{"id":2,"date":"2020-05-11T07:27:49","date_gmt":"2020-05-11T11:27:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/2\/what-is-ovulation\/"},"modified":"2025-11-03T15:03:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T20:03:58","slug":"what-is-ovulation","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/2\/what-is-ovulation\/","title":{"rendered":"All about\u00a0ovulation: One egg’s epic\u00a0journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ovulation is a pretty amazing and intricate process, so let\u2019s start with the basics: Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle when an ovary releases an egg. Once released, time is of the essence: that egg  then has about 24 hours to, potentially, be fertilized by a sperm. If the egg is not fertilized, menstruation will soon begin, and a new menstrual cycle starts. If the egg is fertilized, this means that conception has taken place. Following conception, once the egg implants into the uterine wall, this will mark the start of a pregnancy. Like we said, pretty amazing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the basics of ovulation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Within each of the ovaries are ovarian follicles, which are fluid-filled sacs of cells. Every month, several ovarian follicles begin to develop, however, only one will fully mature and release an egg during ovulation. Ovulation is triggered by the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes one ovarian follicle to rupture and release an egg. That egg will then make its way into a fallopian tube \u2013 which is where egg and sperm would meet if fertilization were to take place \u2013 and then make its way to the uterus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ovulation is the only phase of the menstrual cycle when it\u2019s possible to conceive. Although an egg only has only about 24 hours after ovulation before it disintegrates, sperm can live inside the upper genital tract for up to five days. This means if you have intercourse in the few days leading up to ovulation, and there is already sperm present when the egg makes its big entrance, it\u2019s possible to conceive. Because of this, the period of time when it\u2019s possible to conceive, known as the fertile window<\/a>, includes the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. Because you\u2019re only able to conceive for these few days each cycle, it\u2019s important to be able to recognize signs of ovulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of ovulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a 28-day cycle, ovulation begins about 14 days before the first day  of your next period. But it\u2019s worth keeping in mind that when exactly ovulation occurs will vary from person to person and even cycle to cycle. Some people may be able to determine when they\u2019re ovulating based on physical signs, including one-sided abdominal cramping, lower backaches, or breast tenderness. There are also emotional symptoms to look for, such as an increase in libido or feelings of excitement or confidence. If you track your moods and find that you\u2019re often feeling a particular way during your fertile window, you can use that trend to identify when you\u2019re ovulating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not everyone experiences or notices these changes, and that\u2019s okay! Tracking your periods is a great way to figure out your fertile window and have a general sense of when you may be ovulating. There are another three reliable indicators of ovulation which are basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and the luteinizing hormone. You can monitor these indicators<\/a> in combination with other signs and symptoms to find out exactly when you\u2019re ovulating:<\/p>\n\n\n\n