What is ovulation?

Last reviewed June 1, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineOvulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, usually around day 14 in a 28-day cycle; it marks the most fertile days of the cycle, with a 6-day fertile window covering the 5 days before ovulation and ovulation day itself.

Ovulation is the process where a mature egg is released from one of your ovaries. It's a key event in your menstrual cycle and the time when you're most fertile.

When does ovulation happen?

Ovulation typically occurs around the middle of your menstrual cycle. For a standard 28-day cycle, this is usually around day 14. However, the exact timing can vary from person to person and even from cycle to cycle.

What happens during ovulation?

1. Before ovulation: Your body increases production of estrogen, which causes the lining of your uterus to thicken. A rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of the egg.
2. During ovulation: A mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. This is when conception can occur if sperm is present.
3. After ovulation: The empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to maintain the uterine lining. If the egg isn't fertilized, hormone levels drop and your period begins.

Signs of ovulation

Some people notice physical signs around ovulation:

• A slight increase in basal body temperature
• Changes in cervical mucus (it becomes clear and stretchy)
• Mild pelvic pain or cramping on one side (called mittelschmerz)
• Increased sex drive
• Breast tenderness

The fertile window

Your fertile window spans about 6 days - the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to 5 days, which is why the days leading up to ovulation are also considered fertile.

Femora tracks your cycle phases including ovulation, helping you understand your fertility window and plan accordingly.

Calculate yours: ovulation calculator · fertile window calculator