How to Check for Ovulation in a Public Bathroom (Yes, Really)
Reviewed by Dr. Lisa Czanko MD, MPH
When you’ve gotta know, you’ve gotta know – know if you’re ovulating, that is. But if you find yourself without an at-home ovulation test, you’re not totally out of luck. There are some easy ways to figure out if you’re ovulating no matter where you are– even if that happens to be in a public bathroom (yup, we went there). Here’s how to keep tabs on your ovulation when you’re on the go.
Why Track Ovulation?
If you’re trying to conceive, get ready to zone in on your ovulation. Ovulation refers to the process of an egg being released from your ovary. The body is most fertile in the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation. So, when trying to conceive, you’ll want to prioritize having sex during those especially fertile days.
Two Ways To Track Ovulation On The Go
Expect to learn ways to help you understand when you’re more likely to be ovulating.It’s a great way to get to know yourself a little deeper before embarking on the path of pregnancy.
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1. Check The Color Of Your Discharge
Who knew? Your vaginal discharge could be the key to learning whether or not you’re ovulating. All you have to do is look down. When you’re about to ovulate, your body produces more estrogen, which causes your discharge to change from white to clear. You can either look at your underwear or place one clean finger inside of the vagina then look at it to determine the color.
The texture of your cervical mucus can also be telling. Touching it (it's okay, it’s a normal part of life) can help you identify what to look for over time. For instance, in the two to four days before ovulation, it’ll be almost slippery or stretchy in texture. When ovulating, the cervical mucus has the consistency of egg whites.
2. Track Your Cycles
You do everything else on your phone anyway – might as well track your ovulation too, right? The Emme Health Tracker app makes it easy to track your periods and get clear insights into your menstrual cycle, no matter where you are. You can predict when you’re ovulating based on your previous data. You can even get customized advice for managing migraines, cramps, and other cycle symptoms.
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Quick Review
While ovulation kits are helpful, you may not always have them with you. However, there are other tricks you can use while on the go. You can keep an eye on your vaginal discharge and keep track of your cycles. Make sure that you’re following best practices for each method and staying consistent with your tracking – that way, you’ll have the most accurate view of your ovulation.
Our Simple Note
Whether or not you’re trying to conceive, tracking your ovulation is all about giving you the information and the empowerment to feel in control of your reproductive health. Figuring out whether you’re ovulating at any place, any time, keeps you in charge.
Citations:
Wilcox, A. J., Dunson, D., & Baird, D. D. (2000, November 18). The timing of the "fertile window" in the menstrual cycle: Day specific estimates from a prospective study. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27529/
Su, H.-W., Yi, Y.-C., Wei, T.-Y., Chang, T.-C., & Cheng, C.-M. (2017, May 16). Detection of ovulation, a review of currently available methods. Bioengineering & translational medicine. Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5689497/
*Information in this article was taken from other SimpleHealth blogs, government health sources and our fertility guide. For specific citations please refer to the blogs linked in this article and view their citations.
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