What is Ovulation and why does it matter? Second to the period or menstruation, ovulation is the second most well-known part of the menstrual cycle. Most of us have this vague kind of understanding which comes to be summed up as “I guess it happens at some point, not really sure when or what happens.” Then if you decide you want to have kids, and it's not happening as quickly as you would like, you suddenly become an expert in all things Ovulation.
Important note: This article is meant to inform the reader about the process of ovulation and the larger conversation around women's health today. It is not medical advice. Seek the council of medical professionals before following any suggestions given in this post.
What's happening in my body during Ovulation
About three months before you ovulate your eggs begin a race to see which of them gets to be released. Then through your period and follicular phase certain hormones are heightened to cause a follicle to release a new egg. The event of ovulation lasts 24-48 hours but the Ovulatory phase in which is the time that egg fertilization can occur is generally 4-7 days long.
The ovulatory phase is the only time that you can get pregnant. During this time, your body makes a special kind of cervical fluid that feeds and guides sperm to the egg. This cervical mucus also changes the ph balance of the vagina to one that sperm can survive in.
For a long time, it was believed that sperm would race to the egg and the first one to reach it and penetrate it would be the one that fertilized it. Now, research suggests that the egg and the sperm have a chemical conversation and that the egg opens up to accept the sperm that it chooses.
At the moment of fertilization, there is a burst of light called the “zinc spark” because of the metal that it is made out of. Once the egg is fertilized it is classified as a zygote with all of the chromosome and genetic material it needs to develop throughout pregnancy.
Regardless of whether or not fertilization occurs, the egg makes its way down the fallopian tube as the luteal phase begins.
Ovulation is for more than babies
So, If you don’t want to get pregnant, now or ever, what's the point of ovulating? Why not just stop the whole process? No ovulation, no period, AND no pregnancy… right? Sounds great!
The lack of ovulation is the sign of a deeper problem. The body is extremely intelligent and if she does not feel it is safe to get pregnant, oftentimes she will push off ovulation until she feels that it is safe for her to conceive. Things that can push off ovulation include poor nutrition, sleep quality, and high levels of stress can contribute to anovulatory cycles.
Ovulation also provides some very important benefits outside of pregnancy such as the production of hormones that are crucial to your body's optimal function. These hormones help regulate your stress levels, and immune system. They also support your organs, brain function, muscle development and bone density.
Is ovulation your secret weapon?
Not only is ovulation helpful for your body's overall health, it can also be a tool for social, romantic, and even corporate life. You will probably notice that among many in the cycle syncing community, this is their favorite time of the month.
This is because your body wants you to get pregnant. This means that she is producing hormones that have a pro social bent to them. Many women find that they are more articulate, naturally friendly, open to new experiences, and find sex more enjoyable. Your overall senses are heightened because your body can choose the best candidate for making a baby by their scent!
Women have used these heightened abilities to further their care, have important conversations, develop deeper community, and just have more fun by planning more social events during this phase.
What about negative symptoms of ovulation?
Some women may experience some less desirable signs of ovulation.
This can include breast pain, ovulation pain, mood swings, constipation/diarrhea and spotting.
These symptoms are a result of the quality and rapidity of the hormones during this time. Many people find that with diet and lifestyle changes, these symptoms resolve themselves. It is always important to keep discussing these changes or any concerns you may have with a licensed physician.
Supporting a healthy ovulatory phase
Start simple:
Track your flow, cravings, pain, sleep quality, emotional well being, when your period arrives, and any other symptoms that you may notice. This will be helpful information as you move into the next month.
Listen to what your body is telling you:
Take the information that you gleaned from your period into this cycle as you continue tracking symptoms throughout your entire menstrual cycle. What could use help? Nutrition, digestion, sleep, exercise, stress levels, emotions, acne? Is there anything that you can make a plan to support better in the next cycle?
Ovulation signs:
Another important piece of information is whether or not you are actually achieving ovulation most cycles. As you become more accustomed to tracking different symptoms throughout your menstrual cycle, you can add in symptoms that indicate that you are in your fertile window/have ovulated. These fertility indicators include temperature change at ovulation, change in cervical fluid consistency, and shifts in cervical position.
Finding help:
If 3 months or more have gone by and you are not seeing the changes that you have been looking for, it is probably time to find a professional to help you find the changes that you have been working towards. If you have been tracking your symptoms your specialist will be able to use that information as they suggest a course of action. Continue tracking to see if there is any measurable change as you follow their instructions.
Learn more:
Your body is complex and each phase has unique attributes that we can learn to support and take advantage of in our daily lives. Soon, I will be opening the doors to the Youth, and Adult Menstrual Mentorship Program. In this program, I will work with you to deepen your understanding of your body and each phase of your cycle.
Recap
Ovulation is the process of the female body releasing an egg that has been maturing for around three months. For four to seven days your body creates cervical fluid allowing any present sperm to find the egg.
Pregnancy begins with a conversation between the egg and sperm and the egg choosing the best option. The egg and sperm combine causing a flash as the egg becomes fertilized and a zygote is formed.
If fertilization is not achieved, the egg will be disposed of during the period.
Ovulation has many benefits outside of pregnancy that affect a woman's physical and mental health.
A woman can support her ovulatory phase by tracking her symptoms, using that information to make changes to benefit her health, and finding support from a professional if the symptoms persist.
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