Flatulence can occur in women during their periods or in connection with PMS. However, it is not uncommon for bloating to occur during ovulation. We will explain why this happens and what you can do if it does.
What happens during ovulation?
Ovulation is the time when the ovaries release a mature egg. The egg then travels through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus. If it is fertilised on its way, it will nest in the uterus and a pregnancy will result.
Because you are fertile during ovulation, you usually feel more energetic and attractive. You also probably feel more like having sex than during the rest of your menstrual cycle. All in all, ovulation makes you feel good.
However, it can also make itself felt with various complaints. These include bloating, which, according to surveys, occurs in a surprising number of women during ovulation.
Why does flatulence occur during ovulation?
Your hormone balance changes constantly during the cycle. For example, the oestrogen level and the level of luteinising hormone rise before ovulation. This often leads to water retention, which in turn can cause bloating during ovulation. In addition, you will probably notice that you suddenly weigh a little more because of the stored water.
Other signs of ovulation
Bloating is not the only sign that you are ovulating. You may also notice a change in the position of your cervix and a rise in your basal body temperature. However, you will probably not notice either of these without practice or without regularly checking your basal body temperature.
However, the following symptoms, which can also occur during ovulation, are different:
- Breasts that are sensitive to touch
- Slight pain and cramps in the side of the abdomen
- More desire for sex
- Improved sense of sight, smell and touch
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Light spotting
Weekiss protects you from spotting and discharge
Many women experience increased vaginal discharge or light spotting during ovulation. If this is also the case for you, you will certainly want to protect yourself with a suitable hygiene product. We recommend that you use period underwear for this purpose.
Weekiss period underwear is a comfortable and easy-to-use solution that gives you peace of mind even if you have discharge or spotting outside of your period.
For example, try our popular Weekiss Brazilian, which can hold about as much fluid as 1.5 regular tampons, making it perfect for light discharge protection.
Bloating due to ovulation or PMS?
Period underwearThe abbreviation PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. This term covers a range of symptoms that occur in the period before menstruation. PMS is widespread and affects about four out of five women. Typical PMS symptoms include bloating.
If you have bloating, you may wonder whether it is actually caused by ovulation or by premenstrual syndrome.
One of the ways you can tell which is true is by when the symptoms occur. PMS does not manifest itself during ovulation, but only after, with symptoms that include more than just flatulence.
Other typical PMS symptoms are, for example:
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Swollen and painful breasts
- Abdominal and back pain
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
If you experience PMS between the time you ovulate and the time your period starts, you are probably one of the 80 per cent of women who experience it.
If you experience symptoms between ovulation and your period, you are probably one of the 80 per cent of women affected by PMS.
How to counteract bloating during ovulation
Of course, bloating can be very uncomfortable during ovulation and can interfere with your daily life. Fortunately, there are things you can do to relieve it. In addition to regular physical activity, your diet plays an important role in preventing bloating during ovulation.
The following tips can help you avoid bloating during ovulation:
- Avoid foods that cause flatulence, such as cabbage and pulses.
- Make sure you drink enough water and unsweetened tea.
- Reduce salt, sugar and white flour in your daily diet.
- Refrain from consuming sugary drinks such as lemonade.
- Eat slowly and avoid eating very large portions at once.
- If necessary, use foods such as caraway or fennel seeds to relieve flatulence.
- Get your digestion going with regular exercise.
- Take time to relax regularly.
Do you go to the doctor with bloating during ovulation?
If you have bloating during ovulation, it is generally nothing to worry about. However, if the symptoms are prolonged or severe, we recommend that you make an appointment with your gynaecologist to be on the safe side.
After all, it is possible that symptoms like bloating are caused by a serious health problem that needs treatment, such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis.
