Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, making its way down the fallopian tubes, awaiting fertilization. By this time, the uterine lining has now thickened in preparation for the fertilized egg. Generally, the egg will live approximately 12-24 hours. If no conception occurs, the unfertilized egg, uterine lining, and additional blood will be shed in the process of menstruation. If conception does occur, the egg will implant in the uterine wall within 6-12 days.

Understanding ovulation is key to achieving conception. There are many misconceptions about ovulation that may impede pregnancy.

This myth is based on the misconception that all women have 28-day cycles. This is not the case, as a woman’s cycle generally ranges anywhere from 24-35 days long (some even longer). A majority of women ovulate anywhere from day 11 to day 21 of their cycles. Many women rely on ovulation tracking methods to pinpoint the exact day of ovulation, i.e. ovulation predictor kits, fertility monitors, basal body temperature, and cervical mucous.

Ovulation occurs only once per cycle. It is virtually impossible for a second occurrence of ovulation to take place. In the event that more than one egg has matured, the eggs are released within 24 hours of each other.

Although most women do ovulate around the middle of their cycles, the actual day will change cycle to cycle. This is another reason why tracking ovulation is crucial when trying to conceive.

This is simply not the case. If a woman has not ovulated, she may still have breakthrough bleeding at the same time a regular menstruation would occur as a result of hormonal fluctuations.