Ovulation is a key phase in the menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary, increasing the chances of pregnancy. It typically lasts 12 to 24 hours, but some symptoms may linger for a few days. Knowing the signs ovulation is over can help those tracking their fertility, trying to conceive, or preventing pregnancy.
This guide explores the end of ovulation symptoms, how to confirm that ovulation has passed, and what happens in the body once it is over.
Why Is It Important to Know When Ovulation Ends?
Understanding when ovulation has finished is essential for:
- Trying to Conceive (TTC): Knowing if you’ve already ovulated helps determine your most fertile window.
- Preventing Pregnancy: Tracking ovulation can assist in using natural family planning methods.
- Hormonal Balance Awareness: Recognizing changes in your cycle can help detect any irregularities.
Once ovulation ends, your fertile window closes, making it less likely to conceive until the next cycle begins.
Signs Ovulation Is Over
The body undergoes hormonal changes during ovulation, and when it ends, certain symptoms will disappear or change. Here are the most common signs ovulation has already occurred:
1. Cervical Mucus Becomes Dry or Thick
One of the clearest signs ovulation is over is a change in cervical mucus. During ovulation, cervical mucus is clear, stretchy, and egg-white-like, which helps sperm travel easily. Once ovulation ends, mucus becomes thicker, cloudier, or dry, creating a barrier to sperm.
2. Drop or Rise in Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Tracking basal body temperature (BBT) is a reliable way to confirm when ovulation is over. After ovulation, BBT rises slightly (about 0.5°F to 1°F) due to increased progesterone levels. If you notice a sustained temperature rise for three or more days, it indicates ovulation has passed.
3. Decrease in Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz)
Some women experience mild cramps or pain on one side of the abdomen, known as mittelschmerz, during ovulation. Once ovulation is over, this pain typically disappears within a day or two.
4. Changes in Cervical Position
Before and during ovulation, the cervix is soft, high, open, and wet (SHOW position). Once ovulation ends, the cervix becomes lower, firmer, and closed as the body prepares for either pregnancy or the next menstrual cycle.
5. Breast Tenderness Fades
Some women experience breast tenderness due to hormonal fluctuations during ovulation. If you notice breast soreness decreasing, it could signal that ovulation has ended.
6. Decreased Libido
A surge in estrogen and testosterone around ovulation can increase sexual desire. Once ovulation has passed, these hormone levels drop, leading to a decrease in libido.
7. Ovulation Test Turns Negative
If you are using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), they detect luteinizing hormone (LH) surges before ovulation. Once ovulation occurs, LH levels drop, and an ovulation test will show a negative result.
How to Confirm That Ovulation Is Over
To accurately determine when ovulation has ended, consider tracking multiple ovulation signs.
- Monitor Basal Body Temperature (BBT) – A sustained increase in temperature confirms ovulation is over.
- Check Cervical Mucus – If it becomes thicker, sticky, or dry, ovulation has ended.
- Use an Ovulation Test Kit – A negative test indicates no LH surge, meaning ovulation is complete.
- Track Menstrual Cycle Symptoms – Symptoms like ovulation pain, bloating, or breast tenderness should decrease.
What Happens After Ovulation Ends?
Once ovulation is over, the body enters the luteal phase, which lasts about 10 to 14 days. During this phase, progesterone levels rise to support a potential pregnancy. If the egg is fertilized, implantation occurs, and the body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the pregnancy hormone.
If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop, leading to the breakdown of the uterine lining, which results in menstruation.
Can You Get Pregnant After Ovulation Is Over?
Once ovulation is complete, the released egg survives for only 12 to 24 hours. However, sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days. This means that conception is most likely if sperm is already present before ovulation occurs.
If ovulation has already passed and no sperm was available beforehand, pregnancy is unlikely until the next cycle.
FAQs About Ovulation and Fertility
Final Thoughts
Recognizing the signs ovulation is over is crucial for tracking fertility and understanding your menstrual cycle. Symptoms such as changes in cervical mucus, a rise in basal body temperature, and the disappearance of ovulation pain are strong indicators that ovulation has passed.
If you are trying to conceive, remember that the fertile window closes soon after ovulation, so timing intercourse accordingly is essential. Whether you’re planning for pregnancy or monitoring your cycle for other health reasons, keeping track of ovulation signs can provide valuable insights into your reproductive health.
Disclaimer: The content on Wellness Derive is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns.
