How do you know if you are ovulating?

Other than pains?

I mean can you have pains but not actually be releasing an egg??

You can have pains and not be releasing an egg.
The best way to see if you're ovulating is by charting using your temperature. But this will tell you after you have ovulated.

You can also chart using temperature and cervical fluid observations, this should help you get a fair idea of when you're coming up to ovulation.

There are also OPK tests to try and get an idea of leading up to ovuation.

There is a webisite you might find useful for info on ovulation and all things to do with conception/fertility or avoiding conception. Taking Charge of Your Fertility

Hope this helps:)

I prefered ti use fertility friend for info etc

for me I feel bloated and crampy if that makes sense, I also get stitch like pains I know I have ovualted as I was on clomid etc and having monthly scans

Have a look at these two articles on the main BB site, they should help :)

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/concep...for-conception

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/concep...lation-fertile