All about Ovulation

Your time of ovulation is one of the most important things to understand because ovulation is a key factor in getting pregnant.

Many women who’ve spent months trying to conceive have succeeded once they’ve pinpointed when they ovulate. So read on, get to know the magical inner workings of your body, and good luck from all of us here at Huggies!

First of all, only you can tell when you’re ovulating – provided you know the ovulation symptoms to look for during your menstrual cycle. So here we’ll tell you the symptoms of ovulation, explain the mysteries of ovulation pain and more.

Knowing your time of ovulation helps boost your chances of conceiving a baby, because to get pregnant you should have sex during the period spanning one to two days before ovulation to about 24 hours after ovulation. The reason being that sperm can live up to 3 days but your egg survives for just 12 – 24 hours after ovulation.

When does ovulation occur during the menstrual cycle?

Contrary to popular myth, many women don’t ovulate on the 14th day of their cycle. Time of ovulation varies from woman to woman, and from month to month. If you have a 28 to 32 day menstrual cycle, ovulation can occur between days 11 through to 21.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the fertile time of your menstrual cycle. It’s when a mature egg (sometimes there’s more than one) is released from your ovary, swept down the fallopian tube, and is available to be fertilised by a sperm. Which ovary releases the egg is anyone’s guess – they don’t necessarily take turns.

Here are some interesting facts about ovulation:

• Time of ovulation can be affected by stress, illness or disruption of normal routines
• Implantation of a fertilised egg normally takes place 6 – 12 days after ovulation
• A woman is born with her lifetime quota of millions of immature eggs that are waiting for ovulation to begin
• A menstrual period may occur even if ovulation hasn’t happened
• Ovulation can occur even if there’s been no menstruation
• Some women feel ovulation pain or ache near the ovaries
• Some women have been known to ovulate during their period and at other odd times

Ovulation symptoms

You’ll be amazed by the signs and signals your body gives out during your cycle. Some you probably noticed already but you may not have realised they were symptoms of ovulation. Find out what to look for in the way of ovulation symptoms – including a rise in body temperature and, for some women, an increase in sexual desire.

Ovulation pain

Is that little ache in your lower abdomen a bout of indigestion or a sign that a ripe egg has just burst forth and is now on the hunt for a sperm? Some women experience ovulation pain near their ovaries every month or just occasionally. Find out if you’re one of them.

Ovulation tests

Ovulation tests from the chemist are a great way to pinpoint the days in your cycle when you’re ovulating. These tests can be a really good option as they are generally pretty accurate.

After ovulation

Two things can happen after ovulation: either the egg is fertilised and you’re in the very early stages of pregnancy, or conception didn’t take place this cycle and the unfertilised egg will be absorbed into the uterine lining and shed in your next menstrual period. Find out how you can tell the difference and what it the different outcomes will mean for your body.