How many days does ovulation last. On what day of the cycle does ovulation occur - we determine the best days for conceiving a child

For the implementation of the reproductive function, certain and complex conditions are necessary. Their creation depends on biochemical processes, one of them is ovulation in women. What it is is not difficult to understand if you know the basic principles of the menstrual cycle and reproductive function.

Ovulation in women - what it is and how it happens, girls will learn more from school biology textbooks. Through them, information is drawn that even in the womb of a girl, millions of eggs are formed. Only with the onset of puberty do they begin to fulfill their task - preparing to accept the sperm.

The first menstruation means that the egg has matured, left the follicle and is waiting for fertilization. On the day of its release, the highest probability of becoming pregnant. This must happen within 24 hours.

After contact with the sperm, the egg is sent through the fallopian tube to the uterus to be fixed on its mucous membrane - the endometrium. The absence of conception for any reason ends with the release of an unfertilized egg with menstrual flow. They also contain a shed layer of the endometrium of the uterus.

Ovulation in women

Ovulation in women is a process subject to hormonal surges on certain days of the menstrual cycle. Their periodicity is stable, which makes it possible to trace the days favorable for conception. Ovulation occurs 12-16 days before the critical days.

In the body, there is a change in hormonal levels:

estrogen- thickens the lining of the uterus
follicle-stimulating hormone- activates the growth of the egg;
luteinizing hormone- completes the maturation of the follicle;
prolactin- its concentration is reduced in order not to suppress ovulation.

The period of a sharp release of LH is considered the highest point of fertility, when the woman's body is ready to produce offspring. It is during this period that the entry of sperm into the fallopian tube leads to fertilization.

How many days does it take

It turns out that A woman can only get pregnant once per menstrual cycle.. In rare cases, ovulation occurs 2 times a month. This can apply both to pathological changes in the hormonal nature, and the natural rest of the female body once a year.

There are 2 concepts of ovulation:

Early ovulation occurs on the 11th day of the menstrual cycle with its periodicity of 28 days. It cannot be defined as the norm.

Early ovulation can lead to excessive physical activity, frequent sexual intercourse, lifting weights. At the same time, menstruation also occurs earlier than the due time.

Late ovulation begins on the 18-20th day with any failures in the woman's body.

The specific type of ovulation is determined by the doctor with the help of tests.

Is it possible to get pregnant before ovulation

A woman's menstrual cycle can be disrupted for various reasons. Accordingly, the day of ovulation shifts in one direction or another. In addition, sperm activity continues 5-7 days after ejaculation. All this time they calmly wait for the moment of conception in the fallopian tube, but only one of them will be able to fertilize the egg.

Menstrual cycle

Therefore, there is a chance of getting pregnant before ovulation, on the so-called safe days. According to statistics, 1 day before the release of the egg, conception occurs in 31-35% of couples, 2 days - 27-30%. A week before ovulation, this chance drops to 1-2%.

Is it possible to get pregnant after ovulation

The above situation also applies to a period of several days after ovulation. The activity of the sperm and the viability of the egg form the conditions for successful conception. A couple can have unprotected intercourse 2-5 days after ovulation and possibly fertilization will occur.

Knowledge of fertile days allows you to plan pregnancy and create favorable conditions for successful conception. So, before sexual intercourse, a man can try to increase the viability of spermatozoa. To do this, you need to give up bad habits, change your diet to a more correct one, avoid stress and overwork.

In the practice of gynecologists, there were women who managed to get pregnant 1-2 days before and after menstruation. This situation indicates a hormonal imbalance., in which ovulation began in the wrong period of the menstrual cycle. And most often, such a pregnancy became unexpected and unplanned.

Therefore, it cannot be argued that the last days of menstruation are safe areas for unprotected contact. This should be taken into account by couples who do not want to have children at a certain period of life and practice coitus interruptus.

Why is there no ovulation

The absence of ovulation means that a woman's reproductive function has failed. In medicine, this pathology is called anovulation., it is characterized by the inability to release the egg.

This can happen with regular periods, but vaginal discharge is caused by a decrease in progesterone. They can be described as uterine bleeding.

Normal causes of anovulation include puberty when a girl is just developing her childbearing function. Ovulation is completely absent in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

After 45-50 years, menopause occurs and anovulation becomes a natural reaction to the extinction of the reproductive system. A woman can no longer get pregnant due to the lack of viable eggs and a decrease in hormone production.

Many pathological processes in a woman's body can lead to anovulation:

Violation of the activity of the hypothalamus. Failure of this part of the brain leads to obesity, urinary incontinence, constipation and lack of ovulation.
Tumors of the pituitary gland. Oncological neoplasms interfere with the normal production of gonadotropic hormones. A woman's menstrual cycle goes astray, weakness appears and efficiency decreases.
Hyperprolactinemia. Dysfunction of the pituitary and ovaries, in which the level of prolactin rises, does not allow ovulation to occur.
androgenic disorders. With this pathology, male hormones predominate in the female body. They depress the reproductive system and lead to infertility.
inflammatory processes. As a result of hypothermia and infectious diseases, a violation of the structure of the ovaries and mucous membranes of the fallopian tubes can occur.
Excessive / insufficient body weight. Anorexia leads to the exhaustion of the whole organism, some of its functions are simply turned off. Most often this happens with childbearing ability, because it does not affect the preservation of a woman's life.

In addition to the failure of the hormonal background, being overweight provokes the deposition of visceral fat on the appendages. In this state, they cannot do their job.

Cancellation of oral contraceptives. The exclusion of unwanted pregnancy inhibits the production of natural gonadotropic hormones.

Refusal of drug protection does not immediately lead to stabilization of the mechanism of egg maturation. The female body needs time to recover. The longer the intake of OK, the longer this period.

Uncharacteristic menstruation. Anovulation rarely leads to a failure in the regularity of critical days. But the changes relate to the nature of the vaginal discharge.

So, they can be scarce or, conversely, flow out in large volumes. At the same time, a woman has a pronounced premenstrual syndrome.

Frequent stress, hypothermia, and taking hormonal drugs can lead to the absence of ovulation. Promiscuous sex life can also provoke a malfunction in the reproductive system.

External signs

Ovulation in women - what can be understood by studying its main manifestations.

External signs of the release of the egg:

Change selection. Throughout her life, a woman's cervix secretes mucus. It has a different character depending on the period of the menstrual cycle.

So, 3 days before ovulation, the discharge liquefies, becomes watery, there are a lot of them. This is necessary for the unhindered passage of the spermatozoon. On the day of ovulation, the mucus changes, the consistency is a sticky substance resembling egg white.

Increased sexual desire. The release of hormones during ovulation triggers a hidden mechanism of nature - to conceive a child. Even if there is no desire to become pregnant, a woman has an irresistible craving for sexual relations.
Temperature rise. Just a couple of divisions of the thermometer up indicate the day of ovulation. The body, thus, accelerates the production of hormones necessary for conception.
Pain in the lower abdomen. At the time of rupture of the egg, a woman may feel slight pain. They last from 1 to 3 days. The lower abdomen reacts only from the side on which the egg cell is located in this menstrual cycle.

Saliva crystallization. 2 days before ovulation, the structure of fluid from the oral cavity changes in a woman.

When studying it under a microscope, the “fern effect” is observed. The saliva crystals resemble the patterns on the leaves of this plant. Naturally, it will not be possible to independently determine crystallization. For this, special microscopes and experience are used.

Bloating. Secondary signs of the onset of ovulation include an increase in gas formation in the intestines. This condition is manifested by an increase in the volume of the abdomen and a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Heightened sense of smell. Under the influence of hormones, a woman's ability to perceive odors is enhanced. A heightened sense reacts negatively to unpleasant odors, but habitual aromas can also cause irritation.
Breast augmentation. Hormonal surge leads to swelling of the mammary glands. The nipples develop hypersensitivity, and the breasts themselves react painfully to touch and movement.

Ovulation in women is manifested by characteristic changes. The main thing is to understand what the body is trying to say and not to miss this period if there is a great desire to conceive a child.

How to determine ovulation at home: types of tests

When planning a pregnancy, it is important to determine the most favorable days for conception.

This can be done at home using special tests:

test strip- paper strips with a reagent that reacts to an increase in LH;
test tablet- a plastic case with a window for urine;
inkjet tests- the principle is the same as in determining pregnancy;
reusable tester– portable device;
electronic tests- determine ovulation by saliva.

The principle of the described devices is based on the detection of a surge of luteinizing hormone.

Determination with a one-time test

At home, one-time tests are used to determine the day of ovulation. Their disadvantage is the need to check every day at the same time for 5-6 days. But women are attracted to ease of use.

Sequence of carrying out:

refrain from urinating for 3-4 hours;
during this period of time do not drink a lot of liquid;
collect fresh urine in a small container;
dip a strip of dough into the liquid for 20 seconds;
after 3 min. evaluate the result.

The absence of an LH surge is detected when the result line is pale compared to the control line. If she has acquired a dark color, then ovulation has come.

Start testing should begin on the 11th day after the end of the previous menstruation. This applies to the cycle, the duration of which is 28 days. 17 days before the critical days - a 32-day cycle, and from the 7th day - a short cycle of 24-26 days.

Reusable Tests

For a more accurate result, it is better to use reusable tests, they can be purchased at any pharmacy. There is a conventional device with a large number of strip strips. But electronic version preferred. It represents a portable mini-computer, and the result of checking the LH level is displayed on its screen.

Instructions for use:

Dip the test strip into the container with urine for 20 seconds. The time may be different. It depends on the brand of the device. Some manufacturers recommend simply supporting the strip under your urine stream.
For a reusable tester, remove the cap and place a strip in the hole to the specified level. Close the device with a cap and set it aside on a flat surface.
A notification will appear on the monitor in the form of the inscription “test is ready”. But you can’t touch the device yet, this warning indicates the correct insertion of the strip.
After 3 min. you can know the result.
Empty icon - no ovulation, in a circle a smiling emoticon - LH is elevated.
After checking, remove the strip from the device.

With a positive result, you can dispel all doubts by re-conducting a multiple test on the same day. So a woman will not miss a favorable moment for conceiving a child.

According to basal temperature

A woman who has long dreamed of a child uses all possible methods to find out favorable days for conception. Even if they require routine and daily activities. This applies to the measurement of basal temperature - it is carried out every day at the same time.

A conventional mercury thermometer is used, which is inserted into the vagina or anus. Measurement time - 5-7 minutes. On normal days, a woman's body temperature varies between 36.1°C and 36.6°C. The release of the egg from the follicle changes this indicator of the body by 37 ° C - 37.2 ° C.

This method of determining ovulation has its own rules:

measurements are taken immediately after waking up;
you need to record all measurements in a specially wound notebook;
for several months of identifying fertile days, determine the pattern;
calculate the approximate number of days before the onset of menstruation when the temperature was higher than usual;
abandon the method during colds and viral diseases.

From the first day of ovulation, a woman's body temperature may be elevated. Its decrease will occur only with the advent of menstruation.

By online calendar

Ovulation in women, what it is and how to recognize it - that's what electronic programmers thought about with the development of digital technology. Therefore, they created an online calendar that makes it easier to calculate the ideal day for fertilization.

Now on many Internet pages intended for a female audience, this computer program is present. With its help, women can not only learn about favorable days for conception, but also identify safe days. After all, unwanted pregnancy is the result of unprotected sex on fertile days.

On the site with an online calendar, you must specify the following data:

day of the beginning of the last menstruation;
the day of its completion;
average menstrual cycle;
period in months to calculate ovulation in each.

Girls who have a stable and regular menstrual cycle have a higher chance of an accurate determination. But any deviations that occur in the body of a woman on an individual basis will make the result blurry and untrue. In this case, you should choose another better method for determining ovulation.

Stimulation of ovulation

Ovulation in women - what it is and how its absence affects the body, fertility doctors know thoroughly. In their practice, they meet couples who have not been able to conceive a child for many years. Before stimulation, they conduct numerous studies, among them - ultrasound control over the development of the follicle.

The indications for the procedure are:

anovular infertility;
polycystic ovaries;
artificial insemination;
causeless infertility;
obesity/anorexia.

Couples who, with unprotected sexual contact, cannot conceive a child for more than 1 year should think about ovulation stimulation. If a man and a woman are over 35 years old, then this time period is reduced to 6 months.

Stimulation is a medicinal effect on the functionality of the ovaries. Their work returns to normal in 70% of women after a course of hormone therapy.

Throughout the entire period of treatment, ultrasound is required, according to its results, the specialist evaluates the positive dynamics in the state of the egg.

Preparation and stimulation itself goes according to plan:

Treatment of pathological diseases, which directly or indirectly affect the maturation of the follicle.
Measures to normalize weight. Transfer of the patient to dietary nutrition and an active lifestyle. In some cases, after weight loss, drug stimulation is no longer required. The woman's menstrual cycle stabilizes, ovulation occurs regularly.

Correction of body weight is also necessary with its lack. Girls suffering from anorexia will have to undergo a serious course of treatment. It will help return nutrients to the body and adjust its functions to normal operation. A woman whose weight does not reach 45 kg is unable to have a child.

hormone therapy is aimed at preparing the uterine mucosa for fixing the fetal egg. The endometrial layer thickens, preparing to protect the fetus. Gonadotropic drugs are used.

Stimulation is carried out with Clostilbegyt in the form of tablets. In the first cycle, its doses are minimal, in subsequent cycles, the concentration increases. Clostilbegit should be started on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, the duration is determined by the doctor.

According to the results of ultrasound, when the growth of follicles up to 20-25 mm is visible, the patient is prescribed an injection of hCG at a dosage of 5000-10000 units. Hormones activate the functions of the egg and prevent the appearance of cysts on the follicles.

During the entire time of stimulation, a woman needs to measure her basal body temperature and have an active sex life. When ovulation occurs, she will have to undergo maintenance therapy. A course of drugs containing progesterone is prescribed. They are necessary for the formation and maintenance of the viability of the corpus luteum after ovulation.

Duphaston with the active ingredient dydrogesterone is used for insufficient production of natural progesterone. It should be taken from the 14th to the 25th day of the cycle, 10 m per day, during the same period it is important to go to the gynecologist for a check.

If stimulation led to conception, then the drug is not canceled. Most often, the gynecologist prescribes a gradual decrease in the dosage of the drug and its cancellation only after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Utrozhestan is a preparation of natural micronized progesterone. Its functions include the normalization of secretory changes in the endometrium of the uterus. Oral administration of capsules in the amount of 200-300 mg is prescribed, without chewing. The dosage is designed for 2 doses - in the morning and before bedtime.

Stimulation of ovulation is unacceptable to carry out more than 5 times in a short period of time. Long-term use of hormonal drugs can provoke an early extinction of reproductive function. A woman will have a premature menopause.

The body of a woman is arranged in a unique way - it is able to endure and give birth to a new person. Knowledge of what ovulation is in women makes it possible for couples to fulfill their cherished dream - to become parents. And for those who are not yet ready for a responsible role in life, avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

Article formatting: Natalie Podolskaya

Video about ovulation

Video about ovulation in women - what is it:

Video about ovulation symptoms:

The ovum ripened in the follicle, ready for fertilization, destroys the surface of the ovary and passes through the abdominal cavity into the fallopian tube. This phenomenon is called ovulation. It occurs in the middle of a woman's menstrual period, but can shift in one direction or another, falling on the 11th - 21st day of the cycle.

Menstrual cycle

A female fetus at 20 weeks of gestation already has 2 million immature eggs in the ovaries. 75% of them disappear shortly after the birth of a girl. Most women retain 500,000 eggs by their reproductive age. By the beginning of puberty, they are ready for cyclic maturation.

During the first two years after menarche, anovulatory cycles are usually observed. Then the regularity of the maturation of the follicle, the release of the egg from it and the formation of the corpus luteum is established - the cycle of ovulation. Violation of the rhythm of this process occurs in menopause, when the release of the egg occurs less and less, and then stops.

When the egg moves into the fallopian tube, it can merge with the sperm - fertilization. The resulting embryo enters the uterus. During ovulation, the uterine walls thicken, the endometrium grows, preparing for the implantation of the embryo. If conception does not occur, the inner layer of the uterine wall is torn off - menstrual bleeding occurs.

What day after menstruation does ovulation occur?

Normally, this is the middle of the cycle, taking into account the first day of menstruation. For example, if 26 days pass between the first days of each menstruation, then ovulation will occur on the 12th - 13th day, taking into account the day the period begins.

How many days does this process take?

The release of a mature germ cell occurs quickly, while hormonal changes are recorded within 1 day.

One of the misconceptions is to assume that if there is a period, then the cycle was necessarily ovulatory. Endometrial thickening is controlled by estrogens, and ovulation is triggered by the action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Not every menstrual cycle is accompanied by the process of ovulation. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to observe the precursors of the release of the egg and use additional tests to determine it. With prolonged anovulation, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.

Hormonal regulation

Ovulation occurs under the influence of FSH, which is synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland under the action of regulators formed in the hypothalamus. Under the influence of FSH, the follicular phase of egg maturation begins. At this time, one of the follicle vesicles becomes dominant. Increasing, it reaches the preovulatory stage. At the time of ovulation, the wall of the follicle breaks, the mature germ cell contained in it leaves the ovary and enters the uterine tube.

What happens after ovulation?

The second phase of the cycle begins - the luteal. Under the influence of the luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland, a kind of endocrine organ, the corpus luteum, appears at the site of the ruptured follicle. It is a small, rounded formation of yellow color. The corpus luteum secretes hormones that cause the endometrium to thicken and prepare it for implantation of the embryo during pregnancy.

Anovulatory cycle

Menstrual-like bleeding can regularly recur after 24-28 days, but the release of the egg from the ovary does not occur. Such a cycle is called. In the absence of ovulation, one or more follicles reach the preovulatory stage, that is, they grow, and a germ cell develops inside. However, the rupture of the follicular wall and the release of the egg does not occur.

Shortly thereafter, the mature follicle undergoes atresia, that is, reverse development. At this time, there is a decrease in estrogen levels, which leads to menstrual bleeding. By external signs, it is almost indistinguishable from normal menstruation.

Why is there no ovulation?

This may be a physiological condition during puberty or premenopausal girls. If a woman is of childbearing age, rare anovulatory cycles are normal.

Many hormonal disorders lead to an imbalance in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary system and change the timing of ovulation, in particular:

hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones);
hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormones);
hormonally active benign tumor of the pituitary gland (adenoma);
adrenal insufficiency.

Emotional stress can lengthen the ovulatory period. It leads to a decrease in the level of gonadotropin-releasing factor - a substance released by the hypothalamus and stimulating the synthesis of FSH in the pituitary gland.

Other possible reasons why there is a lack or delay in ovulation associated with hormonal imbalances:

intense sports and physical activity;
rapid weight loss of at least 10%;
chemotherapy and radiation for malignant neoplasms;
taking tranquilizers, corticosteroid hormones and some contraceptives.

The main physiological reasons for the lack of ovulation are pregnancy and menopause. During the pre-menopausal period, women may continue to have more or less regular periods, but the likelihood of anovulatory cycles is greatly increased.

Symptoms of the release of an egg

Not all women experience signs of ovulation. At this point, hormonal changes occur in the body. By carefully observing your body, you can find the period of the best ability to fertilize. It is not necessary to use complex and expensive methods for predicting the release of an egg. It is enough to detect natural symptoms in time.

Change in cervical mucus

The female body prepares for a possible conception by producing cervical fluid suitable for the transfer of sperm from the vagina to the uterine cavity. Until the moment of ovulation, these secretions are thick and viscous. They prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Before ovulation, the glands of the cervical canal begin to produce a special protein - its threads are thin, elastic and similar in properties to the protein of a chicken egg. Vaginal discharge becomes transparent, stretches well. Such an environment is ideal for the penetration of sperm into the uterus.

Change in vaginal moisture

The discharge from the cervix becomes more abundant. During sexual intercourse, the amount of vaginal fluid increases. A woman feels increased humidity throughout the day, which shows her readiness for fertilization.

Soreness of the mammary glands

After ovulation, progesterone levels rise. If a woman keeps a chart, she will see that her basal temperature has risen. It is caused by the action of progesterone. This hormone also affects the mammary glands, so at this point they become more sensitive. Sometimes this soreness resembles premenstrual sensations.

Changing the position of the neck

After the end of menstruation, the cervix is closed and is located low. As ovulation approaches, it rises higher and softens. You can check it yourself. After washing your hands thoroughly, you need to put your foot on the edge of the toilet or bathroom and insert two fingers into the vagina. If you have to push them deep, then the neck has risen. It is easiest to check this symptom immediately after menstruation, in order to better determine the change in the position of the cervix.

Increased sex drive

It is not uncommon for women to notice a stronger sex drive in the middle of their cycle. These sensations during ovulation are of natural origin and are associated with changes in hormonal levels.

Bloody issues

Sometimes in the middle of the cycle there are small spotting from the vagina. It can be assumed that these are the "remnants" of blood leaving the uterus after menstruation. However, if this sign appears during the expected ovulation, it indicates a rupture of the follicle. In addition, some blood can also be released from the endometrial tissue under the influence of hormones immediately before or after ovulation. This symptom indicates a high fertility.

Cramping or pain on one side of the abdomen

In 20% of women, pain occurs during ovulation, which is called. It occurs when the follicle ruptures and the fallopian tube contracts as the egg moves into the uterus. A woman feels pain or spasm on one side of the abdomen in its lower part. These sensations after ovulation do not last long, but serve as a fairly accurate sign of the ability to fertilize.

Flatulence

The hormonal shift causes slight bloating. It can be detected by becoming a little tight clothing or belt.

mild nausea

Hormonal changes can cause mild nausea, similar to pregnancy.

Headache

20% of women experience a headache or migraine before or during their period. The same symptom in these patients may accompany the onset of ovulation.

Diagnostics

Many women plan their pregnancy. Conception after ovulation gives the greatest chance of fertilizing the egg. Therefore, they use additional methods to diagnose this condition.

Functional diagnostic tests in the ovulatory cycle:

basal temperature;
pupil symptom;
study of the extensibility of cervical mucus;
karyopyknotic index.

These studies are objective, that is, quite accurately and regardless of the sensations of a woman, they show the phase of the ovulatory cycle. They are used in violation of normal hormonal processes. With their help, for example, ovulation is diagnosed with an irregular cycle.

Basal temperature

Measurements are carried out by placing a thermometer in the anus by 3-4 cm, immediately after waking up. It is important to perform the procedure at the same time (half an hour difference is acceptable), after at least 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep. You need to determine the temperature daily, including on the days of menstruation.

The thermometer should be prepared in the evening so as not to shake it in the morning. In general, it is not recommended to make extra movements. If a woman uses a mercury thermometer, after inserting it into the rectum, she should lie still for 5 minutes. It is more convenient to use an electronic thermometer, which will beep when the measurement is completed. However, sometimes such devices give erroneous readings, which can lead to an incorrect determination of ovulation.

After measurement, the result must be plotted on a graph divided along the vertical axis into tenths of a degree (36.1 - 36.2 - 36.3, and so on).

In the follicular phase, the temperature is 36.6-36.8 degrees. Starting from the second day after ovulation, it rises to 37.1-37.3 degrees. On the graph, this rise is clearly visible. Before the release of the egg itself, the mature follicle secretes the maximum amount of estrogen, and on the graph this can manifest itself as a sudden decrease ("recession"), followed by a rise in temperature. This feature is not always registered.

If a woman is ovulating irregularly, constantly measuring her rectal temperature will help her determine the most fertile day for conception. The accuracy of the method is 95%, subject to the rules for performing measurements and interpreting the results by a doctor.

pupil symptom

This sign is revealed by a gynecologist when examining the cervix using vaginal mirrors. In the follicular phase of the cycle, the external uterine os gradually increases in diameter, and the cervical discharge becomes more and more transparent (+). Outwardly, it resembles the pupil of the eye. By the time of ovulation, the uterine os is maximally expanded, its diameter reaches 3-4 cm, the pupil symptom is most pronounced (+++). On the 6-8th day after this, the external opening of the cervical canal closes, the pupil symptom becomes negative (-). The accuracy of this method is 60%.

Distensibility of the cervical mucus

This sign, which can be seen on its own, is quantified using a forceps (a type of tweezers with teeth on the edges). The doctor captures the mucus from the cervical canal, stretches it and determines the maximum length of the resulting thread.

In the first phase of the cycle, the length of such a thread is 2-4 cm. 2 days before ovulation, it increases to 8-12 cm, starting from the 2nd day after it decreases to 4 cm. From the 6th day, the mucus practically does not stretch. The accuracy of this method is 60%.

Karyopyknotic index

This is the ratio of cells with a pycnotic nucleus to the total number of surface epithelial cells in a vaginal smear. The pyknotic nuclei are wrinkled, less than 6 µm in size. In the first phase, their number is 20-70%, 2 days before ovulation and at the time of its onset - 80-88%, 2 days after the release of the egg - 60-40%, then their number decreases to 20-30%. The accuracy of the method does not exceed 50%.

A more accurate method for determining ovulation is hormonal studies. The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of applying with an irregular cycle. Determine the level of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone. Typically, such analyzes are prescribed without taking into account individual characteristics, on the 5th - 7th and 18th - 22nd days of the cycle. Ovulation does not always occur during this interval; with a longer cycle, it occurs later. This leads to unreasonable diagnosis of anovulation, unnecessary tests and treatment.

The same difficulties arise when using, which are based on changes in the level of LH in the urine. A woman must either accurately predict the time of ovulation, or constantly use rather expensive test strips. There are reusable test systems that analyze changes in saliva. They are quite accurate and convenient, but the disadvantage of such devices is their high cost.

LH levels may be permanently elevated in the following cases:

severe stress due to the desire to become pregnant;

Ultrasound definition of ovulation

The most accurate and cost-effective method is the diagnosis of ovulation by ultrasound (). With ultrasound monitoring, the doctor evaluates the thickness of the endometrium, the size of the dominant follicle and the corpus luteum formed in its place. The date of the first study depends on the regularity of the cycle. If it has the same duration, the study is carried out 16-18 days before the start date of menstruation. If the cycle is irregular, ultrasound is prescribed on the 10th day from the onset of menstruation.

At the first ultrasound, the dominant follicle is clearly visible, from which a mature egg will later come out. By measuring its diameter, you can determine the date of ovulation. The size of the follicle before ovulation is 20-24 mm, and its growth rate in the first phase of the cycle is 2 mm per day.

The second ultrasound is prescribed after the estimated date of ovulation, when a corpus luteum is found at the site of the follicle. At the same time, a blood test for progesterone levels is carried out. The combination of increased progesterone concentration and the presence of a corpus luteum on ultrasound confirms ovulation. Thus, a woman takes only one test for hormone levels per cycle, which reduces her financial and time costs for the examination.

In the study in the second phase, changes in the corpus luteum and endometrium can be detected, which can prevent the onset of pregnancy.

Ultrasound monitoring confirms or refutes ovulation even in cases where the data of other methods turned out to be uninformative:

an increase in basal temperature in the second phase due to a decrease in hormone production by an atrezated follicle;
increased basal temperature and progesterone levels with a small thickness of the endometrium, which prevents pregnancy;
no changes in basal temperature;
false positive ovulation test.

Ultrasound examination helps to answer many questions of a woman:

does she ovulate at all;
whether it will happen in the current cycle or not;
on which day the egg will be released.

Changes in ovulation timing

The release time of the egg can vary by 1-2 days even with a regular cycle. A permanently shortened follicular phase and early ovulation can lead to problems conceiving.

early ovulation

If the release of the egg occurs 12-14 days after the start of menstruation, there is no reason for concern. However, if the basal temperature chart or test strips show that this process occurred on the 11th day or earlier, then the released egg is not sufficiently developed for fertilization. At the same time, the mucous plug in the cervix is quite dense, and spermatozoa cannot penetrate through it. Insufficient increase in the thickness of the endometrium, caused by a reduction in the hormonal influence of the developing follicle estrogens, prevents implantation of the embryo, even if fertilization has occurred.

Are still being studied. Sometimes it happens by chance, in one of the menstrual cycles. In other cases, the pathology can be caused by such factors:

severe stress and disruption of the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the nervous system, which leads to a sudden premature increase in LH levels;
the natural aging process, when the body produces more FSH to support the maturation of the egg, causing overgrowth of the follicle;
smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine intake;
gynecological and endocrine diseases.

Can you ovulate right after your period?

This is possible in two cases:

if menstruation lasts 5-7 days, and against this background a hormonal failure occurs, early ovulation can occur almost immediately after they are completed;
if two follicles did not mature at the same time in different ovaries, then their cycles do not coincide; while ovulation of the second follicle is timely, but falls on the first phase in the other ovary; associated with this are cases of pregnancy during sexual intercourse during menstruation.

late ovulation

In some women, from time to time, the ovulatory phase occurs on the 20th day of the cycle and later. Most often, this is caused by hormonal disorders in the complex balanced system "hypothalamus - pituitary gland - ovary". Usually these changes are preceded, caused by stress or taking certain medications (corticosteroids, antidepressants, anticancer drugs). increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the egg, fetal malformations and early termination of pregnancy.

With non-simultaneous maturation of two follicles in each of the ovaries, ovulation is possible before menstruation.

The cause of this failure may be breastfeeding. Even if a woman has recovered her menses after childbirth, she has a long follicular phase or anovulatory cycles for six months. This is a normal process, laid down by nature and protecting a woman from re-pregnancy.

During breastfeeding, there are often no periods and ovulation for some time. But at a certain moment, the maturation of the egg, nevertheless, begins, it comes out, it enters the uterus. And only 2 weeks later, menstruation begins. So ovulation without menstruation is possible.

Often, late ovulation occurs in women who are too thin or patients who have lost weight quickly. The amount of fat in the body is directly related to the level of sex hormones (estrogens), and its small amount leads to a delay in the maturation of the egg.

Treatment for disorders of the ovulatory cycle

Anovulation for several cycles during the year is normal. But what if there is no ovulation all the time, and the woman wants to get pregnant? You should be patient, find a qualified gynecologist and contact him for diagnosis and treatment.

Taking oral contraceptives

Usually, a course of oral contraceptives is recommended first to cause the so-called rebound effect - ovulation after the cancellation of OK is highly likely to occur in the first cycle. This effect persists for 3 cycles in a row.

If a woman has taken these medications before, they are canceled and ovulation is expected to return. On average, this period takes from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the duration of taking birth control pills. Conventionally, it is believed that for each year of oral contraceptive use, 3 months are required to restore ovulation.

Stimulation

In more severe cases, after excluding diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary tumors and other possible "external" causes of anovulation, the gynecologist will prescribe medication for. At the same time, he will monitor the patient's condition, conduct ultrasound monitoring of the follicle and endometrium, prescribe hormonal studies.

If there were no periods for 40 days or more, pregnancy is first excluded, and then progesterone is administered to cause menstrual bleeding. After an ultrasound and other diagnostics, drugs for ovulation are prescribed:

clomiphene citrate (Clomid) - an anti-estrogen ovulation stimulant that increases the production of FSH in the pituitary gland, its effectiveness is 85%;
gonadotropic hormones (Repronex, Follistim and others) - analogues of their own FSH, forcing the egg to mature, their effectiveness reaches 100%, but they are dangerous for the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome;
hCG, often used before the IVF procedure; HCG is prescribed after the release of the egg to maintain the corpus luteum, and later the placenta, and maintain pregnancy;
leuprorelin (Lupron) is an analogue of the gonadotropin-releasing factor, which is produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates the synthesis of FSH in the pituitary gland; this drug does not cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome;

Self-medication with these drugs is prohibited. With the exact implementation of the doctor's recommendations and treatment in accordance with internationally recognized rules, most women manage to become pregnant in the first 2 years after the start of therapy.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

In the event that the violation of ovulation cannot be corrected, assisted reproductive technologies come to the aid of a woman. However, they are associated with a strong hormonal effect on the body to obtain a normal mature egg. Complex drug regimens are used. Such procedures should be carried out only in specialized medical centers.

Ovulation occurs approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle with certain characteristic individual deviations that are the norm for a particular woman.

The process of complete release of the egg from the follicle is ovulation. The rupture of the follicle occurs instantly, the process of the release of the egg from it takes no more than an hour. Following this, the egg enters the fallopian tube, moves along it to the uterus and awaits fertilization.

How is the cycle organized?

A new cycle starts on the first day of menstruation. At this time, follicles begin to develop in the ovaries (this is the follicular, menstrual phase).
From the seventh day until the middle of the cycle, the ovulatory phase occurs. The ovum matures in the follicle.
In the middle of the cycle (conditionally on the 14th day with the 28th day cycle), the follicle ruptures, ovulation occurs. Then the egg moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it remains active for another 1-2 days. It is important to understand that the duration of the menstrual cycle is different for every woman, but the duration of the ovulatory period is almost the same (12-48 hours). How many hours ovulation lasts is purely individual. Most doctors believe that the egg retains the ability to fertilize during the day.
One or two days after ovulation and before the next menstruation, the corpus luteum phase begins (this is the same follicle, only now it has changed).
If the egg was successfully fertilized, after three or four days it should enter the uterine cavity, and after another one or two days it should attach to its wall. After implantation, a period of active development begins and pregnancy comes into its own. If conception did not occur in this menstrual cycle, about a day after leaving the follicle, the egg dies, which, in turn, causes the start of a new cycle and menstruation within two to two and a half weeks.

How to determine the onset of ovulation?

Many women cannot objectively feel ovulation. And some, on the contrary, are able to independently determine the moment of release of a mature egg by sensations. What you should pay attention to:

to increase vaginal discharge, change their nature (before ovulation, the discharge becomes more abundant, viscous, stretchy, resembling egg white in appearance);
on the appearance in the middle of the cycle of cramping pain in the lower abdomen;
to a sharp jump in sexual desire (the female body itself adjusts to find a partner and reproduce).

How long the pain during ovulation lasts or how long the discharge during ovulation lasts is completely individual. For most women, this process is not associated with pain at all.

The most accurate result is obtained by a special ultrasound study - folliculometry. If you have a regular cycle, you can use ovulation tests (sold in pharmacies) or a method for measuring basal temperature. Immediately before ovulation and during it, the temperature decreases slightly (the so-called ovulation retraction occurs), and rises again a day after ovulation. If you take measurements accurately and carefully keep records, then according to the temperature graph, you can see how long ovulation lasts.

How long does conception last after ovulation?

After the rupture of the follicle, the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. In the period from 12 to 48 hours, she will be capable of full fertilization.. At the same time, it is worth knowing that male spermatozoa are very tenacious and can perform all their functions even a few days after unprotected intercourse. Therefore, in order to start conception, you do not need to wait until the moment of ovulation, it is better to start a few days before ovulation and do not stop trying for a couple of days after it occurs.

Ovulation is an important physiological process in a woman's body. Any planning girl must know her ovulation period, because it is at this time that she will be able to fulfill her desire to become a mother.

Ovulation is a very short period of time, so it is important to correctly determine it. There is a conditional indicator of determination - two weeks after the first day of menstruation.

It’s better not to count on him much, but to use more reliable methods for determining day X. In addition to this, accurate methods will help women with.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle into the abdominal cavity. From this moment, the finished egg is ready for fertilization.

How long does it last?

How many days does ovulation last? The answer to this question interests many women. Knowing your ovulation day, you can avoid unwanted pregnancy or successfully, provided that both future parents are healthy.

The exact time of ovulation will not be given to you by any of the methods for determining at home. It's like an explosion - just that the egg was in the follicle, and after a moment it "broke out".

Further, the path of the egg lies through the fallopian tube, where she has an appointment with a nimble sperm. When the meeting has taken place, the egg is fertilized and moves to the walls of the uterus for implantation. In fact, after fertilization, ovulation can be considered complete.

When the situation is not so rosy, the sperm did not come to the meeting, the ready egg dies.

The lifetime of an egg is conventionally called the period of ovulation. How long ovulation lasts, no one can determine. Only approximately methods of determination will be able to suggest this period. For example, an ovulation test.

During ovulation, the level of LH (luteinizing hormone) rises. Tests are based specifically on sensitivity to this hormone.

Current medical literature states that the life span of an egg is limited to 24 hours. But each organism is individual, therefore, the life span of an egg sometimes stretches up to 48 hours. During this period of time, it is possible to conceive a baby. And given the fact that the male seed is a fairly tenacious "material", some spermatozoa can live for 5 days.

Taking into account all the factors, gynecologists say that planning a toddler should start a week before ovulation plus an ovulation period (two days).

Conception, which is planned after, will be impossible for successful fertilization.

Physiological cycle

Ovulation is an integral part of the monthly cycle. Each lady is different, but on average it varies from 21 to 35 days.

Conventionally, the menstrual period is divided into several periods:

The first day, when , is called the beginning of a new cycle and the first period. It is characterized by the preparation of the follicle for maturation.
A week after menstruation, the ovulatory period begins. At this time, the mature follicle comes out, the egg matures.
Two weeks after menstruation, an “explosion” of the follicles occurs, from there an egg ready for fertilization comes out. She moves towards the fallopian tubes, where she will wait for a rendezvous with a “tailed” friend, about 48 hours.

Women who have used an ovulation test claim that they get pregnant on the fifth day after a positive test result. Initially, the second strip is weak - this is a signal of impending ovulation. On the 3rd - 5th day, both strips of the test are equally bright - which means that ovulation occurs at this time.

Other ladies use the simplest way. They divide their cycle in half, so conditionally assume the period of ovulation. For example, the monthly cycle is 30 days. Divide by two, it turns out 15. A few days before the 15th day of the cycle, they begin to actively plan the baby.

Ovulation "out of order"

It so happened that some women sometimes suffer from early or late ovulation. Many factors can influence this:

stressful situations:
Active physical activity;
Strict diet;
chronic diseases;
Bad habits;
Disruptions in the hormonal background;
Other.

Do not worry too much, this can be and this is normal. If the situation appears with apparent regularity, it is better to consult a gynecologist for advice.

If a girl has a lack of egg maturation for a long time, it is worth informing a specialist. This may be a signal of the development of a serious illness. The cause found in time will help to avoid big problems in the future.

Methods of determination

The following methods for determining ovulation have become popular:

Test. Affordable and easy way. You just need to urinate on it and in a moment it will show the result. It is better to buy such a remedy in pharmacies. The main thing is to follow the instructions to get accurate results.
basal temperature. Its trump card is availability and cheapness. The only thing is self-control. requires adherence to unspoken rules. Taking daily measurements and plotting the result on a graph in a few months will show when a woman is ovulating. When the temperature rises, the egg matures and is released. A low temperature indicates the interval of ovulation itself.
ultrasound- the most accurate method for determining a "happy" day. But it is costly in terms of money and time of a woman. After all, it takes 3-4 days to visit the ultrasound room.
Physiological Signals. Many representatives of the female part of humanity claim that they feel ovulation. On such days, it can pull the lower abdomen or become. Cervical fluid becomes more abundant. Its consistency is more viscous and stretchy. In addition, libido rises - here mother nature herself gives a sign.

Instead of a conclusion

Ovulation is a very important process in a woman's body. This period is different for each representative of the beautiful part of the universe. The modern world offers a number of special ways to determine such days. Choosing a convenient method, the girl easily determines ovulation. In this way, he “pulls out” his lucky ticket.

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries, which usually occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle. Women who dream of getting pregnant are trying in various ways to determine the most favorable period for this, and in order to do this correctly, you need to imagine how many days ovulation lasts.

A woman wants to Calculate the term How does it happen
Fertilization process Long-awaited fertilization Ovum fertilization
electronic aspiration test
couple act uterus
Sperm meeting how it happens

What determines the duration?

As a rule, the egg leaves the follicle on the 13-17th day of the cycle. For all, these terms are individual, but in the absence of pathologies and diseases in each particular woman, the egg matures at the same time, with a difference of no more than a day.

As for how many days ovulation usually lasts, here doctors do not have a clear consensus: someone believes that its duration is only 24 hours, someone claims that it is twice as long. To date, it is customary to say that this process lasts approximately 24-36 hours.

During this period, a woman wants more tenderness and affection.

This is the period during which the mature female cell moves through the fallopian tube. However, for a girl planning a pregnancy, it would be more correct to ask the question of how many days the possibility of conception remains.

The duration of this period may be influenced by the following factors:

duration of the menstrual cycle;
stress;
physical exercise;
gynecological diseases;
taking hormonal drugs.

It is very important to remember that it takes some time for sperm to reach the fallopian tube before fertilizing the egg. In addition, they can remain viable for up to 5 days after intercourse. So, theoretically, conception is also likely 4-5 days before the release of the female cell, and for 2 days after it.

That is why, when determining the exact period, women are advised to attempt conception not only on this particular day, but for a whole week in the middle of the cycle.

How long is the ovulatory period?

Despite the fact that ovulation itself lasts no more than 48 hours, it is very important for a woman to know not only the timing of its onset, but also the length of time favorable for conceiving a child. Also find out when it comes and everything about.

The easiest way to find out the answer to the question is how many days ovulation lasts with a 28-day cycle. This is considered the average norm, therefore, when gynecologists say that the egg is ready for fertilization on the 14th day after the start of the last menstruation, they mean just such a cycle.

However, each organism works in its own way, questions often arise, how long does ovulation last in this case with a cycle of 26 days, 35 days, or a generally unstable cycle. You can find out the start and end dates of the ovulatory period in the following ways.

Observation at the gynecologist. During the examination, the doctor can determine the moment of release of the mature cell by the type of genital organs. The specialist will see signs of the release of the egg 2 days before its onset and within 2 days after.
Ultrasound procedure. This is the most accurate diagnostic method: in the middle of the cycle, the follicle increases significantly, it can be well seen on an ultrasound machine.
Blood chemistry. This method is usually prescribed in difficult cases, trying to find out if the female cell is maturing at all.
Measurement of basal temperature. This is a home diagnostic method: with a regular temperature measurement, a woman can see at what point she becomes 0.5 degrees higher and identify the beginning of the period.
Conducting a test. Another way to independently determine the onset of a suitable period for conception. Such tests are easy to use and also readily available.

You can calculate the approximate time according to the duration of the cycle - this method is imperfect and only works in the case of a regular cycle, but when planning a pregnancy in a healthy woman, it is quite possible. According to this method, you need to count not from the beginning of the previous menstruation, but the days before the next one.

The third phase of the cycle is the most constant, usually lasting no more than 14 days. Thus, to find out how many days ovulation continues with a regular cycle of 30 days, you need to subtract 14 days from the estimated date of menstruation, and the result will be the date the mature egg is released.

Deadline calculation

Discharge during maturation of the egg

Sometimes discharge helps to calculate how many days you have the ability to conceive. By their nature, one can determine the phase, as well as the onset of a period favorable for fertilization. Consider the selections characteristic of each period of the cycle.

In the first days after menstruation, the discharge is almost invisible.
With the onset of the ovulatory period, the amount of secretions increases, they become more liquid, sticky.
Immediately during the release of the egg, the discharge becomes mucous, similar to the raw protein from the egg.
After ovulation is completed, the discharge again becomes viscous, sticky.
Before the onset of menstruation, the secretion becomes watery.

It is worth paying attention to the same uncharacteristic discharge:

for example, white curds can be a sign of thrush, especially if they are accompanied by itching;
brownish secretion may be a sign of pregnancy, a side effect of hormonal contraception, or a symptom of gynecological diseases;
yellowish or greenish mucus may appear in some female or venereal diseases.

By determining how many days the mucous clear discharge lasts, you will find out the period and period during which pregnancy is possible.

Possible pathologies

Answering the question of how many days ovulation usually lasts, doctors, as a rule, give average statistics. However, this process is not the same for everyone, so the timing may shift.

The reason for this can be various disorders of the woman's health, so if pregnancy does not occur for a long time, it is necessary to find out the exact timing of the exit of the female cell, and if any failures are found, identify the cause and possibly carry out any treatment. All this cannot be done on your own - only an experienced doctor can help here.

How does this moment happen

Often, women, knowing how many days the ability to conceive lasts after the onset of menstruation, use the calendar method of contraception, or, conversely, plan to conceive a child in a strictly defined period. Any disruption in terms can lead to an unwanted pregnancy or the inability to become pregnant.

The egg can leave the follicle both earlier and later than the expected date. This can occur in perfectly healthy women, however, in some cases, factors preventing pregnancy may be the cause.