Conception: The Facts

Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from an ovary. The egg travels into the fallopian tube and is ready to be fertilized by a sperm. An egg lives 12 to 24 hours after leaving the ovary. Normally, only one egg is released each time during ovulation. Some women experience lower abdominal discomfort or aching , often on the side of the ovary that is releasing the egg. In the days leading up to ovulation, most women have a clear and somewhat elastic vaginal discharge. Some women experience light blood spotting during ovulation.