What Is Ovulation? How To Calculate Your Most Fertile Days

Ovulation means the release of egg or the mature follicle from the ovary into the fallopian tube. It happens every month, typically about 13-15 days before the start of each period. A woman is most fertile around the time of ovulation. But the time of ovulation may vary from woman to woman in accordance to their menstrual cycle. It is useful to know when the ovulation is most likely to occur as a woman is more likely to conceive during that time. A healthy young female ovulates almost 70% of her menstrual cycles. The chances of conception are 25% in every cycle.

The egg or the follicle only releases on reaching maturity. After the release, the egg travels to the fallopian tube. There, it may be met by a sperm and get fertilised. Generally, it occurs halfway through your period. 

The Signs Of Ovulation

If the menstrual cycle is regular and one experiences the signs of ovulation, fertility is ensured. One can look out for the following:

1. Regular cycles of around 28 days. (It can vary between 22-35 days).

2. First two days of menstrual bleeding can be painful.

Also read: Know What Your Period Reveals About Your Health

^{First two days of menstrual bleeding can be painful}

3. Mid-cycle pain, called Mittelspertz pain, for a day or two. It can be an abdominal pain, dull aching or piercing.

4. Watery or thin vaginal discharge in the middle of the cycle, around 12th to 16th day. Not ichy or smelly, just copious thin mucoid.

5. Mid-cycle bleeding or spotting for a day or two is also sure sign of ovulation.

If the cycles are irregular, percentage of ovulatory cycle reduces and so are the chances of conception.

How To Calculate The Ovulation Period

To calculate the fertile period, check your cycles for the last 6 months.

For example: Suppose, your cycle started on 1st of a month and the next cycle started after 28-30 days, say 30th of that particular month, tentatively. Now, deduct 14 days from the tentative date or count back from the next tentative date of the cycle. In this case, it would be 30 - 14 = 16. So, the most probable day of ovulation is the 16th of that month. That means, the couple should go under the process of love making on the 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th and 20th in order to conceive as it will cover all possible delays or early ovulation chances.

Also read: Pregnancy During COVID-19: Required Tests, Symptoms Of Labour And Tips To Stay Safe

^{A woman is more likely to conceive during ovulation}

If cycles are anovulatory, estrogen, progesterone and the parent hormone - testosterone pent up in the ovary.

No ovulation and no rupture of ovarian capsule leads to extra burden and the side effects of these hormones increases such as:

1. Bad Metabolism

2. Obesity

3. Hairfall

4. Facial Hair

5. Acne

6. Infertility due to no release of egg for fertilisation.

About the author: Dr. Aruna Kalra is the director of gynaecologist & obstetrician department at CK Birla Hospital. Dr. Aruna brings 22 years of experience in her field of practice. Her expertise lies in minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries, high-risk pregnancies, vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and Scarless Laproscopic Surgery.

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