What Is Ovulation?
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. This typically occurs once per cycle, approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period. The egg survives for only 12 to 24 hours, while sperm can survive up to five days in fertile cervical mucus — creating a fertile window of about six days each cycle.
The Four Phases of Your Cycle
- Menstrual (Days 1–5): Uterine lining sheds. Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.
- Follicular (Days 1–13): FSH stimulates follicles to mature. Rising estrogen thickens the uterine lining.
- Ovulation (~Day 14): An LH surge triggers egg release. This is peak fertility.
- Luteal (Days 15–28): The corpus luteum produces progesterone to prepare for potential implantation.
