Ovulation - What is it?
Ovulation – What is it?
This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070
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Ovulation typically happens once during every menstrual cycle*, triggered by hormone changes leading to the ovary releasing an egg. Ovulation typically occurs 12 to 16 days prior to the start of your next period. Your menstrual cycle begins with an egg being grown and matured in your ovary. When you get to roughly 12 to 16 days prior to the start of your next period, your body will increase the amount of oestrogen being produced. Oestrogen not only leads to a thickening of the uterus to produce a sperm friendly environment, it also triggers a sudden increase in luteinising hormone (LH) which causes the release of the mature egg from the ovary. This is ovulation.  |
| Ovulation tends to occur within 24 to 36 hours after the surge of LH meaning that monitoring your LH levels gives a good indication of peak fertility, as the egg can only be fertilised for up to 24 hours after ovulation. If the egg isn’t fertilised the lining of the uterus will begin to break down and your period will begin, marking the next menstrual cycle start. |
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Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test monitors both Oestrogen and LH to give you more information around your high and peak fertility days. *Although it is possible to ovulate more than once a cycle, it usually happens around the same time in the cycle. |