What happens during the ovulation phase of the Menstrual Cycle?

Menstrual cycle is a miracle in itself, and ovulation is an amazing milestone that covers a series of processes that are crucial for the reproductive and sexual health of a woman. The ovulation stage starts right 14 days before your next period, and this stage usually lasts for 12-48 hours. This stage is crucial for those who want to conceive as a mature egg is released from the ovary preparing the body for a possible conception.

Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about the ovulation phase:

Key Function = Egg release from Ovary

The ovulation starts when the hypothalamus releases GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) which causes your pituitary glands to secrete FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone). Let’s review how these two hormones play a key role in the ovulation phase. 

FSH 

FSH stimulates follicles (tiny sacs with immature eggs) in one ovary to nurture the eggs until they are mature. During the ovulation, only one of the follicles matures and has a fully-developed egg 

LH 

There is a sudden surge in LH right before ovulation, which causes the ovary to release the mature egg from a dominant follicle. Estrogen also plays a key role in this process known as ovulation. The egg is released into the fallopian tube where it stays until fertilization. 

The egg released from the ovary is caught by the fimbriae, which are found near the ovaries, and at the end of the fallopian tubes. Fimbriae then pushes the egg into the tube where it can be fertilized.

Cervical Mucus Changes

Your cervical mucus becomes clear, and slippery, with the structure of an egg white. The production also increases which facilitates sperm’s journey towards the uterus. 

Body Temperature

A slight rise in the body temperature is also an indicator of the ovulation phase. After you release the egg, your body starts producing progesterone, which makes your body temperature rise slightly. Before you ovulate, your body temperature is around 96°– 98° Fahrenheit, and it can go up to 97°–99°F. So, it can be used as an indicator to find if you are ovulating. 

Conception Window

The egg released from the ovary lives for less than 24 hours, sometimes up to 12 hours only. This is the small conception window, where the egg is ready to get fertilized with a sperm. Couples who are trying to conceive should have intercourse during this window to increase the chances of fertilization. 

Tools: There are several tools that can help you find out if you are ovulating or not. Some of these are progesterone ovulation tests, fertility monitors, ovulation kits, Basal Body Temperature, and Cervical Mucus among others.

Irregular Ovulation

Usually, the ovulation timing and phases are the same in the menstrual cycle, however, there are several factors that can lead to disrupted hormonal balance, and thus irregular ovulation. Some of these factors are illness, stress, obesity, and PCOS. Consult your physicist right away for a diagnosis.