1.What is Ovulation?

The release of a fully developed egg from one of the ovaries is known as ovulation. After the

egg is released, it travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If sperm is present and

fertilizes the egg, pregnancy can occur. If the egg is not fertilized within 24 hours, it dissolves,

and the body prepares for the next menstrual cycle. Ovulation typically occurs around the

middle of a woman’s menstrual cycle, although it can vary from person to person.

2.The Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation

The menstrual cycle typically lasts between 28 and 35 days. It starts on the first day of your

period, or menstruation and concludes the day before the start of the next cycle. The menstrual

cycle is divided into two phases

1. The Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): This is the first half of the cycle, starting from the first

day of your period. During this phase, the hormone follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

helps several eggs inside your ovaries to grow. One egg becomes dominant and

matures. Your uterine lining increases in preparation of a fertilized egg at the same time.

2. Ovulation (Around Day 14): Around the middle of the cycle, typically between days 11

and 21, the hormone luteinizing hormone (LH) surges, triggering the release of the

mature egg from the ovary. This is ovulation. At the same time, cervical mucus becomes

thin and slippery, making it easier for sperm to travel to the egg.

The egg breaks down and is absorbed by the body if it is not fertilized within 12 to 24 hours. The

uterine lining will then shed during menstruation, starting a new cycle.

3.How to Track Ovulation

Monitoring ovulation is crucial to improving the likelihood of conception. The one to two days

before ovulation are the most fertile period of the cycle. Here are a few ways of tracking

ovulation:

1. Basal Body Temperature (BBT): After ovulation, the hormone progesterone raises your

body temperature slightly. By measuring your temperature every morning before getting

out of bed, you can track when ovulation has occurred. This method can help you

confirm ovulation but isn’t useful for predicting it in advance.

2. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These kits detect the surge in LH levels that happens

just before ovulation. By using OPKs, you can predict the exact day of ovulation and time

intercourse for the highest chance of conception.

3. Cervical Mucus: The texture of cervical mucus changes throughout the cycle. Before

ovulation, it becomes slippery and clear, resembling egg whites. This helps sperm swim

more easily to the egg.

4.Timing is Key for Conception

For the best chances of pregnancy, having sex 1-2 days before ovulation is ideal. Sperm can

live in the body for up to 3-5 days, while the egg only survives for 12-24 hours after release. The

chance of sperm and egg meeting is increased if sexual activity is timed during this fertile

window.

5.Factors Affecting Ovulation and Fertility

Several factors can affect ovulation and fertility. Age is a major factor, as fertility declines after

the age of 35. Another factor is weight; being underweight or overweight might interfere

with ovulation. Stress, illness and hormonal imbalances like PCOS (polycystic ovary

syndrome) or thyroid disorders can also impact ovulation.