Everything You Should Know About Ovulation

Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilised by sperm. As per a fertility or IVF specialist, understanding ovulation is crucial for women who are trying to conceive, as well as for those who are trying to avoid pregnancy. Here is everything you should know about ovulation:

When does ovulation occur?

Ovulation usually occurs once a month, around the midpoint of a woman's menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of a woman's period to the first day of her next period, and the average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, menstrual cycles can vary in length from 21 to 35 days, so ovulation discharge can occur at different times for different women.

What are the signs of ovulation?

There are several signs that a woman may be ovulating, including:

• Increased cervical mucus - During ovulation, a woman's cervical mucus becomes thin, clear, and stretchy, resembling egg whites. This mucus helps sperm to travel through the cervix and into the fallopian tube to fertilise the egg.
• Rise in the basal body temperature (BBT) - A woman's BBT, which is her body temperature when she first wakes up in the morning, typically increases by about 0.5-1°F after ovulation. This is due to an increase in the hormone progesterone, which is released by the ovary after ovulation.
• Ovulation pain - Some women may experience mild pain or discomfort on one side of their lower abdomen during ovulation. This is known as mittelschmerz and is caused by the release of the egg from the ovary.
• Positive ovulation test - Ovulation tests detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in a woman's urine, which occurs 12-36 hours before ovulation. A positive ovulation test indicates that ovulation is likely to occur within the next day or so.

How long does ovulation last?

Ovulation typically lasts for 12-24 hours, during which time the egg is released from one of the ovaries and begins its journey down the fallopian tube. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. So, there is a six-day window during which a woman can conceive. This window includes the day of ovulation and the five days leading up to it.

What affects ovulation?

There are several factors that can affect ovulation, including:

• Age - Women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s, and fertility declines as they age, particularly after age 35.
• Hormonal imbalances - Hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can interfere with ovulation.
• Stress - High levels of stress can disrupt the hormones that regulate ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive.
• Weight - Both underweight and overweight women may have difficulty ovulating. Maintaining a healthy weight can improve fertility.
• Smoking - Smoking can reduce fertility by damaging the fallopian tubes and reducing the number of eggs in the ovaries.

Suggest to Read:- Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Of Female Infertility And Sterility

How can ovulation be tracked?

There are several methods for tracking ovulation, including:

• Calendar method - This involves tracking the length of your menstrual cycle and using this information to estimate when ovulation is likely to occur. This method is less reliable than others, as it does not take into account variations in cycle length or other factors that can affect ovulation.
• Basal body temperature (BBT) method - This involves taking your temperature every morning before getting out of bed and recording it on a chart.
• Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) - These detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs 12-36 hours before ovulation. OPKs are available over-the-counter at drugstores and can be used at home.
• Cervical mucus method - This involves tracking changes in the amount and consistency of cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle. As ovulation approaches, cervical mucus becomes thin, clear, and stretchy, resembling egg whites.
• Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) - These involve tracking various signs of fertility, including BBT, cervical mucus, and LH levels, to determine when ovulation is likely to occur. FABMs can be effective when used correctly, but they require careful monitoring and may not be suitable for all women.

Can ovulation be stimulated?

In some cases, ovulation can be stimulated using fertility drugs such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins. These drugs can help to regulate ovulation in women with hormonal imbalances or other fertility issues. Ovulation induction may also be used in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), to increase the chances of pregnancy.

What happens if ovulation does not occur?

If ovulation does not occur, a woman cannot conceive naturally. Some women may have irregular periods or may not ovulate regularly, which can make it difficult to conceive. In some cases, ovulation can be induced using fertility drugs or other treatments. Women who are having difficulty getting pregnant should speak to their healthcare provider, who can help to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Conclusion

Ovulation is a complex process that plays a crucial role in female fertility. Understanding the signs and symptoms of ovulation, as well as the factors that can affect ovulation, can help women to conceive more easily or avoid pregnancy if desired. There are several methods for tracking ovulation, including calendar method, basal body temperature method, ovulation predictor kits, cervical mucus method, and fertility awareness-based methods. Women who are having difficulty getting pregnant should speak to their healthcare provider, who can help to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.