Ovulation triggers when a persons ovaries release a mature egg.
This usually happens about halfway through the menstrual cycle, on or about day 14.
If an egg is fertilized and implants in the uterus, a pregnancy results.
Knowing when you ovulate can help youget pregnantor avoid pregnancy.
Process
Who Ovulates?
Most people with ovaries who have gone throughpubertybut have not yet gone throughmenopausehave amenstrual cycleand therefore ovulate.
Ovulation happens when an egg is released from the ovaries.
The cycle begins on the first day of your period and lasts until the day before your next period.
On average, a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although it can be longer or shorter.
A persons cycle includes two phases.
This is typically 10 to 12 hours after LP peaks.
In the days before ovulation, your cervical mucus may increase in volume and take on an egg-white consistency.
Many people have a sensation of wetness during those days.
Basal Body Temperature
Another way of predicting ovulation is by tracking your basal body temperature.
Most people experience a small increase in their body temperature around ovulation.
The change is very smallbetween 0.4 and 0.8 of a degree Fahrenheit.
Most forms of hormonal birth controlincluding the pill and hormonal IUDsstop ovulation.
Your cycle will return when you stop these forms of birth control.
The time it takes to ovulate again will depend on which jot down of birth control you were using.
Assisted Reproduction
Some peopleincluding those withPCOSdo not ovulate regularly.
This can cause or contribute to infertility.
Other medications that stimulate LH are then used to trigger ovulation to occurthese are known as trigger shots.
Insemination or sexual intercourse can be timed around ovulation, so you can increase the chances of pregnancy.
Getting Pregnant Without Ovulation
During in-vitro fertilization, eggs are retrieved directly from the ovarian follicles.
For people who do not ovulate even with assistance, this can allow for pregnancy.
A Word From Verywell
Understanding ovulation is a key part of taking care of your health.
Knowing when you ovulate can help you get pregnant more quickly or avoid unwanted pregnancy.
For most people, ovulation takes place around day 14 of their menstrual cycle.
However, this can vary from person to person.
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