What is Ovulation?

Evolutionarily, the menstrual cycle is meant to help prepare the body for pregnancy and is regulated by key hormone shifts at certain cycle days. As a primer to this discussion, I would highly recommend checking out my article on Understanding the Menstrual Cycle. This will help you see the role that LH, FSH, and estrogen play in driving ovulation.

The start of menstruation marks the first day of the new menstrual cycle and the beginning of the follicular phase. This is the time where the ovaries produce follicles that house immature eggs until they are ready for fertilization. Multiple follicles develop, but typically one or two that grow sufficiently become the dominant follicles that are then prioritized.

Ovulation is the last stage of the follicular phase of the cycle and marks the transition to the luteal phase. Ovulation occurs when the dominant follicle ruptures and releases a mature egg, also called an oocyte. This egg is now ready for business and works its way through the fallopian tube where it can meet and greet with sperm to become fertilized.

Why Does Ovulation Tracking Matter?

Once released, the egg only has approximately 24 hours to meet with sperm before it disintegrates. If no sperm are available, then conception cannot happen. For this reason, it is helpful to understand your fertile window to know when best to time intercourse.