Ovulation is the key event for getting pregnant, yet many people are unsure when it actually happens. Here is a plain-language guide.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is when an ovary releases a mature egg. The egg moves into the fallopian tube, where it may meet sperm. In a 28-day cycle this usually happens around 14 days after your period starts. But cycles can range from 21 to 35 days, so everyone's ovulation day is different.
The fertile window
An egg survives only about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, while sperm can live in the uterus for 3 to 5 days. That is why the chance of pregnancy is highest from about five days before ovulation to one day after.
How can you track ovulation?
Cervical mucus: becomes clear and slippery near ovulation. Ovulation predictor kits: detect luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine. Basal body temperature: measured every morning; it rises slightly after ovulation.