How Does Ovulation Affect A Woman's Body? Know The Cycle And Its Signs

JAKARTA – Many women do not record their monthly cycle. Among those who do not take notes, they also need references about what happens to their bodies when they enter the monthly cycle or menstrual cycle.

The signs that are most familiar and can be felt directly are the signs of pre-menstruation. Before menstruation, the stomach will feel bloated, full, painful, or mood changes quickly.

Meanwhile, the signs of ovulation, without recording every month either manually or through an application, are less recognized. As reported by Healthway, Monday, July 5, according to a study, most women do not know the physical signs of ovulation.

Ovulation occurs when an egg or ovum is released from a follicle in the ovary. After the egg leaves the ovary, it travels to the fallopian tube. For 12-24 hours, the egg stays there until the sperm reaches it and fertilization occurs.

Well, if fertilization does not occur, the egg will age and then shed and enter the menstrual period. Ovulation is also understood as the fertile period. If you are planning a pregnancy then at this moment fertilization can be done.

But if it's the other way around, for example avoiding unwanted pregnancy (KTD), then avoid making love at this time or having sex with contraception.

Please note, ovulation occurs between 12-16 days from the first day of menstruation. To find out more, here are the signs of entering ovulation.

Changes in cervical mucus

Around the time of ovulation, cervical mucus will come out that is different from vaginal discharge. Cervical mucus is sticky, clear, and thick in color. This fluid is naturally produced by the body to make it easier for sperm to reach the cervix.

Feeling mild pain in the pelvis

This mild pain is often experienced, but not without reason. Mild pain in the pelvis may be due to the release of the egg by the follicle.

According to an ob-gyn at Indiana University Health, Kelly Kasper, MD, before releasing an egg, the follicle fills with fluid, and when it is released the follicle bursts causing mild pain.

This pain only lasts a few hours. However, if you experience persistent pain, it is advisable to see a doctor.

Libido increases

Changes in libido, or from a rare to sudden increase, have something to do with ovulation, according to Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics at Yale University School of Medicine.

"There's a surge in testosterone right around the time of ovulation, your body is biologically designed to make you want to have sex", said Minkin.

Breasts feel more sensitive

Ovulation involves many hormonal activities, including effects on the breasts. The ovulation period can be characterized by breasts feel more sensitive and enlarged during the fertile period.

Increased sense of smell

Kasper explains another sign when you are ovulating, namely an increased sense of smell. This is evidenced by studies showing that ovulation makes us more sensitive to androsterone.

This is a natural response that occurs at the time of ovulation and is intended to assist the reproductive process.

The immune system may be weaker

Carolyn Alexander, MD, of the Southern California Reproductive Center explains the immune system decreases when ovulation occurs naturally and purposefully.

"The immune system lowers its defenses so that sperm can enter the body and stay there until fertilization occurs", Alexander said.

From the signs described by the experts above, it can be a reference for calculating the fertile period. To be even more accurate, you can record your monthly cycle regularly.