What is ovulation – Ovulation is part of the menstrual cycle at which point the egg is released from the ovary. It typically occurs at or near the midpoint of the menstrual cycle.

How do I know my ovulation period?

Though ovulation time is dynamic, not constant, there are various ways of determining the probable period of ovulation. These include: calendar method and physiological method.

1. Calendar method

This involves calculation of ovulation period based on the length of menstrual cycle. For this to be useful, the average length of the menstrual cycle should be known. The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases: the phase before ovulation (follicular phase) and the phase after ovulation, which terminates at commencement of menstrual flow (luteal phase).

Out of these two phases, the latter (luteal) phase is the one that is relatively constant and lasts about 14 days on the average. This background is important in order to understand the calendar method of calculating ovulation period.

When does ovulation occur?

Ovulation occurs about 14 days before commencement of menstrual flow. An average menstrual cycle length is about 28 days from the first day of menstrual flow. For women in this category, ovulation occurs on day 14 of the menstrual cycle. For women whose cycle length falls outside this range, to get the ovulation day, we subtract 14 from the cycle length:

1. For those with shorter cycle length, ovulation will occur earlier than day 14 of the menstrual cycle. For example, those with 27 day cycle would ovulate on day 13 of the cycle; those with 26 day cycle would ovulate on day 12 of the cycle and so on.
2. For those with longer cycle, ovulation will occur later than 14 days from commencement of menstrual flow. For example, those with 29 day cycle would ovulate on day 15 of the cycle; those with 30 day cycle would ovulate on day 16 of the cycle, and so on.

2. Physiological methods

These involve changes in the body due to ovulation process going on. They include:

1. Cervical mucus changes – Towards ovulation period, the cervical mucus becomes thinner and stretchy. This is due to the effects of the reproductive hormones on the cells producing the mucus as ovulation approaches. This is a natural process aimed at allowing easy passage of sperm on its way to fertilize the egg that is to be released during ovulation.
2. Increased body temperature – There is slight rise in temperature as ovulation approaches due to increase in production of reproductive hormones within tis period. This may not be easily noticeable without checking with thermometer, as the temperature rise is marginal.
3. Increased sexual urge – There is increased interest in sex towards ovulation period. This is a natural adaptation to ensure sexual activity takes place when fertilization is most probable.