Summary notes on ovulation

Menstrual cycle step by step

• In the menstrual cycle, the first day of your period is Day 1
• Usually by Day 7, the ovum (egg) starts to prepare to be fertilized by a sperm
• Between Day 7 and 11, the lining of the uterus (womb) begins to thicken waiting for a fertilized egg to implant there
• Around Day 14 (in a 28-day cycle, or 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period in other cycles), hormones cause the egg that is mature to be released. This process is called ovulation. The egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If a sperm unites with the egg here, the egg will attach to the lining of the uterus and pregnancy occurs. If the egg is not fertilized, it will break apart. Around Day 25 when hormone levels drop, the egg will be shed from the body with the lining of the uterus as a menstrual period.
• After ovulation, a woman (unless she has a health problem that affects her periods) will have a period within 14 to 16 days.

Key Facts of Ovulation

• An egg lives between 12 and 24 hours after leaving the ovary. If an egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates
• Normally only one egg is released from one ovary during ovulation
• Ovulation can be affected by stress, illness or disruption of normal routines and living environment
• Some women may experience some spotting during ovulation
• Implantation of a fertilized egg onto the uterus normally takes place within seven days after ovulation
• Each woman is born with immature eggs that are awaiting ovulation to begin so as to be released
• Menstruation can occur even if ovulation has not taken place
• Ovulation can occur and not lead to menstruation
• Some women go through some pain or ache (called mittelschmerz which means ‘middle pain’ in German) near the ovaries during ovulation .

END: PG 2/10