Ovulation pain, known as mittelschmerz—a German term meaning "middle pain"—is a mild pelvic or abdominal discomfort experienced by some during ovulation. Depending on which ovary releases the egg, this sensation may manifest as cramps on either the left or right side. Typically, this pain is short-lived, not extending beyond 24 hours.

When a mature egg is released during the ovulation process, many women experience tenderness or soreness in their breasts and nipples. Additionally, their breasts might feel fuller and denser. This discomfort is primarily due to hormone fluctuations, especially estrogen and progesterone increases.

The experience of bloating during ovulation is often a result of water retention, a condition influenced by an increase in estrogen levels. Typically, bloating related to ovulation persists for a day or two. Furthermore, this period may also be marked by digestive disturbances, including diarrhea or constipation.

Ovulation may affect your desire for food. During this stage of their menstrual cycle, some individuals experience shifts in their appetite, ranging from feeling hungrier than usual to having less appetite.

Moreover, ovulation can influence mood due to changes in hormone levels. Specifically, the balance between estrogen and progesterone can affect the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness. This imbalance may result in mood swings, where individuals might suddenly experience a mix of emotions, including anger, anxiety, joy, or even bursts of laughter. Typically, these mood fluctuations during ovulation are brief.

When an egg is released from the follicle during ovulation, some individuals may experience a small amount of bleeding or vaginal discharge.

It's common for individuals to experience variations in their libido, or sexual desire, as they navigate through their menstrual cycle. Notably, during ovulation, a peak in sexual arousal and an increased interest in intimacy are frequently reported.

A key indicator of ovulation involves the transformation of cervical mucus. Leading up to and following ovulation, individuals may notice their cervical mucus varying in color to white or off-white, and its consistency may shift from thin and watery to dry and sticky. As ovulation nears, the body increases estrogen production, significantly altering the nature of cervical mucus. It turns clear, resembles egg whites, and becomes slippery and elastic. This change plays a crucial role in reproduction, as it aids in the easier movement of sperm into the uterus, enhancing fertility chances.

As ovulation approaches, a woman's body increases the production of estrogen. This hormone thickens the uterus lining and fosters a conducive environment for sperm. Subsequently, elevated estrogen levels prompt a sharp rise in another hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH surge is crucial as it triggers the release of the mature egg from the ovary, marking ovulation. Typically, ovulation occurs 24 to 48 hours following the LH surge, making this event a reliable indicator of a woman's peak fertility period.

Ovulation test kits facilitate the monitoring of LH levels through saliva measurements, offering a valuable method for predicting the onset of ovulation. However, it is noteworthy that elevated LH levels do not guarantee that ovulation has indeed occurred.

Specific health conditions can cause LH levels to rise without leading to egg release. For instance, luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS) can increase LH without ovulation. Similarly, individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may experience minor LH peaks preceding the primary surge, leading to uncertainty regarding the actual timing of the fertile window.

While it may not be immediately noticeable, the composition of saliva can change during ovulation. When examined through a microscope, saliva demonstrates a unique fern-like structure. This phenomenon is linked to a rise in estrogen levels, which generally occurs approximately 24 hours before ovulation.

Several women have noted experiencing enhanced sensory perceptions, like an increased ability to smell or taste, during ovulation.

Following ovulation, there is a slight increase in basal body temperature (BBT), approximately half a degree, caused by a rise in progesterone levels. To pinpoint the timing of ovulation, measuring your temperature daily with a digital thermometer immediately after waking and before bed is advisable. By recording these temperatures over several cycles, you can discern a pattern. Ovulation typically occurs just before a noticeable increase in BBT. Your fertility peaks about 2-3 days before your temperature rises.

Just before ovulation occurs, notable shifts happen in the position and condition of the cervix. It ascends higher into the body to facilitate conception. Additionally, it softens, opens, and becomes moist. These changes can be detected through self-examination or by a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist.