what is ovulation

Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from an ovary. It usually occurs about 14 days before the start of a woman's menstrual period. During ovulation, the ovary releases a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). LH causes the ovary to release the egg. The egg then travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If the egg is fertilized by sperm, it will implant in the lining of the uterus and begin to grow into a baby. If the egg is not fertilized, it will break down and be shed during menstruation. There are a number of ways to track ovulation. Some women track their basal body temperature (BBT), which is the temperature of the body at rest. BBT usually rises slightly after ovulation. Other women track their cervical mucus, which becomes thinner and more slippery around ovulation. Still others use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), which measure the levels of LH in the urine. Ovulation is important for women who are trying to get pregnant. It is also important for women who are using birth control methods that prevent ovulation, such as the pill or the IUD. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of ovulation: * **Cervical mucus:** Your cervical mucus may become thinner, clearer, and more stretchy around the time of ovulation. This is because the hormone estrogen causes the cervix to produce more mucus. * **Mid-cycle pain:** Some women experience mild cramping or pain in the lower abdomen around the time of ovulation. This is called mittelschmerz. * **Increased sex drive:** Some women experience an increased sex drive around the time of ovulation. This is because the hormone estrogen can increase libido. * **Changes in basal body temperature:** Your basal body temperature (BBT) may rise slightly after ovulation. This is because the hormone progesterone causes the body temperature to rise. If you are trying to get pregnant, it is important to track your ovulation so that you can have sex during the days when you are most fertile. You can track your ovulation by using a variety of methods, including: * **Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs):** OPKs are available over-the-counter and measure the levels of LH in your urine. LH levels rise in the days leading up to ovulation, so an OPK can help you identify when you are most fertile. * **Basal body temperature (BBT) charting:** BBT is the temperature of your body at rest. BBT typically rises slightly after ovulation, so tracking your BBT can help you identify when you are most fertile. * **Cervical mucus monitoring:** Cervical mucus changes consistency around the time of ovulation. Tracking the changes in your cervical mucus can help you identify when you are most fertile. If you are not trying to get pregnant, it is still important to track your ovulation so that you can avoid pregnancy. You can use the same methods described above to track your ovulation. If you are concerned about your fertility, you should talk to your doctor.