When a girl is ovulating, it means that her ovary is releasing a mature egg (ovum) into the fallopian tube. This typically happens around the middle of her menstrual cycle, often around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but timing can vary between individuals and cycles
. Ovulation is triggered by hormonal changes: the brain releases gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH helps follicles in the ovary mature, and a surge in LH causes the dominant follicle to release the egg
. The egg can be fertilized by sperm for about 12 to 24 hours after it is released. If fertilization does not occur, the egg breaks down, and the uterine lining is shed during menstruation
. Ovulation is significant because it marks the time when a girl is most fertile and can conceive if sperm fertilizes the egg. Many track ovulation to improve chances of pregnancy by timing intercourse during this fertile window
. Signs and symptoms of ovulation can include:
- Changes in cervical mucus, which becomes clear, thin, and slippery, resembling raw egg whites, to help sperm travel
- A slight rise in basal body temperature after ovulation
- Mild abdominal cramps or pain called mittelschmerz
- Breast tenderness or soreness due to hormonal changes
- Increased libido a few days before ovulation
- Light spotting or bloating in some cases
In summary, ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, making pregnancy possible during this fertile period of the menstrual cycle
