Women typically ovulate about midway through their menstrual cycle. For a woman with a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs around day 14, which is approximately 14 days before the start of the next period. However, menstrual cycles can vary from 21 to 35 days, so ovulation timing changes accordingly. Ovulation usually happens about 10 to 16 days before the next period in most women. Ovulation is when an egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. The egg survives for about 12 to 24 hours after being released. Because sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for 3 to 5 days, the most fertile days are generally the three days leading up to and including the day of ovulation. Hormonal changes, primarily a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), trigger ovulation. Ovulation can be tracked by changes in cervical mucus, basal body temperature, or by using ovulation predictor kits that detect the LH surge. In summary:
- Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the next period.
- In a 28-day cycle, this is usually around day 14.
- The fertile window includes the 5 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
- The egg remains viable for about 12 to 24 hours after release.
- Sperm can survive up to 5 days in the reproductive tract, making fertilization possible if intercourse occurs during this window.
Because cycle lengths vary, tracking individual cycles over several months provides a more accurate prediction of ovulation timing.
