From the Guidelines
Indicators of ovulation include a 6-day interval ending on the day of ovulation characterized by slippery, stretchy cervical mucus and other possible signs of ovulation, as noted in the 2014 CDC recommendations 1. The indicators of ovulation are crucial for women trying to conceive, and they can be identified through various physical and hormonal changes.
- Key indicators include:
- Slippery, stretchy cervical mucus during the fertile window
- Other possible signs of ovulation, such as changes in basal body temperature, although this is not explicitly mentioned in the provided evidence
- According to the CDC recommendations 1, women with regular menstrual cycles should be advised to track their peak days and signs of fertility to maximize their chances of becoming pregnant.
- Methods or devices designed to determine or predict the time of ovulation, such as over-the-counter ovulation kits or digital telephone applications, can also be discussed with the client 1.
- It is essential to note that lifestyle factors, such as being very thin or obese, consuming high levels of caffeine, smoking, consuming alcohol, using recreational drugs, or using most commercially available vaginal lubricants, can reduce fertility 1.
- Women trying to conceive should be educated about their fertile window and advised to have vaginal intercourse every 1-2 days beginning soon after the menstrual period ends to increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
A basal body temperature graph or other appropriate tests may help the patient and her physician determine if ovulation occurred. The indicators of ovulation include:
- Basal body temperature graph
- Other appropriate tests 2
From the Research
Indicators of Ovulation
The indicators of ovulation can be categorized into several types, including:
- Hormonal changes: An increase in plasma or serum progesterone is a widely accepted indicator of ovulation 3. The rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) and oestrogen peaks are also closely associated with ovulation 3, 4.
- Physical symptoms: Changes in cervical mucus patterns can be used to define the probable fertile period, with the peak mucus symptom being closely correlated with ovulation 3, 5. Other physical symptoms such as intermenstrual pain, breast tenderness, and backaches can also be indicative of ovulation, but are considered secondary signs 3.
- Basal body temperature (BBT): While BBT is not a reliable method for predicting ovulation, it can be used as a secondary indicator of ovulation when combined with other methods 3, 5, 6. BBT is typically higher in the post-ovulatory luteal phase compared to the pre-ovulatory follicular phase 6.
- Ultrasonography: Pelvic ultrasonography can estimate the probable time of ovulation within 12 hours 3. Monitoring the day-to-day growth of the preovular follicle ultrasonically can also provide an indication of ovulation 4.
Detection of Ovulation
Several methods can be used to detect ovulation, including:
- Urine LH monitoring: Home urinary LH monitors can indicate ovulation 91% of the time during the 2 days of peak fertility 5.
- Cervical mucus observation: Cervical mucus peak characteristics can be identified 78% of the time ±1 day, and 91% of the time ±2 days of LH surge indicating ovulation 5.
- Salivary ferning and other methods: Other methods such as salivary ferning, salivary and vaginal fluid electrical potential, finger-finger electrical potential, and differential skin temperature have been proposed as possible indicators of ovulation, but their effectiveness is still being researched 5.