Once you reach adulthood and are hoping to conceive, it is essential to understand ovulation. Ovulation is the periodic release of an egg from the ovary, which can take place each month. If a woman has intercourse during ovulation, there is a chance of her becoming pregnant. For some people, ovulation is irregular or doesn’t happen at all. In this case, ovulation induction, which requires medical treatment, may be necessary in order to increase the chances of conception.
From all of that, if you’re scratching your head wondering about ovulation and what can be done to boost your fertility, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to know about ovulation that you weren’t told about:
1. The Follicular Phase
The follicular phase begins at the end of your menstrual cycle and continues until the ovaries release an egg. It takes anywhere from 7 to 40 days for this process to occur, during which time the ovaries are maturing and preparing for ovulation.
When you start menstruating, your body begins the process of releasing eggs. To begin with, your pituitary gland produces a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone signals one of your ovaries to move a few follicles, which are small sacs containing immature eggs, to the surface. Out of the roughly 300,000 eggs you have, very few of them actually become viable and have the potential to become a baby.
That said, the follicles contain immature eggs. Hormones are released to help the eggs mature until they are ready to be released. Eventually, one or more of the follicles breaks open, and the egg is released, which is known as ovulation.
2. The Luteal Phase
After ovulating, the cycle progresses to the luteal stage, which generally continues for 12-16 days. Following the release of the egg from the follicle, it moves into a fallopian tube and towards the uterus. This egg typically has a lifespan of 24 hours if it doesn’t get fertilized.
If the egg is met with sperm before it is absorbed, an embryo is created and travels to the uterus, where it will attach to the uterine lining, allowing it to grow and develop into a baby. If not, the egg will be discharged through menstruation.
3. Outside Factors
If you have a consistent menstrual cycle, it is easier to plan intercourse at the right time so that sperm and an egg can come together to potentially create a baby. However, if you are irregular or do not produce the necessary hormones to release follicles and eggs, you may need to consult a fertility expert to help you.
Ovulation is a complex process that can be affected by many different things. Environmental and internal factors such as stress, age, illness, and weight can all influence your ovulation cycle. If you’re having difficulty regularly ovulating, it’s likely due to one or more of these factors. Taking steps to manage stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking medical help can all help to improve your ovulation cycle.
Conclusion
Ovulation is an important part of the menstrual cycle, as it is the time when a woman is most likely to become pregnant. Understanding the ovulation process and the factors that can affect it can help you plan for a successful pregnancy. If you are having difficulty ovulating regularly, it is important to discuss it with a doctor to determine the cause and take steps to improve your menstrual cycle.
First Steps Fertility Clinic offers exceptional fertility services to help women increase their chances of motherhood. If you are looking for the best fertility clinic in Toronto, book a consultation today!
