Does Ovulation Make You Horny?

By

Katie Mill

Apr 29 2024

·

6 min read

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Medically reviewed by Kellie Leonard,

Biomedical Scientist / Medical Writer

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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?

Why do I feel more attractive during ovulation?

How to relieve ovulation horniness?

What else triggers female arousal?

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. 🥜

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