Does Ovulation Make You Horny? | Peanut

Does Ovulation Make You Horny?

By Katie Mill

Apr 30, 2024

6 min read

KL

Reviewed by Kellie Leonard,

Biomedical Scientist / Medical Writer

So, you’re coming up to your ovulation window, and you’re starting to feel… well, kinda frisky. 😈 But, are the two connected? Turns out, they might be… So, what is it about ovulation that gets you in the mood? Plus, you might also feel kinda good about yourself, too — is that also part of it? 💁‍♀️ We’re deep diving into the ‘ovulation-horn’, seeing how science versus myth, and debunking any rumors for you. 👇 In this article: 📝

Does ovulation increase your libido?

Yep, you guessed it, ladies — ovulation can make you more aroused. 😈 [1] And it can ramp up both before and during your ovulation, too. This is because the hormone estrogen increases to its peak in your cycle, and causes a 180 switch in your LH (luteinizing hormone) levels. [2] And, here’s the clever part — it does this so it can coax your body into reproducing. 🤯 Essentially, it’s Mother Nature’s way of saying, “It’s go-time, girl — let’s get baby-making!”. So, it’s no wonder you’re feeling a little more up for some sexy time when you’re midway through your cycle… Which, incidentally, coincides wonderfully if you’re trying to conceive (TTC). But, not so wonderfully if you’re trying to avoid getting pregnant. 😅

Is that why I’m so turned on during ovulation?

It could well be. Things may feel better down there, you might feel more adventurous, and you might even feel more attractive in yourself, too. 👄 (more on this later 👇). Your body is gearing up for implantation, so it’s going to make you feel the best you feel all month, ready to fertilize your monthly egg, and start the pregnancy ball rolling. That’s why it’s so important to take precautions if you don’t want to become pregnant. And not to give in to that ovulation-horniness. 😈 Because your ovulation window, although typically occurring mid-way through your cycle, can sometimes sneak up on you.
ovulation-arousal

Why do I feel more attractive during ovulation?

So, you might have noticed that you may “feel yourself” a bit more when you’re ovulating. 💁‍♀️ Whether it’s just generally having more confidence, or thinking you might look a bit more attractive, does ovulation have something to do with it? Turns out, it could. 😲 Did you know, there’s some scientific research that backs up that women might actually feel more attractive during ovulation?! 🤯 [3] This study looked at over 800 women across 70 days and found that, during ovulation, women felt more attractive, had higher self-esteem, a more positive outlook, and desired sex more than any other cycle phase. 😌 Mind. Blown. Like, Mother Nature has some serious skills in her arsenal to get you on the baby-making train. But, we should caveat this with the fact more research is needed to support this theory fully, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

Can men sense when a woman is ovulating?

Surely not… right? Turns out, maybe. 🤯 One study found that men find a woman’s body odor the sexiest when she’s ovulating. [4] This was done using smelly t-shirts women had worn for 3 nights, and were ‘sniff-tested’ by male volunteer sniffers. 🤣 It was found that those who sniff-tested the ovulatory t-shirts had an increase in testosterone, and a decreased amount of cortisol (the stress hormone). So, basically, this study is saying that the odor of women can modulate unconscious physiological reactions in men — especially when we are ovulating. 😲 Interesting, right? So basically, what it boils down to, is that we really are all just animals. 😅

How to relieve ovulation horniness?

We get it — sometimes, it’s just not the vibe to feel turned on, and you need to get it out of your system. So, how can you reduce some of that pent-up sexual energy? 🥵 Of course, the obvious answer is to take it to the bedroom with your partner. 😈 But, if you’re single, or you’re trying not to conceive accidentally, there are other ways to relieve yourself, too. Self-pleasure is a great way to relieve some of those hormonal surges. 😌 Or, mindfulness, including meditation and breathing work, can take your mind off what’s going on in your cycle.

What else triggers female arousal?

As well as those hormones flying around during your ovulation window, there are other times when women can feel more turned on than others:
  • 💋 Flirty thirties
Ever heard people say, “You’ll have the best sex of your life in your 30s”? Well, some women swear by it. Turns out, for many women, this is when our sex drive peaks, sexual fantasies increase, and you might find yourself having more frequent sex. [5] So, it’s not all bad turning 30, hey?!
  • 🌅 Time of day
Some say that the time of day can dictate whether they’re aroused or not. Sex toy company, Love Honey, revealed in their survey that women’s preferred time to have sex is the 11pm - 2am window! [6] Surprising? Well, apparently men’s most aroused time of day is quite the opposite — instead, it’s first thing in the morning in the 6am - 9am window. 😅 
  • 🩸 During your period
Say whaaat?! We know — it sounds bizarre. But some women can actually feel more turned on while they’re on their period. This can be due to progesterone taking a back seat, giving you some respite from that fall-from-grace since your ovulation window. [7] So, if that works for you, enjoy that period sex, ladies. 💁‍♀️
woman-not-aroused

When is a woman’s libido the lowest?

So, interestingly, after your libido peaks during ovulation, it then starts to decrease fairly rapidly as soon as you’ve stopped ovulating. This is because progesterone rises, estrogen drops, and your period is on the fast approach. [8] In fact, this change can actually happen right away after ovulation day… “So, we feel fab one day, and not-so-fab the next?” Yep — we hear you, not ideal. 🙃 But that’s the way the cards are dealt! 🤷‍♀️ 🔍 Read More: Can Ovulation Make You Feel Nauseous?
So, although Mother Nature sometimes doesn’t seem fair, at least she’s consistent. 💁‍♀️ And, if you’re wondering when the best time to have sex with your partner might be, timing it to be around that ovulation window could be a great way to benefit both you and your partner. And, it’s especially handy if you’re TTC! But, what do other women think? Share your thoughts with women who are experiencing it all, too, on Peanut today. 🥜

Trending in our community

Sex

If I have sex the night before my c section will there be a possibility of me falling pregnant straight away as cum stays in your body for 7 days and after giving birth your more fertile?

incognito
8

Question

I think I read something somewhere can’t remember if it was on here or FB but is it true before I do some research that if you’re trying to have a baby then you shouldn’t have sex 2 days in a row I forgot the exact reason but does that sound right?! I think it said should be once then wait then ok to try again…

incognito
5

Has anyone put a deadline on "fixing" their marriage?

Did it work out for you? My husband and I just decided that we're giving until the end of our current lease to make significant improvements in our marriage or to just walk away. Our lease ends in June, so it's quite a long time, but I honestly don't see much hope.

incognito
1
9

Group chat??

I’m new to this whole being social thing. I’ve always wanted to be a part of a group chat but my circle has never been big enough to do so.

incognito
2
3

Social lives

Do any of y’all’s baby daddy’s have a social life while you don’t? How often is okay for them to be gone after work doing things with friends. My partner has these friends who are still in college and he feels bad for them so he goes and hangs out with them leaving me home alone with baby. I spend all day with the baby and just wish he were here with us after he gets off work more. He does this at least 3-4 nights a week.

incognito
5

Pregnancy and relationship issues

I’m a little over 7 weeks pregnant. My partner and I were not planning on another pregnancy since we already have a toddler and we’ve got some financial issues…. Plan b failed. When we first found out, at 4 weeks, I had agreed to consider abortion. Fast forward to my first OB appt and ultrasound at 6 weeks, once I saw the baby, I was leaning more towards keeping the baby. My partner claimed he wasn’t ready to have a conversation after our appt and that I seemed to have already made up my mind. A few days later he tells me that if I keep the baby that there’s a high probability that our relationship will suffer. He says he’ll be by my side and be a good supportive father to our (2nd) child, if I choose to continue, but that if we struggle, he’ll choose himself and we’ll just coparent. He states that me choosing to keep the baby is me not taking him into consideration and setting us up to struggle. We have government assistance and he’s a freelancer, better, and investor. I’ve been a stay at home for 2 years and I was on the process of starting a new job, but he told me that he prefers for me to stay home and be with our toddler. Also, he says his obligation to me is to buy me a house for our children and then his obligation with me is over. Thoughts? Please

incognito
3