Ovulation is the process by which the ovaries release a mature egg into the fallopian tube. It usually happens once in each menstrual cycle and is the time when pregnancy is possible.
Each month, several follicles in the ovaries start to grow during the follicular phase, and usually one becomes dominant. A surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) then makes this follicle burst and release its egg. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. The empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which makes progesterone during the luteal phase.
Ovulation usually happens around 10 to 16 days before the next period starts. In a 28-day cycle, that is often around day 14, but cycles vary, and the timing can change from month to month. An egg survives for about a day after release, while sperm can live for several days, so the fertile window includes the days before ovulation.
Cervical mucus often becomes clearer, wetter and more slippery, similar to raw egg white. Some people feel a mild one-sided pain in the lower abdomen. Basal body temperature rises slightly after ovulation. Ovulation tests detect the LH surge in urine.
Irregular or missing periods can be a sign of not ovulating. A GP can check for causes if you are trying to get pregnant.
Sources: ACOG, MedlinePlus, NHS.
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