Ovulation is a process that begins even while menstruation is happening.  Your body begins producing a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone, which fosters development of an egg in your ovary.  The egg matures within a small cavity in your ovary called a follicle.  A few days later, your body produces a hormone called luteinizing hormone.  It causes your follicle to swell and burst through the wall of your ovary, releasing the egg.  This is called ovulation.

Important Things to Know About Ovulation:

• Although you have two ovaries, only one ovary will release an egg each cycle.

• The egg is only available for fertilization for about 12 to 24 hours after it has been released from the ovary.

• The day of ovulation may vary from woman to woman, or even cycle to cycle for the same person.

• Although menstruation and ovulation are related both may occur without the other happening.

• Ovulation may be altered because of stress, infection or illness.

• It is possible to experience some spotting during ovulation, but most people will not.

• Some women may feel when their ovulation is occurring because of a small pain near one of the ovaries.

• Ovulation is normally tracked from the first day of a menstrual period until the first day of the next period.

• Typical cycles run between 28 to 32 days however some women may have considerably shorter or longer cycles.

• Ovulation generally occurs between day 10 and 19 of a regular menstrual cycle.

Understanding ovulation is helpful because it is directly related to getting pregnant and preventing pregnancy. The process can be confusing and somewhat overwhelming when trying to understand, so it may be helpful to visit with your healthcare provider.

For more information on Ovulation, visit the American Pregnancy Association Another helpful tool is the Ovulation Calendar or Ovulation Calculator.