Ovulation (Lat. Ovulum - Reduce, From Ovum - Egg)

Ovulation (lat. ovulum - diminutive of ovum - egg)

Ovulation is the process of releasing a mature egg from the ovary. This is a key event of the menstrual cycle, occurring approximately halfway through the cycle.

Ovulation begins with the maturation of the follicle in the ovary. A follicle is a structure in the ovary that contains a developing egg. As the follicle matures, it increases in size and begins to produce estrogen. High estrogen levels trigger ovulation.

At the moment of ovulation, the follicle bursts and releases a mature egg. It enters the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm.

If fertilization does not occur, the egg dies after about a day. The remains of the burst follicle turn into the corpus luteum, which begins to produce the hormone progesterone.

Ovulation is the most important stage of the menstrual cycle. Tracking your ovulation day is essential for both planning and preventing pregnancy. In addition, knowing your ovulatory cycle allows you to timely detect irregularities and problems with fertility.