#if you wanna know: Beta males have 'barbed' penises

[myheartismadeofstars]

Heat/Rut headcanons:

There are two "levels" of heat. Shallow heat is where the Omega is capable of functioning normally. Omegas in shallow heat tend to want their pack around them, for safety and bonding. Shallow heats are typically associated with packs gathering together to dote on the Omega. They are capable of caring for themselves, but it's very uncomfortable for them to be alone. Omegas in shallow heat CAN do things like go to work, but most places give Heat Leave (not giving heat leave is a red flag in most countries) typically the only Omegas who choose to work through Shallow Heat are Omegas who don't have a pack, so going to work would actually be more comfortable than being alone.

The other level is Deep Heat. this is the more traditional omegaverse heat. Head empty only breeding instinct. It is triggered by desire. If they are around an attractive person they feel safe with and they (sometimes subconsciously) think would make a great parent they trigger Deep Heat. They might be in Deep Heat for anywhere from an hour to three days. During this time, Omegas must be forced to eat and drink. Deep Heat can be counteracted by the presence of a related person, or any unpresented pup that they have a bond with. If a person is on Heat Suppressants, this is the type of heat they are suppressing, typically.

The most common type of suppressants acts as birth control as well, but it is possible to find some that suppress Deep Heat but doesn't prevent pregnancy (for some people Deep Heat may be triggering or they may have a disorder that causes Deep Heat to be dangerous, but they may still want to have children.) There are some suppressants that block Shallow Heat as well, but they aren't recommended for long term use. They seem to be most often prescribed for Assigned Omega At Birth trans dynamic individuals (though they are still recommended to come off them for a cycle or two every couple years for health reasons) but they were originally created for Omegas with certain health problems.

Heats vary from once every two months to every six months, and they last between 3-10 days. They can be triggered by certain medications, and possibly some foods, very rarely they may be triggered by the Rut of an Alpha but the reverse is way more common.

Ruts are also dependent on the Alpha's mindset, a healthy, secure Alpha who is happily mated will be clingy and jealous and constantly be scenting their Den and establishing boundaries. On the other end of the spectrum are Alphas who are SEVERELY unwell, becoming almost feral and very physically and potentially sexually aggressive. Alphas who go into the latter kind of Ruts can be very dangerous and it isn't uncommon for them to require rut suppressants and/or therapy to help in toning down the effects of their ruts.

Ruts typically happen on a similar frequency to heats (though typically somewhat more frequent) but they don't typically last as long (3-5 days is the average). When mated, it's extremely common (though not guaranteed) that Ruts and Heats would sync up (just ruts can also sync up but unlike with heats this only happens when mated. Heats sync up simply by living together).

In the case of both, fertility is much higher during Heat/Rut but it isn't unheard of to see pregnancy occuring outside of both (typically close to when they would occur).

Betas do not experience Heat or Rut as Omegas or Alphas do. Instead, Beta males have the ability to trigger ovulation in Beta females. (for non-Beta/Beta couples, ovulation can be stimulated with assistive devices designed for the purpose.)

#Omegaverse #alpha beta omega #omegaverse headcanons #alpha headcanons #beta headcanons #omega headcanons #omegaverse worldbuilding #a/b/o headcanon #a/b/o #heat headcanons #if you wanna know: Beta males have 'barbed' penises #that's what stimulates ovulation #so alphas or omegas in a relationship with a beta female need to wear a spiked sleeve to have children #or have medical assistance i suppose