What is Ovulation?
Every month your body prepares itself for pregnancy by releasing follicle-stimulating hormones which causes eggs to mature. When the follicle that is producing the estrogen reaches a certain level the egg is then released. After the egg is released it bursts from the ovary and heads through the fallopian tubes. And the releasing of the egg is what ovulation is.
When do I ovulate?
Unless there is another reason for not ovulating, then you should usually ovulate around day fourteen of a normal 28 day menstrual cycle. When the egg has been released it is able to be fertilized for up to 48 hours before it begins to break down. During this time is when you are most fertile and have the greatest chance of conceiving. It may be hard to determine when you ovulate because of things such as stress, diet, weight or even getting sick.
When is my fertile period?
Your fertile period begins about four to five days before the actual ovulation occurs, and then lasts for up to 48 hours after being released. Your greatest chance of getting pregnant is during your fertile period.
Do I show any symptoms when I ovulate?
Many women claim to experience lower back pain or breast tenderness when you are ovulating. You can also check your vaginal discharge to see if you are ovulating. During any other time of the month your discharge is slippery, but around ovulation it will get clear and elastic (you will be able to stretch it between two fingers quite far) Then during the time you are fertile it will be egg white colored. There are Ovulation predictor kits on the market for those women who don’t know what to watch for.
What happens to the egg after ovulation?
If the egg was fertilized then the egg will travel through the fallopian tubes and burrow into the uterine lining. And if it is not fertilized then it will disintegrate and be passed out of the body with the menstral flow.
References:
American Pregnancy
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/understandingovulation.html
