Ovulation typically occurs about midway through the menstrual cycle, usually around 12 to 16 days before the start of the next period. For a typical 28-day cycle, this means ovulation usually happens around day 14. However, this can vary from woman to woman and cycle to cycle, with ovulation sometimes occurring anywhere between days 10 and 18 in a 28-day cycle. Ovulation lasts about 16 to 32 hours, during which a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube. The egg can be fertilized for up to 24 hours after it is released. The few days leading up to and including ovulation are the most fertile window for conceiving. In summary:
- Ovulation usually happens once per menstrual cycle.
- It occurs about 12 to 16 days before the next period.
- For a 28-day cycle, ovulation typically occurs around day 14.
- The egg survives for about 24 hours after release.
- The fertile window includes the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation, with the highest fertility in the three days leading up to and including ovulation.
This timing can shift based on individual cycle lengths and variability.
