Ovulation Cycle – How to Understand It

Ovulation is the time in a month in which a mature egg is released by the ovary and pushed down to the fallopian tube so that it may be fertilized. During the ovulation cycle, the uterine lining thickens to prepare for a fertilized egg.

If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus and blood will be shed out of a woman’s body. This shedding is called menstruation.

A woman’s menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of her menstruation to the first day of her next period. Generally, a woman’s cycle is between 28-32 days, but some women have longer menstrual cycles, while others have seemingly shorter ones.

The ovulation cycle can be calculated by beginning with the first day of the last menstrual period or by computing 12-16 days from your next expected menstruation. Most women ovulate between day 11 and day 21 of the monthly cycle, counting from the first day of their last menstrual period.

These days are the time in an ovulation cycle in which women are most fertile. Sexual intercourse during this time increases the chances of a woman to get pregnant. Ovulation can occur in many different times during a cycle and can also take place in different days every month.

It is important for you to keep track of your monthly cycle so that you know when you are likely to conceive. You may seek the help of doctors or ovulation tests and ovulation calculators/calendars to predict the days when you are most fertile.