How can ovulation be detected?
There are several indications that a woman is ovulating. During ovulation, the cervical mucus increases in volume and becomes thicker due to increased estrogen levels. It is often said that the cervical mucus resembles egg whites at a woman’s most fertile point. Ovulation may also lead to a 0.4 to 1.0 degree increase in body temperature. This is driven by the hormone progesterone that is secreted when an egg is released. Women are generally most fertile for two to three days before the temperature achieves its maximum. A few women are actually capable of sensing ovulation in their mid-sections. It is described as being mildly achy or a pang of pain. This condition is called Mittelschmerz – from the German “middle pain” – and it may last between a few minutes and a few hours.
