6 Signs of High Fertility in a Woman

So, you’ve decided to stop taking birth control so you can conceive a child. However, getting pregnant is not as easy as one would think. Let’s face it—fertility can seem a little… mysterious. If you’re on the road to conception, you may be wondering how you can tell if your body is flashing a “green light”? Are there any biological traffic signs to point the way?

Fortunately, the answer is yes! You can understand your fertility and detect your most fertile window if you listen to the signs your body gives you. 

In fact, the physical signs and symptoms that indicate high fertility are also what prime your body for conception. Tracking these symptoms can help you reach Destination Pregnancy. Let’s explore the top six signs of high fertility in a woman.

What does high fertility mean? 

Most people know that fertility affects how likely you are to conceive a child—what does that actually look like, physically?

For women, fertility relies on the menstrual cycle. This monthly cycle (which can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days) controls the release and shedding of your ovarian eggs. Over each cycle, your fertility swings from low to high depending on which cycle phase you’re in:

• Menstruation (Days 1 to 6) – Very low fertility
• Follicular (Days 7 to 11) – Low to medium fertility
• Ovulation (Days 12 to 16) – High fertility
• Luteal (Days 17 to 30) – Low fertility

It’s important to note that this chart above is only accurate for those that have regular 28-30 day cycles and the phases aren’t a perfect science or clockwork for every woman. Just as each woman is uniquely different, so are her cycles.

The last paragraph about factors for low fertility: should include a comment on the male factor being a potential reason for not getting pregnant. Even if the female body is working perfectly, if there’s not enough healthy sperm to penetrate the ovulated egg, pregnancy won’t occur.

Why is ovulation the peak fertility window? 

If you were wondering how to increase the chances of twins, one place to start is by monitoring your ovulation cycle. This process is when your ovaries release a fully mature egg into the fallopian tubes. It’s here that a sperm can easily fertilize it. Since conception relies on fertilization, the closer you are to this part of your cycle, the more likely you are to conceive. How long after ovulation can you take a pregnancy test? To get a more accurate result, the ideal time to take the test is two weeks after ovulation.

Leading up to and during ovulation, your body will undergo changes to prepare for a potential pregnancy. Six signs indicate you’re approaching ovulation and, therefore, approaching your high fertility window. 

#1 Your Cervical Mucus Looks Different 

When tracking fertility levels, one major physical indicator is the cervical mucus. Your body discharges different types of cervical fluid depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Right before and during ovulation, cervical mucus increases and takes on physical qualities such as:

• Texture similar to egg whites
• Clear, white, or yellow color
• Stretchy or slick consistency

The quality of ovulation mucus serves two fertility purposes: 

1. The stretchy, slick consistency helps sperm navigate upwards toward the egg 
2. The increase in slick mucus makes sex more pleasurable

When you notice this change in your cervical mucus, you’re likely at peak fertility.

#2 You Feel…Frisky 

Once per month, many women feel more…ahem, revved up to hit the bed. As it turns out, that’s a sign of high fertility. (Your body knows what it’s doing.) 

What drives a higher sex drive during ovulation? Mostly estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH), two female sex hormones that boost libido during ovulation. In fact, one study found that almost three-quarters of participating women reported having sex during peak LH levels.

But this hormone surge doesn’t just pique your libido—it can also make you feel and look more attractive. Researchers have found that self-perceived attractiveness significantly rises during ovulation. Similarly, men also notice these hormonal shifts that signal high fertility and sex drive. Across studies, men have ranked ovulating women as more attractive for these traits:

• Facial features
• Voice
• Odor or natural smell
• Dance moves (yes, really)

So, if you’re feeling yourself…feel it out! That boost in sex drive and confidence could signal that it’s “go time” for your fertility.

#3 You Feel Ovulation Cramps 

If you’re thinking to yourself, Aren’t cramps once per month bad enough, we get it. Luckily, ovulation cramping doesn’t last as long as menstrual cramping. Even better, it’s a great sign of high fertility.

Called mittelschmerz (“middle pain”) in German, ovulation cramps occur during ovulation for about 20% of women. During this time, the release of an egg causes your ovary to stretch, potentially irritating the lining of your abdomen. This can leave you with a pain that’s:

• Dull, achy, or cramp-like
• Sharp or sudden
• Shifted to one side of your abdomen
• Present for a few minutes to a few hours

It’s important to note that ovulation pain should be tolerable and occur only around ovulation. If you experience severe ovulation cramps or more frequent pelvic pain, consult your OB/GYN or medical professional. 

#4 You See Spotting 

Here’s another menstrual-fake-out symptom. During ovulation week, you might notice little specks of blood down there. It’s not your period knocking on your door—it’s ovulation spotting, another sign of high fertility.

Right after the ovaries release an egg, estrogen levels drop temporarily (just like before menstruation). This can create a “mini” period, triggering a small amount of mid-cycle bleeding, referred to as ovulation spotting. About 1 in 20 women will experience this “mini” period.

How do you tell the difference between ovulation spotting and your period? Ovulation spotting is usually:

• Light or minimal
• Pink, dark red, or brown
• Mixed with cervical mucus
• Present for just one or two days

Not all women experience ovulation spotting, but if you do, it’s a signal that it’s time to get busy!

#5 Your Breasts Feel Sore 

Feeling a little achy across your chest? Unless you’re menstruating (or have recently been working on your pushup game), you may be experiencing breast tenderness from ovulation.

Two hormonal shifts can leave you with tender breasts around ovulation. Right before ovulation, estrogen levels rise and may trigger breast soreness. Right after ovulation, estrogen levels drop while progesterone levels rise, potentially causing tender breasts or sensitive nipples. 

Remember, breast pain can have many causes beyond ovulation. Make sure your achiness isn’t a result of:

• PMS
• Injuries or accidents
• Unsupportive bras
• Infections
• Medication (hormone therapies, Digitalis, Chlorpromazine, etc.)
• Breast cysts or bumps

#6 Your Body Temperature Rises

Forget the “98.6 degrees Fahrenheit” rule. For women, a healthy body temperature shifts across your menstrual cycle—and signals your fertility levels. 

Right after ovulation, progesterone boosts a woman’s basal body temperature (BBT, or resting temperature) by 0.5 to 1.0 degree Fahrenheit. By tracking your temperature daily over several months, you can determine your fertile window—those few days right before things heat up every month. However, technique matters. 

To get the most accurate readings, we recommend these  BBT tracking tips:

• Test right after waking – Try not to walk or even sit up before taking your temperature. Movement can increase your body temperature and give you an inaccurate reading.
• Test at the same time – Always take your BBT at the same time after waking, no more than 30 minutes outside your set time. 
• Make sure you get enough sleep – To decrease an inflammatory response, get at least three to four hours of sleep before taking your BBT. Your body may boost its temperature in response to poor sleep.
• Stay consistent – Use the same thermometer for all your tracking, as different thermometers can have different sensitivities.  

How can I tell if my fertility is low? 

Of course, there’s one telltale sign of low fertility—you can’t get pregnant. However, gauging the cause of your low fertility can help you conceive. 

It’s important to remember that periods of low fertility are normal. Your body can’t be primed for pregnancy at every moment!

Whether short-term or long-term, let’s explore the main causes of low fertility and their top symptoms:

• Menstrual phases – Every month, your luteal phase (PMS week) and menstrual phase (period week) bring very low chances of pregnancy. You probably experience symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, sore breasts, and dry or bloody vaginal discharge during these weeks.  
• Substance use – From cigarettes to liquor, substance use has an immediate effect on ovulation. Studies show that smoking tobacco or marijuana can reduce conception rates significantly. Similarly, moderate to heavy alcohol drinkers (more than 6 drinks per week) have lower fertility across their entire menstrual cycle. 
• Abnormal bodyweight – Both extremely low and extremely high bodyweights can reduce fertility. Underweight women (those with a BMI below 18.5) and obese women (those with a BMI over 25) are more likely to experience lower conception rates due to disrupted ovulation and hormonal cycles.
• Age – As you age, the total number and quality of your eggs will decrease, eventually leading to menopause (when your menstrual cycle stops). Between 30 to 40 years old, most women’s chances of pregnancy lower from 20% to 5%. This natural fertility decline often brings hormonal symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and loss of libido.
• Endocrine conditions – If you have a hormonal condition, it will likely affect your fertility. A common disorder among women, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) lowers fertility by boosting androgen levels. This can lead to irregular periods, ovarian cysts, weight gain, and other symptoms. Other low-fertility conditions include thyroid disorders, pituitary hormone disorders, and hyperprolactinemia—a condition characterized by high levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood, usually caused by a pituitary tumor.
• Other illnesses – From chronic conditions (such as celiac disease, diabetes, etc.) to pelvic inflammatory disease, many illnesses have a “trickle-down” effect on fertility. If typical infertility causes aren’t to blame, ask your doctor about checking for other holistic issues.

Monitoring your reproductive health is just as important as trying to conceive. Make sure to consult with a doctor or fertility specialist to know whether your fertility problem can be remedied with fertility treatment or not. Fertility awareness is key knowing whether conception is possible for you.

SneakPeek—Your Guide on the Next Phase of Your Pregnancy Journey 

The journey to getting pregnant can be a bumpy road for many couples. Fortunately, you can smooth out the ride by listening for when your body signals, “Let’s go!”. With practice (and a little tracking), you and your body can work hand-in-hand to make a baby. If the signs haven’t shown up yet, don’t stop trying and think of ways to increase the chances of conception, such as doing fertility yoga. 

Once you do conceive, you can get an early introduction to your little mister (or little miss) with the SneakPeek Test—the only at-home fetal gender blood test that delivers over 99% accurate¹ results at just 6 weeks into your pregnancy! That’s way before your 20-week anatomy scan ultrasound!

With clinically-proven and privacy-protected results, there’s a reason we’re the #1 OBGYN-recommended at-home gender test. Join over 1 million SneakPeek moms, and say hello to your little one sooner than you ever thought possible.

Editorial Policy

At SneakPeek, our commitment is to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information to empower our readers. Our content is thoroughly researched, reviewed by medical experts, and fact-checked to ensure its credibility. We prioritize the well-being and education of our readers, and our editorial policy adheres to the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in all our articles.

This post has been reviewed for accuracy by the following medical professional:

Dr. Heather Soper, Certified Nurse Midwife

Dr. Heather Soper brings over 15 years of experience in women's health and obstetrics to her role as the owner of The Genesis Resort for Birth. Complementing her clinical practice, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at James Madison University, where she educates nursing students with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care. Her advanced training and dedication to midwifery are evident in her contribution to both academia and the wellness of expectant mothers.

Sources:

1. CambridgeCore. Women feel more attractive before ovulation: evidence from a large-scale online diary study. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/evolutionary-human-sciences/article/women-feel-more-attractive-before-ovulation-evidence-from-a-largescale-online-diary-study/1E25337DA0BD0AECFA976F7A736AF6B4
2. Cleveland Clinic. Basal Body Temperature Tracking & Conception. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-tracking-your-basal-body-temperature-help-you-conceive/
3. Evolution and Human Behavior. Ovulatory cycle effects on tip earnings by lap dancers: economic evidence for human estrus? https://www.unm.edu/~gfmiller/cycle_effects_on_tips.pdf
4. Hopkins Medicine. Breast Pain: 10 Reasons Your Breasts May Hurt. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-pain-10-reasons-your-breasts-may-hurt
5. Live Science. Fertile Gals Look & Sound More Attractive: Study. https://www.livescience.com/25457-fertile-women-attractiveness.html
6. Mayo Clinic. Mittelschmerz – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mittelschmerz/symptoms-causes/syc-20375122
7. Mayo Clinic. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
8. Mayo Clinic. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780
9. Medical News Today. Sore nipples and ovulation: Is it a sign of pregnancy? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sore-nipples-ovulation
10. NCBI. The effects of smoking on ovarian function and fertility during assisted reproduction cycles. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8885914/
11. NIH. NIH study suggests using cannabis while trying to conceive may reduce pregnancy chances.  https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-suggests-using-cannabis-while-trying-conceive-may-reduce-pregnancy-chances
12. Parents Magazine. Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month. https://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/trying-to-conceive/ovulation-getting-pregnant/
13. Planned Parenthood. What is the Cervical Mucus Method? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness/whats-cervical-mucus-method-fams
14. ScienceDirect. Peak coital rate coincides with onset of luteinizing hormone surge. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0015028216593480?via%3Dihub
15. Science Media Centre. expert reaction to study looking at drinking alcohol and the chances of becoming pregnant. https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-study-looking-at-drinking-alcohol-and-the-chances-of-becoming-pregnant/
16. VeryWell Family. Increased Sex Drive When Ovulating Is Real. https://www.verywellfamily.com/in-the-mood-you-may-be-ovulating-1960259
17. VeryWell Family. What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant After 40? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666
18. VeryWell Health. Ovulation Bleeding: Cause, Timing, and Signs. https://www.verywellhealth.com/ovulation-bleeding-5182477
19. Victoria State Government. Weight, fertility and pregnancy health. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/weight-fertility-and-pregnancy-health
20. Medline Plus. Mittelschmerz. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001503.htm 
21. NCBI. Menstrual Bleeding Patterns Among Regularly Menstruating Women. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299419/