A woman typically ovulates about midway through her menstrual cycle. For an average 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs around day 14, approximately 12 to 16 days before the start of the next menstrual period. Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries, and this fertile window usually spans the few days before and including the day of ovulation because the egg survives for about 12 to 24 hours after release. The exact timing can vary among women and from cycle to cycle, with ovulation occurring anywhere between days 11 and 21 depending on individual cycle length and hormonal patterns. Women with shorter or longer cycles will ovulate at different times, but typically ovulation happens 14 to 16 days before the next period regardless of cycle length. Ovulation is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), and signs may include changes in cervical mucus and a slight rise in basal body temperature. The fertile window is considered to be the 2 to 3 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself, which is the best time for conception to occur if sperm is present. In summary:
- Ovulation occurs about midway in the menstrual cycle.
- For a 28-day cycle, it usually happens around day 14.
- It happens 12 to 16 days before the next period.
- The egg is viable for about 12 to 24 hours after release.
- Fertile days are the days leading up to and including ovulation.
- Timing varies between women and cycles.
This is the typical pattern for ovulation in women.
