ovulationwhen

Ovulationwhen is not a standard medical term; this article uses it informally to refer to the timing of ovulation within the menstrual cycle. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from one of the ovaries, typically once per cycle. It is a central part of human fertility, allowing fertilization if sperm are present.

Timing varies widely. In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation often occurs around day 14, but many people ovulate earlier or later. Some cycles may have no ovulation at all.

The fertile window encompasses the days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation. The egg survives about 12-24 hours after release; sperm can survive up to about 5 days inside the female reproductive tract, extending the window for conception.

An LH surge triggers ovulation 24-36 hours before release. Common signs include mild lower abdominal pain (mittelschmerz), changes in cervical mucus that becomes clear and stretchy, and a rise in basal body temperature after ovulation.

Tracking methods: calendars or cycle apps, ovulation predictor kits that detect LH, monitoring cervical mucus, and basal body temperature charts. Each method has limitations, and some people use several methods together for greater accuracy.

Certain conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, extreme weight changes, or stress can disrupt ovulation. Seek medical advice if periods are very irregular, absent for several months, or if pregnancy is not achieved after trying for a year (or six months for those over 35).

Understanding when ovulation occurs can help people attempting to conceive or those avoiding pregnancy to plan intercourse accordingly or to understand cycle patterns.