Whether you’re trying to conceive, looking to avoid pregnancy, or simply aiming to understand your body better, knowledge about ovulation is an essential part of your health journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to demystify ovulation, breaking down the complex science into easy-to-understand information that you can use in your daily life. From the basic definition to the intricate hormonal dance that makes it all happen, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this topic.

By the end, you’ll have a toolbox of knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health and overall well-being. So, are you ready to embark on this journey of discovery? Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of ovulation together!

What is Ovulation?

In its simplest terms, ovulation is the natural process where a mature egg is released from one of your ovaries.1 Typically, this occurs roughly midway through your cycle—around day 14 in a standard 28-day cycle—but it’s important to remember that the exact timing can vary from person to person.2

Once released, the egg travels down the fallopian tube where it may encounter sperm.1 If fertilisation occurs, the fertilised egg continues its journey to the uterus for implantation, leading to pregnancy. If not, the egg disintegrates, and the uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstruation.1

Why is Ovulation Important?

Ovulation isn’t just about making babies, it’s a key indicator of your reproductive health. Understanding your ovulation cycle may help you:

  • Plan or prevent pregnancy: Knowing when you ovulate allows you to time intercourse for conception or avoid it for contraception.
  • Gain body awareness: Recognising ovulation signs helps you understand your body’s natural rhythms and potential fertility windows.
  • Monitor your reproductive health: Irregular or absent ovulation can indicate underlying health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders.

Gaining a deeper understanding of your menstrual cycle can be an empowering step toward managing your overall health. Studies have shed light on the fact that irregular ovulation is not just a minor inconvenience but may actually signal an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.3

If you suspect ovulation issues, consult your Aussie-based healthcare provider. It’s the best way to receive guidance and support tailored to your needs, helping you take proactive steps toward maintaining your health and well-being.

How Do You Know When You Are Ovulating?

While some women may not experience any noticeable signs of ovulation, others may observe subtle changes. If you are wondering, “What does ovulation do to a woman?” it may include:

  • Changes in cervical mucus:Cervical mucus becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy, resembling egg whites – this consistency helps sperm travel to the egg.1
  • Increased libido: Some women experience a heightened sex drive around ovulation.5
  • Slight increase in basal body temperature: Body temperature rises slightly after ovulation, typically about 0.5°F (0.3°C).7
  • Mittelschmerz (ovulation pain): Some women experience mild cramping or pain on one side of the lower abdomen.6
  • Breast tenderness: Breasts may become slightly tender or sore.8
  • Light spotting: A small amount of spotting may occur.10

What Happens During Ovulation?

Ovulation is a complex process and one of the four phases of the menstrual cycle, orchestrated by a delicate interplay of hormones. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:1,2

Follicular Phase: The cycle begins with the follicular phase, where the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone stimulates the growth of several follicles (fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, each containing an egg) in the ovaries.

Ovulatory Phase: As the follicles grow, they produce oestrogen, which triggers a surge in luteinising hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This LH surge triggers ovulation, causing the mature follicle to release its egg. It is commonly thought that your right and left ovary alternate releasing an oocyte each cycle.9

Luteal Phase: After the egg is released, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. This structure produces progesterone, a hormone that prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. If fertilisation doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in progesterone levels and the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation).

The Role of Hormones in Ovulating

Hormones play a pivotal role in managing the menstrual cycle and ovulation, acting as the body’s orchestrators to ensure everything runs smoothly. Reed and Carr’s review in “Endotext” is an invaluable resource for understanding hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.2 Key hormone players include:

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates follicle growth in the ovaries.
  • Luteinising Hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum.
  • Oestrogen: Promotes the growth of the uterine lining and plays a role in cervical mucus changes.
  • Progesterone: Prepares the uterine lining for implantation and helps maintain early pregnancy.

The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) research demonstrated how hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect various aspects of health, including bone metabolism.4

We provide Australian women with fast and convenient online access to contraception, medical certificates, and prescriptions. Start here today!

What Can Affect Ovulation?

Anything that throws your hormones off balance can affect this process. Here are some key factors:

Factor 1: Hormonal Imbalances

  • Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet is crucial. Nutritional deficiencies can disrupt hormone production.1
  • Stress: Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, which can interfere with reproductive hormones.1
  • Exercise: While exercise is generally beneficial, excessive exercise can sometimes suppress ovulation.1

Factor 2: Hormonal Birth Control

Studies show that hormonal contraceptives, like the birth control pill, effectively prevent ovulation by increasing levels of progesterone and oestrogen. This process makes the follicles less responsive to hormones, which in turn inhibits their growth, so an egg isn’t released.11

Factor 3: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hormonal pathways that trigger ovulation are naturally suppressed. This helps prevent another pregnancy while your body is focused on nurturing a child.12

Factor 4: Perimenopause and Menopause

As you approach menopause or perimenopause, your ovarian reserve of eggs diminishes, and ovulation becomes irregular. Once you reach menopause, oestrogen levels are low, and ovulation typically stops.13

How to Track Your Ovulation Cycle Effectively

Tracking ovulation can be helpful for family planning, whether you’re trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. Here are some common methods to help you calculate or estimate your ovulation time:

  • Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting: Tracking your BBT first thing in the morning can help identify the slight temperature rise that occurs after ovulation but it’s not considered very reliable.15
  • Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Observing changes in cervical mucus can help pinpoint fertile days.15
  • Ovulation Predictor Kits: These kits detect the LH surge in urine, signalling that ovulation is imminent.16
  • Fertility Apps and Monitors: Several period tracking apps and devices combine various tracking methods to provide a more comprehensive picture of your cycle.

Note that for medical professionals, the most reliable test for ovulation is a combination of transvaginal ultrasonography and a progesterone blood test.14 However, this option is not feasible for individuals wishing to check ovulation at home.

What are Common Ovulatory Issues and When to Seek Help

While occasional irregularities are normal, persistent issues with ovulation can indicate underlying conditions. Common problems include:17

  • Anovulation: Absence of ovulation.
  • Oligoovulation: Infrequent ovulation.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that can disrupt ovulation.

When to Consult a Doctor:17

  • Irregular periods (cycles consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days)
  • No periods for several months (amenorrhea)
  • Difficulty conceiving after 12 months of trying (or 6 months if you’re over 35)
  • Symptoms of hormonal imbalance (acne, excess hair growth, weight gain)

If you suspect ovulatory issues, seek help to identify the underlying cause and receive recommendations for appropriate treatment options. Consult your healthcare provider now!

Lifestyle Tips for Supporting Healthy Ovulatory Functioning

While you can’t entirely control your ovulation, certain lifestyle factors may support healthy reproductive function:18

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Both being underweight and overweight can affect ovulation.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
  • Exercise regularly: Moderate exercise can improve circulation and hormonal balance.
  • Manage stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone production and affect ovulation.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine: Excessive consumption can interfere with hormonal balance.
  • Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.

Wrapping It Up!

Understanding ovulation is a powerful step towards taking control of your reproductive health. By learning about the signs and tracking methods, you might gain valuable insights into your body’s natural rhythm. Remember, if you have concerns about your cycle or fertility, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

We empower Australian women with quick and easy access to contraception, medical certificates, and prescriptions online. Get started today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ovulation

How many days after your period do you ovulate?2

Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. However, this can vary depending on the length of your menstrual cycle. For a 28-day cycle, ovulation usually happens around day 14. If you have a shorter or longer cycle, the timing of ovulation will adjust accordingly. It’s important to note that stress, illness, and other factors can affect the timing of ovulation.

When is ovulation to get pregnant?2

The best time to try to get pregnant is during the “fertile window,” which includes the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, while an egg is only viable for about 12-24 hours after ovulation.

What is ovulation week?2

Ovulation week refers to the week of your menstrual cycle when ovulation occurs. For a typical 28-day cycle, this would be around the middle of the cycle, usually between days 10-17. However, the exact timing can vary from woman to woman and even from cycle to cycle.

What is ovulation period and how is it calculated?19

The ovulation period, also known as the fertile window, is the time during your menstrual cycle when pregnancy is possible. It includes the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.

To calculate your ovulation period without the need of an ovulation date calculator:

  1. Track your menstrual cycles for several months.
  2. Identify the length of your shortest cycle.
  3. Subtract 18 from the length of your shortest cycle to find the first day of your fertile window.
  4. Subtract 11 from the length of your longest cycle to find the last day of your fertile window.

For example, if your cycles range from 26 to 29 days: 26 – 18 = Day 8 (first day of fertile window) 29 – 11 = Day 18 (last day of fertile window)

Your fertile window would be from Day 8 to Day 18 of your cycle.

What are signs ovulation is over?1

Signs that ovulation has passed include:

  • Cervical mucus becomes thicker or lessens in amount
  • Basal body temperature remains elevated
  • Mild abdominal pain or discomfort (if experienced) subsides
  • The cervix becomes lower, firmer, and more closed
  • Breasts may become less tender

It’s important to note that these signs can be subtle and not all women will experience all of them.

Remember, while these FAQs provide general information, every woman’s body is unique. If you have specific concerns about your ovulation or reproductive health, it’s always best to consult with your doctor or nurse practitioner in Australia.

References

  1. Vigil P, Pablo Del Río J, Bmed N, et al. OVULATION a SIGN of HEALTH UNDERSTANDING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH in a NEW WAY. https://rhrinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/White-Paper-Ovulation-a-sign-of-Health-25.01.19.pdf. 
  2. Reed BG, Carr BR. The Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. Nih.gov. Published August 5, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279054/. 
  3. Solomon CG. Long or Highly Irregular Menstrual Cycles as a Marker for Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. JAMA. 2001;286(19):2421. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.286.19.2421
  4. Santoro N, Sutton-Tyrrell K. The SWAN Song: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation’s Recurring Themes. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2011;38(3):417-423. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2011.05.001
  5. ANP-BC HAC MS, MEd, FAAN RMS DNP, FNP-BC, NCMP, FAANP. Advanced Health Assessment of Women: Clinical Skills and Procedures. Springer Publishing Company; 2018. https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=wMNYDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA373&dq=breast+tenderness+ovulation&ots=A-cicX1GRo&sig=Ry5qVPiCUS_lPsLWIuLDngX06xc#v=onepage&q=breast%20tenderness%20ovulation&f=false
  6. Brott NR, Le JK. Mittelschmerz. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549822/
  7. Écochard R, Leiva R, Bouchard T, Boehringer H, Iwaz J, Plotton I. Descriptive analysis of the relationship between progesterone and basal body temperature across the menstrual cycle. Steroids. 2022;178:108964. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2022.108964
  8. Nelson Carcio, Helen, Mimi Clarke Secor. Advanced health assessment of women : clinical skills and procedures. New York, Ny: Springer Publishing Company, Llc; 2019
  9. Holesh JE, Bita Hazhirkarzar, Lord M. Physiology, Ovulation [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2019. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441996/
  10. NHS Choices. Ovulation pain [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2017. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovulation-pain/
  11. Wright AA, Fayad GN, Selgrade JF, Olufsen MS. Mechanistic model of hormonal contraception. Sobie EA, editor. PLOS Computational Biology. 2020 Jun 29;16(6):e1007848
  12. Xu C, Papadakis GE, Pitteloud N. Normal Endocrine Physiology of Hypothalamic Hormones During Ovulation, Pregnancy, and Lactation. Elsevier eBooks. 2020 Jan 1;7–14
  13. Hale GE, Robertson DM, Burger HG. The perimenopausal woman: Endocrinology and management. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology [Internet]. 2014 Jul;142:121–31. Available from: https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S0960076013001581?token=CE011EB1CD4E9ADE95AA3C00962C211746EC1C6A0E51B1E980BF9067BFF58D2A0BB34DFC4BB35DD2B3A2F01E99EC362A
  14. Weiss G, Strohmayer K, Koele W, Reinschissler N, Schenk M. Confirmation of human ovulation in assisted reproduction using an adhesive axillary thermometer (femSense®). Frontiers in Digital Health. 2022 Sep 19;4
  15. Su HW, Yi YC, Wei TY, Chang TC, Cheng CM. Detection of ovulation, a Review of Currently Available Methods. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine. 2017;2(3):238-246. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/btm2.10058
  16. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ovulation (Urine Test). 2018 Nov 3 [cited 2024 Jun 20]; Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/ovulation-urine-test
  17. Mayo Clinic. Female infertility. Mayo Clinic. Published August 27, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308
  18. Lifestyle factors to consider to generally improve fertility. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/best-start/improving-your-fertility/
  19. Calculating Your Monthly Fertility Window. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Published March 10, 2022. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/calculating-your-monthly-fertility-window