Ovulation refers to the process wherein the ovarian follicle discharges or releases an egg or ovum. A part of the monthly menstrual cycle, the ovulation phase also happens to be the most fertile phase for a woman.
The chances of getting pregnant are highest during this phase. So, women who are trying to conceive should wait for the ovulation phase to get pregnant.

INSIGHT TO THE OVULATION PROCESS
The ovulation process is controlled by a section of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls the secretion of 2 pituitary gland hormones called the follicle stimulating hormone & the luteinizing hormone. When there is a sudden spike or intensification in the levels of these hormones, i.e. the luteinizing hormone & d follicle stimulating hormone, it triggers or sets in motion the process

1. BODY TEMPERATURE 
There is a slight rise in body temp during ovulation phase. Women who are ovulating will notice an increase in their basal body temperature by about .4 to .6 degrees. This rise in temperature is indicative of the fact that an ovum is being released from the ovarian follicle. Most women may also notice a sudden dip in their body temp 2 or 3 days prior to ovulation. This change is a positive sign of ovulation.

2. Change in Cervical Mucus
As the ovulation phase approaches, women may notice a marked change in their vaginal discharge. The vaginal discharge which is normally of a dry or creamy consistency becomes a clear, elastic fluid akin to egg whites. The clear slippery vaginal discharge becomes sticky and cloudy after the ovulation process.

3. Spotting
During the ovulation phase some women may notice vaginal spotting. Vaginal spotting occurs around the time the egg is being released from the ovarian follicle. The mid cycle spotting is indicative of the fact that a woman is at her most fertile phase. Women who have sex during this phase have a hundred percent chance of getting pregnant.

4. Cramping
The cramping pain which women experience during the ovulation phase is referred to as Mittelschmerz. The cramping pain is mild to moderate in severity. The pain starts around the time the ovum is being ejected from the follicle and normally lasts for a couple of minutes.

5. Increased Libido
During the ovulation phase, women may notice a sudden increase in their sexual desire. This increased libido is the body’s natural way of indicating that a woman is most fertile. The sudden increase in sexual desire is a sure fire indication of ovulation.

6. Acne
Around the time of ovulation women may experience sudden onset of acne. The main reason for the sudden acne breakout during ovulation phase is the marked spurt in the amount of sebum that is produced by the skin.

7. Pelvic tenderness, bloating and tenderness of the breasts are some of the other physcial signs of ovulation.

It is extremely important for women to recognize the physical signs of ovulation especially if they are trying to conceive. Typically the ovulation process takes place on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. However, some women may experience slight variation in this computation. The main aim of this article is to educate women to recognize the numerous signs of ovulation.
Please Note that there could be other hidden signs not mentioned above.