The American Pregnancy Association defined ovulation as occurring when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the fallopian tube, and is available for fertilization. The uterine lining has thickened in preparation for a fertilized egg.
Ovulation is controlled by part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which sends signals instructing the anterior lobe and pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone reported Medical News Today.
Ovulation often happens around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, according to the Mayo Clinic. Keep in mind, though, that ovulation’s exact timing may vary among women or even for the same woman from month to month.
There are three phases of ovulation, wrote Medical News Today. First, the periovulatory or follicular phase, when a layer of cells around the ovum become more mucus-like and expand, and the uterine lining begins to thicken.
Then the ovulatory or ovulation phase occures, when enzymes are secreted and form a hole that the ovum and its network of cells use to exit the follicle and eventually enter the fallopian tube. This is the period of fertility and usually lasts from 24 to 48 hours.
Finally the postovulatory or luteal phase occurs when luteinizing hormone is secreted. A fertilized egg is implanted into the womb, while an unfertilized egg slowly stops producing hormones.
Signs and symptoms of ovulation may include breast tenderness for some women. About.com said that during ovulation, the body increases its levels of cervical fluid.
Many women notice towards the middle of their cycle, they are slightly moister. Some also report feeling more sexually attractive and attracted to their mate.
Soon after the menstrual cycle, women may also notice a sticky or "tacky" vaginal secretion or cervical mucus. Mayo Clinic described these secretions as typically resembling raw egg whites.
Discovery Health wrote that the female body produces the greatest amount of this type of vaginal secretion on the day of ovulation. Immediately following the day of ovulation, the vaginal secretion gradually becomes thicker in consistency and less is secreted.
Women’s basal body temperature, or their temperature at rest, increases slightly during ovulation, said the Mayo Clinic. Discovery Health added that conditions such as fever, restless sleep, and exertion can affect the accuracy of the temperature readings.
About.com said another sign is that the cervix moves forward. During ovulation, the cervix is easier to reach, a bit softer and slightly open to receive sperm. Women also have a luteinizing hormone surge.
The Association said some women feel a bit of pain or aching near the ovary during ovulation. This is called mittelschmerz, which means "middle pain" in German. Medical News Today reported it may last between a few minutes and a few hours.
Sources:
Crosta M.A., Peter. "What Is Ovulation? What Is The Ovulation Calendar?" Medical News Today: Health News. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150870.php
American Baby. "Discovery Health "Signs of Ovulation"." Discovery Health "Health Guides". N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/fertility/signs-of-ovulation.htm
Harms, M.D., Roger W. "Ovulation signs: When is conception most likely? - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovulation-signs/AN01521
"Understanding Ovulation: American Pregnancy Association." Promoting Pregnancy Wellness : American Pregnancy Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/understandingovulation.html.
Weiss, LCCE, Robin Elise. "5 Signs You're Ovulating - Trying to Conceive." Pregnancy Week by Week Calendar Pregnancy Symptoms and Pregnancy Test. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. http://pregnancy.about.com/od/ovulatio1/a/signsovulation.htm
"What Is Ovulation? What Is The Ovulation Calendar?" Medical News Today: Health News. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150870.php
Reviewed April 18, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith