Anatomy
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What is Ovulation?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Ovulation is an integral part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Although it occurs about midway in the cycle, which begins on the first day of a woman’s period, it affects the entire cycle. However, this process can be split into an accelerated time of activity before an egg is released from an ovary, and a time of deceleration, after the egg or ovum is released.

As a woman begins her period, her body is in the follicular phase of the process. The body, or more specifically, the hypothalamus gland, recognizes this pre-ovulation state and releases hormones to the pituitary gland. On receiving these signals, the pituitary gland produces a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which will allow follicles in an ovary to start maturing into an egg.

During ovulation, generally only one egg is released. Even though several follicles along the ovaries may begin to mature, only one ovum actually will be released. The rest of the stimulated follicles simply disintegrate.

Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.

Once the follicles have produced a fully mature ovum, estrogen is released into the body. This signal that the body is ready to ovulate must be met by a hormone response from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. They in turn release luteinizing hormone, which causes the egg’s release.

The release of estrogen and of luteinizing hormone tends to result in some women experiencing pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Women may also have cramping during this time, or notice a bit of spotting. The body temperature does rise slightly during this time period, and vaginal mucus becomes thicker. Many women may also feel the desire to be more sexually active prior to ovulation.

Pregnancy can occur if sexual intercourse takes place two to four days before ovulation, and at least a day after ovulation.
Pregnancy can occur if sexual intercourse takes place two to four days before ovulation, and at least a day after ovulation.

From a scientific standpoint, rise in body temperature, vaginal mucus and interest in sexual intercourse are all beneficial when one wants to produce a baby. They can help predict, depending upon the regularity of one’s cycle, when one is most likely to get pregnant.

Once the ovum is released and travels down one of the fallopian tubes, the process is complete and the body enters the luteal phase of the menstrual period. Estrogen and luteinizing hormone levels drop, and the body begins to produce progesterone. The uterus is lined with a thickened material that assists in egg implantation.

Ovulation occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle that begins on the first day of a woman's monthly period.
Ovulation occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle that begins on the first day of a woman's monthly period.

As progesterone is released, this lining will essentially thicken a bit more. However, the body also recognizes when the ovum is not fertilized and dissolves. Unfertilized ova tend to live for about 24 hours after the egg reaches the uterus. Some 12-16 days after a woman ovulates, this lining will be shed from the body at the beginning of a woman’s next menstrual cycle.

Twelve to sixteen days after ovulation, a woman will begin a new menstrual cycle.
Twelve to sixteen days after ovulation, a woman will begin a new menstrual cycle.

Although a woman's fertile time can sometimes occur on a predictable schedule, this is not always the case. Stress or illness can delay or force early ovulation, which can cause either late or early periods. Adding to the difficulty to pinpoint exact time of the egg is released and the window of fertility, it is important to note that male sperm can live for several days in the uterus. Pregnancy can occur if sexual intercourse takes place two to four days before the egg is released, and at least a day after ovulation.

Once a fully mature ovum has been produced, estrogen is released into the body.
Once a fully mature ovum has been produced, estrogen is released into the body.

Unlike the male sperm, a woman is born with all her immature egg cells. Male sperm, on the other hand, is manufactured on a rather constant basis. Lastly, although young women may not be aware of this, it is possible to get pregnant without ever having experienced one’s first menstruation. The cycle to mature an egg follicle and thus release the egg will occur before a woman has her first period.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon924235

Why does the ovum need to 'mature' in the follicle before ovulation can occur?

anon38194

What is the solution if the ovulation happens and the sperm is healthy but the egg is not opening to accept the sperm?

anon24445

want to know naturally how many eggs generate in a cycle in a woman. And after taking clomid, how many eggs generate in a cycle in a woman?

anon17254

Sperm can live about few days in uterus, egg can live about 24 hour after ovulation has occurred, they will meet at fallopian tubes. How much time the egg need spent to travel to fallopian tubes? and how much time sperm need spent to travel to fallopian tubes?

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    • Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
      By: Rob Byron
      Recording body temperature daily may help a woman keep track of ovulation cycles.
    • Pregnancy can occur if sexual intercourse takes place two to four days before ovulation, and at least a day after ovulation.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Pregnancy can occur if sexual intercourse takes place two to four days before ovulation, and at least a day after ovulation.
    • Ovulation occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle that begins on the first day of a woman's monthly period.
      By: lukasmajercik
      Ovulation occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle that begins on the first day of a woman's monthly period.
    • Twelve to sixteen days after ovulation, a woman will begin a new menstrual cycle.
      By: Africa Studio
      Twelve to sixteen days after ovulation, a woman will begin a new menstrual cycle.
    • Once a fully mature ovum has been produced, estrogen is released into the body.
      By: joshya
      Once a fully mature ovum has been produced, estrogen is released into the body.
    • Emotional stress may result in delayed ovulation.
      By: iko
      Emotional stress may result in delayed ovulation.
    • In general, only one egg is released during ovulation.
      By: Marin Conic
      In general, only one egg is released during ovulation.
    • During ovulation, an egg is released from an ovary.
      By: pankajstock123
      During ovulation, an egg is released from an ovary.
    • Severe bulimia may delay ovulation.
      By: Sylvie Bouchard
      Severe bulimia may delay ovulation.
    • During ovulation, the pituitary gland releases a hormone called FSH that allows follicles in an ovary to start maturing into an egg.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      During ovulation, the pituitary gland releases a hormone called FSH that allows follicles in an ovary to start maturing into an egg.
    • Most girls start to menstruate between the age of 10 and 15 years old.
      By: Maya Kruchancova
      Most girls start to menstruate between the age of 10 and 15 years old.