Ovulation: What Happens and Why It Matters

Ovulation is a key part of your monthly cycle where your body releases an egg from the ovary, making it possible to get pregnant. It usually happens around the middle of your cycle, about 14 days before your next period starts, but this timing can vary. Knowing when ovulation happens can help if you’re trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy naturally.

During ovulation, hormonal changes cause the release of an egg, which then travels down the fallopian tube, waiting to meet sperm. If fertilization doesn’t occur, the egg breaks down and your body moves on to the next cycle. Your chance of getting pregnant is highest in the days leading up to and just after ovulation.

How Can You Tell When You’re Ovulating?

Your body gives clues when ovulating. One common sign is a change in cervical mucus, which becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery—similar to raw egg whites. This mucus helps sperm move more easily toward the egg. Some women also notice a slight pain or twinge in the lower belly during ovulation.

Other signs to watch for include a rise in your basal body temperature (your body’s resting temperature) right after ovulation, which you can track daily with a thermometer. Some apps and ovulation predictor kits can help pinpoint the best days for conception by tracking these signs.

Why Understanding Ovulation Helps

If you want to get pregnant, timing sex within your fertile window — typically about six days including the day of ovulation — improves your chances. On the flip side, avoiding sex during this time can lower pregnancy chances if you’re trying not to conceive.

Remember, cycles can vary month to month, and stress, illness, or lifestyle changes can shift ovulation timing. So, combining symptom tracking with tools like ovulation tests can give the clearest picture.

Getting familiar with ovulation puts you in control of your reproductive health. The more you know, the easier it is to plan or prepare for pregnancy and understand your body’s natural rhythms.