Female Ovulation Explained

Ovulation cycles differ from person to person but the natural cycle that each woman undergoes is the same. Couples trying to conceive should be aware of the female's ovulation cycle in order to improve their chances of getting pregnant.

The Ovulation Cycle

• Female ovulation is an essential part of the reproductive cycle. A woman’s body undergoes this phenomenon usually every month. Your ovaries contain thousands and thousands of immature eggs. From those eggs, approximately 10-15 eggs mature inside your ovaries from which the ripest and healthiest is released into the fallopian tubes. This is the process known as female ovulation. This occurs about 15 days after the last day of your menstrual cycle.

•  When this mature egg comes together with a sperm, fertilization occurs resulting in the zygote (future offspring). The five days before and the day of ovulation is the prime time for fertilization to occur. If fertilization does not occur within this time, the egg dissolves back into the bloodstream. The female ovulation cycle repeats itself from there on until pregnancy or menopause.

Role of Hormones

• Hormones play an important role in determining when the egg is released from the ovaries during female ovulation. Estrogen is a hormone that prepares the uterine lining by expanding it and directs blood flow towards the uterus. Also, a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) prepares and assists your ovaries in order to aid the eggs.

Understanding Common Signs

• A female’s body gives away many signs when monthly ovulation is approaching. One must learn to understand these common signs and work with them. Changes in cervical mucus, which results in common vaginal discharges can be an indicator of nearing ovulation. An individual is most fertile when the discharge is clear and slippery. Cervical mucus aids sperm by providing a smoother passage, which they can use to reach the egg more quickly.

• Stomach cramping is also a common sign. These pains can range from moderate aches to severe discomforts. They usually are a good indicator of nearing ovulation. Breast tenderness, increased sexual desire and headaches are also valued indicators.