When ovulation happens

zubechiugwu
Mar 5, 2024
3 min read

In my previous post on understanding the menstrual cycle, I explained -briefly- each of the four phases in the menstrual cycle. However on this particular blog, I would be focusing on the less thought and understood phase being the ovulation phase.

After having a long conversation with an acquaintance who happens to also be in the medical field concerning when ovulation occurs, the duration of time it lasts and how often it occurs during a typical cycle, it wasn't that much of a surprise how that conversation turned out. It only went futher to prove my point on the lack of proper education about the menstrual cycle and most female related issues. Of course it was my pleasure to provide as much insight as I could to her and everyone who cared to listen.

Ovulation can be defined as a phase in the menstrual cycle when the ovary releases a mature egg (ovum). Once the egg is released, it travels down the fallopian tube where it waits to be fertilized by the sperm. In cases where fertilization fails to happen, the egg remains for about 12 to 24 hours before it dissolves and as such terminating any possibility of getting pregnant.

How many times do we ovulate in each cycle?

The ovulation phase comes around only once during a single menstrual cycle. While some women may release one mature egg per ovulation, some women release multiple eggs when they ovulate and this condition is termed hyperovulation, thus increasing the chances of bearing multiples.

When does ovulation happen in a cycle?

Typically, ovulation occurs 2 weeks before the start of a new cycle which places it on the 12th to 14th day of a 25 day ideal menstrual cycle. However ovulation doesn't occur in all cycles or in all women, this condition can be identified by either observing the absence of symptoms accompanying ovulation such as ; changes in Basal body temperature, cervical fluid, libido and all other physical changes, or by using an ovulation kit.

Ps- people with this condition are advised to seek medical aid.

How long does ovulation occur?

Unlike what most people would think or believe, a woman is only fertile during her ovulation phase which only lasts 16 to 24 hours -except perhaps in rare conditions- in every cycle. The term "fertile window" refers to the period where there is a possibility of achieving pregnancy which can be approximated to 3-5 days before ovulation and on the ovulation day itself. This is so not because the woman is fertile during these 3 to 5 days but because the sperm remains viable during this period.

Can I achieve pregnancy after ovulation?

When I was younger, I used to think the menstruation blood included the egg released which then dissolved as a result of not being fertilized. If this were true, then perhaps ovulation can occur during the luteal phase following ovulation, however this isn't the case as the eggs dissolves after the 16 to 24 hour period if fertilization does not occur.

So no, pregnancy cannot be achieved within that cycle if the ovulation phase has passed since there is the absence of an egg to be fertilized.

What are the physical ovulation signs?

To track the ovulation period, some physical changes can be observed and recorded. The ovulation period usually occurs around the same time in every cycle for every woman except for months were there is an elongation or reduction in ones cycle. Some of these signs include;

Rise in basal body temperature - Due to the production of progesterone, there is a slight increase in the basal body temperature which is taken while the body is at rest -preferably first thing in the morning after you wake up-.
Changes in cervical fluid- the fluid becomes clear, stretchy, slippery and has the consistency of raw egg whites
Increased sexual drive
Ovulation pain
Tenderness of breast, etc.

Taking record of the symptoms during each phase helps in monitoring your menstrual cycle as it progresses. We can all try tracking our symptoms during our next cycle to see if we can identify each phase or the ovulation phase in that cycle, and if you feel like taking a step further, why not track these symptoms for atleast 6 months which can aid in better pinpointing your ovulation day more accurately.

If you have questions concerning ovulation or need clarification on any area proving difficult to understand, you can leave a comm Below or send in a chat through the chat box.

Until next time, happy charting and have a lovely week ahead!