Final answer:
Concealed ovulation in humans hints at evolutionary benefits such as boosting pair bonding by obscuring the precise time of fertility. Signs like changes in cervical mucus and basal body temperature, though subtle, aid in predicting ovulation timing for conception or prevention of pregnancy. Advanced methods like ovulation predictor kits track the LH surge to pinpoint ovulation more accurately.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory of concealed ovulation refers to the idea that unlike many other species, human females do not display conspicuous signs of fertility during their menstrual cycle. This lack of overt indicators as to when a woman is ovulating has led to various hypotheses about the evolutionary advantages of such concealment. One prominent theory suggests that concealed ovulation helps facilitate pair bonding in humans, by making it less obvious when females are most fertile, thereby encouraging males to remain with a female companion for longer durations, rather than only seeking them out during fertile periods.
Monitoring cervical mucus and establishing a pattern of basal body temperature are two methods used within natural family planning to predict ovulation. As ovulation approaches, cervical mucus becomes thinner and more abundant, functioning as an aid for sperm to reach the egg. A rise in basal body temperature typically follows ovulation, serving as another sign for detecting the ovulation timeframe. However, these signs are subtle and require careful monitoring, contributing to the concealed ovulation in humans.
For couples wishing to conceive or avoid pregnancy, other methods such as barrier methods, withdrawal, or the use of ovulation predictor kits are also available. These kits work by detecting a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which occurs right before ovulation. Despite some contraceptive methods having notable failure rates, tracking ovulation remains a significant approach for managing fertility.