subject: Three Things to Know About Ovulation [print this page] 1.Not all menstrual cycles follow the 28 day pattern. Ovulation is the moment around the middle of the menstrual cycle when an egg is released from the ovaries, ready to be fertilized in the womb. Ovulation is timed in relation to the start of the next cycle, not the last one. So, since ovulation generally happens about 14 days before the start of your next period, what differs is the length of time from the first day of your period to the day of ovulation. For example
25 Day Cycle
Day 1 is the first day of the period
Day 11 is ovulation
Day 25 is the end of the cycle
26 Day Cycle
Day 1 is the first day of the period
Day 12 is ovulation
Day 26 is the end of the cycle
27 Day Cycle
Day 1 is the first day of the period
Day 13 is ovulation
Day 27 is the end of the cycle
28 Day Cycle
Day 1 is the first day of the period
Day 13 is ovulation
Day 27 is the end of the cycle
In addition, ovulation does not necessarily happen at exactly the same point in your cycle every time. This means that to arrive at an accurate answer to the question, "When do I ovulate?" we will need to find other methods of figuring out when ovulation is happening.
2.There are sometimes physical signs of ovulation. Some of these signs are breast tenderness and slight cramping that is similar, but usually milder, than menstrual cramps. But not everyone has those so you might need to use other methods.
3.Changes in cervical mucus signal when you will ovulate. The change in texture of the cervical mucus is a pretty good predictor of ovulation. Before and around the time of ovulation there will be more mucus discharged from the vagina, and it becomes sticky, thick and stretchy, so you can stretch it a couple of inches between your fingers. This type of mucus helps the sperm to survive while they are waiting for an egg to be released from the ovaries.
4.The fourth and probably most accurate way to know when you are going to ovulate is to use an ovulation predictor kit. These measure the levels of luteinizing hormone or LH in the urine. They are very simple to use, you just have to pee onto a stick at the same time each day. The LH level rises as ovulation approaches.
