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Ovulation is the release of a
single, mature egg from a
follicle that developed in the
ovary. It usually occurs
regularly, around day 14 of a
28-day menstrual cycle. Once
released, the egg is capable of
being fertilized for 12 to 48
hours before it begins to
disintegrate. This is the most
fertile period of your cycle:
during
ovulation your chances of
conception are highest.
Ovulation usually takes
place 14 days after the
beginning of your menstrual
cycle. The time of ovulation
within the menstrual cycle is
determined by the luteal phase,
which is usually 12 to 16 days
long. You can calculate the time
of ovulation within your cycle
by subtracting the length of
your luteal phase from the
length of your cycle. For
example, if your cycle is 28
days long and your luteal phase
is 12 days long, the ovulation
will occur on day 16 of your
cycle (28-12=16). The exact time
of ovulation may vary within
your cycle, because ovulation
can be delayed by a number of
factors such as stress, illness,
diet, or increased physical
activity.
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How does ovulation determine my
fertile days ?
Your fertile period starts
about 4-5 days before ovulation,
and ends about 24-48 hours after
it. This is because sperm can
live in your body for
approximately 4 to 5 days, and
the egg can live for 24 to 48
hours after being released. You
are most fertile on the day
before and the day of ovulation.
Knowing your fertile days can
help you increase your chances
of getting pregnant, or avoid an
unwanted pregnancy. Read
Ovulation and Pregnancy and
Ovulation and Contraception for
more information.
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