Ovulation is the process of the menstrual cycle in which the wall of an ovarian follicle ruptures and releases a mature ovum for fertilization. Ovulation can occur at any time between day 10 and day 21 of the menstrual cycle, although it is normal to occur around the 14th day after menstruation, that is, towards the middle of the estrous cycle. The estrous cycle refers to the set of physiological events, as a consequence of variations in the hormone levels, and it occurs in the ovary at the cyclical intervals and it is different from the menstrual cycle, which occurs for months.
Ovulation Phases
The following phases take place during the process of ovulation Women Care Fit
Follicular Phase
It is the first phase of ovulation and begins the first day of the rule. At this stage, the follicles, that will host the ovule, develop. The body sends a signal to the brain to start producing follicle-stimulating hormone to develop the follicles and to produce estrogen. At random, the follicle that will hold the ovum will be chosen until the follicle breaks and releases the mature ovum into the uterine fallopian tube.
Ovulation Phase
In this phase, estrogen levels increase and cause the secretion of enzymes that will degrade the follicular tissue, allowing the maturation of the ovule to end and release. Ovulation occurs between 24 and 36 hours after the estrogen peak.
Luteal or Postovulatory Phase
It begins after ovulation. At this moment, the corpus luteum develops, which will remain until the possible pregnancy or menstruation occurs, thus, beginning a new cycle in this second case.
Ovulation Test
In regular menstrual cycles, it is possible to calculate the estimated dates of ovulation, the fertile days, and know the time at which the chances of getting pregnant are greater. The ovulation strips, which can be purchased at pharmacies, are a useful tool. These are predictive tests that detect in the urine an increase in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), which is responsible for stimulating the ovary to release the egg. Sometimes it is necessary to test for several days to detect this increase in LH.
The duration of the menstrual cycle will determine the specific moment of the month in which the ovulation test is to be performed. In a normal menstrual cycle of 28 days, it is recommended to do the ovulation test with strips on the eleventh day after the menstruation begins.
