Can Ovulation make you feel sick?

Short Answer: Yes – Ovulation can sometimes make you feel sick.

Ovulation happens when an ovary releases an egg. Usually it occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period. If you’re attempting to get pregnant, or just keeping an eye on your menstrual health, it is helpful to know exactly what is – and what is not normal to experience during this process. Every woman will have a slightly different experience with ovulation. Some may have light bleeding, cramping or bloating. Another common symptom is sickness and nausea.

Some big changes to hormone levels occur just prior and just after ovulation. Levels of Luteinising hormone (LH), Oestrogen and Progesterone will all increase around this time. This can have some effects on your digestion. Constipation or diarrhoea are common side effects. Feeling nauseated is another. This nausea is nothing to feel too worried about, it’s simply an unfortunate result of a natural process. That said, if it is regularly having a negative impact on your life, ask your doctor for advice. Taking hormonal birth control has also been known to gradually lessen the effects of ovulation.

If you’re unsure about when you are ovulating then look out for the following signs:

• Change in cervical fluid – You may notice larger amounts of cervical fluid. The fluid is also often wetter, more slippery and clearer than usual.
• Change in body temperature – Often there will be a slight increase in body temperature around the time of ovulation. You may find you can detect this with a thermometer.
• Change in cervical position – The cervix will often be raised during ovulation.

You may notice all of these changes, but if you still can’t detect when you’re ovulating you can try using an ovulation test kit. Alternatively, you could use our ovulation calculator.