Ovulation: What it is, Symptoms, Pain, How to track it, and More

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the process of an ovary releasing a mature egg for fertilization during the menstrual cycle. The ovulation period, i.e. the ovulation day and the two days before it, is your peak fertile time and the best time to get pregnant.

The released egg can be fertilized for around 24 hours. If sperm are present in the fallopian tubes, where they can stay viable for days, then the egg can get fertilized. If fertilized, the egg moves down to the uterus and gets implanted in the uterine lining, resulting in pregnancy. As a result, periods stop happening. 

If unfertilized, the egg breaks down and the uterine lining is shed. This marks the start of the next period. 

Ovulation and the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in the female reproductive system and hormone levels that happen on a monthly basis. Your body goes through these changes to prepare for a possible pregnancy. The first day of your period marks the start of your menstrual cycle. 

The menstrual cycle has four phases, one of which is ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, give or take a few days. 

The four menstrual cycle phases are as follows:

• Menstruation: In this phase, since there