What is Ovulation and Why is it so important in reproduction?

The one pregnancy related advice that anyone would give, is to try conceiving during the ovulation cycle, but not many have an idea of what exactly happens during this period and why is it of such significance in reproduction.

Understand that the entire process of conception starts when the sperm fertilizes the egg and during ovulation, which is generally two weeks before a woman’s next menstrual cycle, these eggs come down to the fallopian tube and the chances of any one of these eggs getting fertilized by a sperm increases considerably.

What happens is that every month, a group of eggs start developing in the ovarian follicle and gets discharged. The eggs then travel to the fallopian tube during the ovulation period, roughly between the 10 and 19 days after the monthly periods.

There are three phases of ovulation- Periovulatory or the phase where mucus like fluids start surrounding the egg, Ovulatory, considered the best period of fertility and lasts for about 24 to 48 hours, during which the enzymes form an opening to enable the eggs to get discharged and reach the fallopian tube. The third phase is the Postovulatory or the Luteal phase where the Luteinizing Hormone or LH is secreted and the fertilized eggs are implanted in the womb. The unfertilized eggs, on the other hand would stop secreting this hormone and the uterus lining too would break down and the woman is likely to experience her periods around this time.

This is why the ovulation makes for an integral part of conception. In laymen’s term, a woman’s ability to conceive increases by almost double around this time. Now, the question arises that how can one detect the exact ovulation period as the monthly cycles is not bang on schedule always.

Naturally, a lot of times women experience a cramp sort of pain along their mid section. This condition, although not common to all, is a symptom of fertility. Another way is to take your temperature as ovulation leads to a drop in body temperature by almost 1 degree, signifying that the eggs have been released.

There are a number of ovulation kits that one can avail from the market or software that helps in charting the period based on calculations. An ovulation calendar is the most common tool; you can get it on the internet. All you need to do is provide input regarding your menstrual dates and the period of the entire cycle to get to know your most fertile days. Some even lay emphasis on recording body temperature every morning right after you wake up, as a close to 1 degree drop indicates ovulation. It is advised to get one that combines both calculation and basal body temperature mapping as that provides a more accurate result.

Lastly, a lot of people stress a lot over the concept of ovulation and totally forgo sex on other days. You might not be fertile all month round, but that does not mean that you should not engage in sexual activities!