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HomeTopicsOvulation Cycle
Ovulation CycleThe ovulation cycle begins when a mature egg is released by a woman’s ovary. The egg travels down the fallopian tube and it is able to be fertilized. If fertilization does not occur, the lining of the woman’s uterus will shed, along with blood and the unfertilized egg. This occurs monthly and is called menstruation.
This cycle repeats approximately every 28 days, but different women have different cycle lengths. The average ovulation day is the 14th day of the 28-day cycle, but again this can vary from woman to woman. The ovulation cycle is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain, which releases certain hormones that trigger ovulation.
Women should all understand the process of their ovulation cycle, as it is important for female health and conception.
Women with fertility issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should be even more aware of the cycles of their bodies, as symptoms and other concerns can often be addressed, diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Signs of OvulationThe signs of ovulation are usually only noticeable to the woman experiencing them. Change in the mucous produced by the cervix, and slight changes in the cervix itself, can be noticed. Also, sexual desire may be heightened a few days before ovulation begins.
Different Parts of OvulationThe ovulation cycle can be divided into two phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase.
The follicular phase is the first part of the ovulation cycle, and begins on the first day of the menstrual period. The follicular phase continues until ovulation occurs.
The luteal phase begins at ovulation and last until the next menstrual period begins.
How to Track OvulationMany factors can affect ovulation – including stress, emotions and illness. All of these can affect ovulation, and thus affect when the menstrual period begins.
Despite these factors, there are ways that women can track their ovulation cycles. Methods of ovulation cycle tracking include:
Fertility awareness means that a woman monitors her own body and symptoms, including watching the texture of cervical mucous and using a basal thermometer to detect a rise in body temperature.
Fertility calendars, fertility monitors and ovulation kits can be purchased at drug stores, online or through a doctor, and can also help a woman know when ovulation has occurred.
Induced OvulationJust as oral contraceptives can halt ovulation, hormone therapy can induce ovulation in women. Hormone therapy comes in many different forms with different hormones depending on the fertility problem it’s being used to correct, and can be used in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions.
Ovulation FactsSome other facts about the ovulation cycle are:
A medical professional can answer any questions about the ovulation cycle and the menstrual cycle. The more women know about the whole process, the better, as understanding will make conception and dealing with any fertility issues that much easier.
Resources American Pregnancy Association (2007). Understanding Ovulation. Retrieved July 5, 2007, from the American Pregnancy Association Web site: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/
understandingovulation.html. Parent Time (2006). Ovulation and Pregnancy. Retrieved July 5, 2007, from the Parent Time Web site: http://www.parenttime.com/pregnancyarticles/ ovulationcycle.html. |
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