When a Woman Ovulates and How Long Does it Last?

When a Woman Ovulates and How Long Does it Last?

When a women ovulation

Ovulation is a natural process that is maintained by the female reproductive structures and related hormones. The matured eggs produced by the female ovary will be released at the middle of the menstruation cycle. This process is triggered by a gonadotropic hormone called luteinizing hormone. After the completion of the ovulation, the egg will be taken into the fallopian tube and send for fertilization if in any chance it meets a sperm. A matured egg can live around 24hrs. So a sperm need to be fertile within the very first 24hrs after ovulation to make a new one. 

There are unmatured eggs within the follicles. So one egg gets matured every month and released for fertilization. It is very important to know the lifespan of the released egg because this is the major phenomenon behind conception and family planning. 

What happens during ovulation?

Some women released more than one egg within that period bleeding. In such instances, multiple eggs get matured and released during the same period. Only after ovulation does women become capable of being pregnant. 

How long does the ovulation last?

In normal healthy women, the ovulation process lasts up to around 24hrs. But if the women fail to fertilize that egg within the 24hrs, the egg and the uterine wall get shed at the end of the menstruation cycle and this is considered as day one of the next month menstruation cycles. Although the egg is viable only 24hrs women can get pregnant within the window of 6days. Because the sperms can live around five days within the female reproductive tract. 

Just after the ovulation, the eggs enter the fallopian tubes and get dissolved within the tubes after 24hrs, if the egg does not fertilize by a sperm. But if the egg gets fertilized it travels along the tube t the uterus. 

How do I know that I am ovulating?

If you carefully notice the changes in their physiology, women can identify the ovulation period. This can help in planning the intercourse. If you wish to have a baby, this is the most suitable period to have intercourse with your partner.

Women can notice the changes in the cervical mucus. They become clear and sticky. 

The cervix gets open and may present with lower abdominal cramps. 

Increase basal body temperature. This is very difficult to notice because there is only a slight increase in body temperature. 

Can I get pregnant after ovulation?

Women can get pregnant within 24hrs after ovulation. But cervical mucus can provide a suitable environment for the sperms to live for 5days. If you had intercourse five days before intercourse, still you have the chance to get pregnant. 

What are the factors that prevent ovulation?

If the reproductive hormones are imbalanced and in some conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, the ovulation process does not occur correctly. 

Women with thyroid deficiencies and hyperactive thyroid glands will have ovulation errors. 

The normal menstrual cycle is around 28-35days. This may vary due to various reasons. There are instances where menstrual bleeding is present without ovulation. The uterus is always getting prepared to welcome the fertilized egg, so the uterus continues to grow although the ovulation does not occur. If ovulation occurs, it only lasts for 24hrs.