The release of an egg by the ovaries is called ovulation. It is important to know when ovulation occurs in your body because if you time your sexual intercourse accordingly, you would increase the chances of conception.
Ovulation takes place 14 days before the expected next period. But since a menstrual cycle may vary anywhere between 24 to 35 days, you cannot assume that it is 14 days after the last period. Therefore, you would need a way to know when ovulation really occurs for you. Daily intercourse during the days ovulation is expected, is highly advised if you wish to become pregnant.

There are some physical symptoms that occur in your body at the time of ovulation.

Just before the ovulation the vaginal mucus increases in quantity and becomes thinner and more elastic – and really stretchy. Soon after ovulation, the mucus becomes thicker and whiter.

Tracking the basal body temperature is another information that can help you know about ovulation. To find out whether you are ovulating, you would be advised to keep a record of the basal body temperature every morning when you wake up. During the menstrual cycle once the ovulation occurs, the basal body temperature starts going up for three consecutive days. Interestingly, you can use the basal body temperature chart to know if you have become pregnant or not. Normally, when the periods start, basal body temperature falls down to its normal level, but if you have become pregnant, the temperature remains elevated.

There are also hormonal changes that occur at the time of ovulation. You can use the ovulation kits to detect the surge in the luteinizing hormone that occurs immediately before the ovulation occurs. You might be able to buy the ovulation kits over the counter at your local pharmacy.