Ovulation is a key part of the menstrual cycle in biologically female individuals, where an ovary releases an egg (oocyte) that can potentially be fertilized by sperm. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
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Menstrual Cycle Overview: The menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 35 days in different individuals. It has several phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and menstruation.
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Follicular Phase: The cycle begins with the menstrual phase, in which the uterus sheds its lining if no pregnancy has occurred. The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and involves the maturation of several follicles (which contain immature eggs) in the ovaries, stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
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Ovulation: Around the midpoint of the cycle (typically around day 14 in a 28-day cycle), a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) occurs, leading to ovulation. This surge causes the most mature follicle to rupture and release the egg into the fallopian tube. Ovulation usually lasts for about 24 hours, during which time the egg is viable for fertilization.
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Post-Ovulation (Luteal Phase): After the egg is released, the remnants of the follicle transform into the corpus luteum, which produces hormones like progesterone that help prepare the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy. If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg will implant into the uterine lining; if it does not, the corpus luteum degenerates, hormone levels drop, and the cycle restarts with menstruation.
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Signs of Ovulation: Some individuals may notice signs of ovulation, such as changes in cervical mucus (becoming clearer and stretchier), mild cramping, breast tenderness, and slight changes in basal body temperature.
Understanding ovulation is important for various reasons, including family planning, fertility tracking, and managing reproductive health.