve you. As for the rush of hormones happening in your body, it can push you to eat the foods you need to avoid! (Yes, we all know that… Strength to you!).

Change in position and firmness of the cervix

Another (rather discreet) symptom of your imminent ovulation: the position and firmness of the cervix of your uterus ! During the period of ovulation, the cervix is ​​softer (with an earlobe-like texture), slightly open, and may be positioned slightly higher in the abdomen . Changes in the position of your cervix can be felt when you practice certain sexual positions or during a gynecological exam.

Um… How does your cervix feel?

Touching your cervix at different times during your cycle will allow you to better perceive its variations in position and firmness.

For that :

1. The first time, choose a time when your cervix is ​​likely to be low and therefore easier to reach. Generally, this is the period that coincides with your period (just before or just after your period);
2. Wash your hands and the underside of your nails well, and remember to file your nails to avoid scratching yourself;
3. Depending on which position is easiest for you, squat on the floor or put one leg up (on the edge of your bathtub or on the toilet seat);
4. With your palm facing up and toward you, gently insert your index finger inside your vagina. If necessary, you can add a little lubricant;
5. Using your fingertip, try to feel, at the bottom of your vagina, a small rounded tip, with a small dimple in its center. Typically, your cervix is ​​toward the upper part of the vaginal wall (more on the side of your stomach than on the side of your back).
6. If you wish, then repeat this operation at several points during your menstrual cycle to better understand how your body works.

Mood change

Ovulation corresponds to a peak in hormones: LH and LSH increase and their peak triggers the release of the egg. Estrogens are also in very high concentrations at this time of the menstrual cycle. This is why it is possible that your mood changes during the two days surrounding ovulation – similar to what happens, for some women, just before their period.

To a lesser degree than premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mood is altered. Irritability, increased fatigue, feeling like you're constantly on the verge of exploding, feeling like you're in slow motion... The effects can differ from one person to another, but hormones can really impact people who are menstruating at the time. of ovulation.

How to deal with changes in your mood?

If your mood experiences significant spikes during your ovulation to the point where you feel like you no longer recognize yourself, it is possible to talk to your doctor and find solutions to help you. After studying your medical situation, he will be able to have you undergo additional examinations, if necessary, or recommend you to an endocrinologist if he judges that you could have a hormonal imbalance. It is also possible that your doctor judges this variation “normal” or at least without pathological origin: in this case, there may be solutions, such as taking hormonal contraception which smoothes the action of hormones.

Limit your emotional disorders with food supplements

🌈 The Twenty Eight brand has developed a range of three food supplement treatments to address the most common symptoms of PMS. The peaceful Cycle treatment was developed specifically to alleviate emotional disorders , such as irritability, low morale, stress and restless sleep. Ginkgo, St. John's wort, lemon balm and California poppy are combined to help you stay calm and sleep well. The treatment lasts 1 month and thus has the virtue of smoothing the mood if you start taking it as soon as your period ends.

Unusual signs during the ovulation period

If the above symptoms mentioned are quite common in the majority of menstruating people, others can be more annoying, or even of pathological origin. We've put them together for you below. If you notice them, we advise you to make an appointment with a healthcare professional to talk about them.

Intense and prolonged pain

While a little twinge in the lower abdomen in the days surrounding ovulation is common, feeling real intense and prolonged pain over several days is more disturbing. While this can happen naturally during a somewhat particular cycle (all our cycles are different!), several disorders and illnesses can be the cause of significant pain during periods. This is particularly the case of:

• PCOS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine disorder that affects the ovaries in menstruating people of childbearing age. In addition to generating multiple cysts in the ovaries, it has several symptoms such as pain at the time of ovulation , menstrual irregularity and hormonal imbalances. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, affecting approximately 1 in 10 menstruators.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a disease linked to the functioning of the endometrium (another name for the uterine lining). In a healthy woman, not carrying the disease, it develops during the luteal phase to accommodate the fertilized egg and provide it with a nest and disintegrates when the latter is not fertilized. But in people with endometriosis, it spreads outside the uterus, without reabsorbing, going so far as to create adhesions in the organs surrounding the uterus. Among the symptoms of endometriosis, we find violent and long-lasting pelvic pain at the time of ovulation .

Heavy bleeding

We talked about it a little earlier: spotting can be observed during ovulation. It is most often a small blood vessel that ruptures when the ovulatory follicle releases the mature egg. However, these few drops of blood should not be like a period flow! If you have heavy bleeding around the time of your ovulation , it is important to see a doctor to talk about it. The origin of the latter is most often benign, but it is important to take care of it.

• Wound in the genital area : Like all other areas of the body, the genital area can be injured and bleed. This type of injury can particularly occur during sexual intercourse and penetrative intercourse can reactivate an old injury and prevent it from healing. If healing can come naturally (in particular by stopping penetrative intercourse), it may be necessary to consult a doctor to take anti-inflammatories to avoid infection if the bleeding continues.
• Presence of a uterine fibroid: Fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the uterus or in the fallopian tubes. They are not synonymous with cancer but can cause pelvic pain and bleeding and may require surgery to remove. Consult a doctor to find out more: he will suggest additional tests if he considers it necessary.
• Genital infection: different infections (sexually transmitted diseases or local infections) can cause bleeding at the time of ovulation and more widely throughout the menstrual cycle. If you bleed regularly outside of your period and it goes beyond spotting, consult a doctor for more information.
• Rarer case, uterine cancer: in rare cases, bleeding outside the period may be linked to cancer of the uterus or cervix. This diagnosis is most often accompanied by other symptoms such as significant weight loss, fatigue, etc. This is why it is necessary to consult a doctor if you bleed between your periods. Only he will be able to take your symptoms into account to make a diagnosis and ensure your care.

Symptoms associated with infection

Before concluding this article, let's take a moment to focus on the symptoms related to genital infections. This can guide you and allow you to see if the symptoms you are experiencing are linked to your ovulation or to an infection!

• Burning sensation: if you feel like your genital area is burning (during intercourse or when you urinate), it is highly likely that you have an infection (urinary or sexual). Different tests (smear or ECBU) allow you to quickly understand the origin of the infection and treat it: talk to your doctor!
• Fever: Fever is THE #1 symptom that should make you think of an infection. Your body is fighting the infection and generating heat to kill the bacteria! Fever is not a normal symptom of ovulation (if the basal temperature may increase at the time of ovulation , it is not a fever!).
• Unusual smell: If vaginal discharge changes texture during ovulation, it should not change smell. If the smell that comes from your discharge is different then it is possible that you have an infection, such as vaginosis, for example.
• Abnormal discharge: Likewise, vaginal discharge and its texture throughout the cycle are known. At the time of ovulation, they are supposed to be fluid and translucent and can be stickier around the time of your period and thicker right after. They may also change color a little and be brown at the very end of your period. Any textures or colors other than those mentioned here may cause concern and if they are associated with unpleasant odors, you may have an infection.