Understand the Ovulation Cycle

Ovulation is a process when the matured egg is released from the ovary and moves from fallopian tube and is ready to get fertilized. Every month minimum one egg will mature in one of your ovaries.

The time it reaches maturity, the eggs are released by the ovary and enters fallopian tube and moves to the uterus. The uterus lining becomes thickened as it prepares itself for the fertilized egg.  In absence of conception the uterus lining along with blood will shed. This uterine wall and unfertilized egg shedding occurs at the time of menstruation.

Ovulation cycle

Ovulation cycle is measured and calculated from the first day of her menstrual period till the first day of the next period. A woman’s ovulation cycle is between 28-32 days on an average. The time when the woman ovulates is referred to as fertile team and intercourse at this time increases the Pregnancy chances.  Ovulation occurs at various timings during a cycle and may happen on a different day each month.

Fertile Window

Fertile window is the term used for a stage in women’s cycle when pregnancy is possible. Medically pregnancy is possible during the five days before the ovulation. These days are referred to as fertile window. The lifespan of sperm is generally 5 days and whereas the lifespan of ovum is 24 hours. If the intercourse happened 6 or more days before the ovulation they the chances of pregnancy is about 10 %. The chances of pregnancy increases 2 days before the day of ovulation. At the end of fertile window the chances of pregnancy declines rapidly. A woman can no longer get pregnant after 12-24 hours of ovulation.

Ovulation Tracking

Ovulation can be tracked when you understand the complete ovulation cycle. When the menstruation starts it is called the first day of the ovulation cycle and the last day is one day before the next period starts. Ovulation occurs around 2 weeks before the next period begins. On an average if your menstruation cycle is 28 days, then you will ovulate around 14th day of the cycle.

The fertile days varies depending on your menstruation cycle.  For people with 28 days cycle 12th, 13thand 14th are the most fertile days. For people having longer menstruation cycles of about 35 days, then the ovulation occurs on 21st day and 19th, 20th and 21st are the most fertile days.  For people with a shorter cycle of around 21 days then the ovulation happens on 7th day and 5th, 6th and 7th are the most fertile days.

Ovulation Process

To understand the ovulation process you need to monitor the fertility signs throughout the cycle. Make a calendar and track for few months to know when you are ovulating. In around 20-30% of women the body shows certain signs indicating the ovulation. The most common signs are abdominal pain or a series of lower abdominal cramps.  Check the basal body temperature regularly as the progesterone increases the body temperature. The increase in progesterone levels in the body indicates that the uterus is ready for fertilization. The body temperature will be lower in the first half of the month as the uterus is not ready for ovulation. In the first half of your cycle estrogen generally dominates and in the second half the ovulation occurs as there is surge in progesterone.

When you see a constant variation in the ovulation cycle you must consult the Gynaecologist to avoid complications.  There is a best gynaecologist in Hyderabad who can help you in understanding the ovulation cycle. Dr. Vandana Hegde is a one of the best Gynaecologist in Madhapur. People from neighbouring areas like Hitech city, Kukatpally, kondapur and Gachibowli generally consult Dr. Vandana Hegde as she is the best gynaecologist available in Hyderabad.  

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