Ovulation is one of the topics related to reproductive health that is often surrounded by myths, unverified information, and misconceptions. While there are factors that can assist in conception beyond ovulation, the process plays a crucial and essential role in the success of pregnancy. Not knowing the ovulation period and tracking ovulation days and predicting them can be a challenge for couples wishing to conceive.
Health expert Khushit Murdia, the CEO and co-founder of the Indian medical company Indira IVF, explains the ovulation process and its causes.
**Q: What is the ovulation process?**
Ovulation is a part of the reproductive cycle and occurs when an egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. When the egg is fertilized by sperm, a embryo is formed in the fallopian tube, which then moves to the uterus and develops into a full embryo. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, it disintegrates and is eliminated during the menstrual cycle.
**Q: When does ovulation occur?**
Generally, ovulation happens about 13-15 days before the start of the menstrual cycle, but, like the menstrual cycle itself, the timing of ovulation can vary from one cycle to another for each individual. If the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, the ideal day for ovulation will be approximately the 14th day, and most fertile days will be two to three days before menstruation.
**Q: What are the signs of ovulation?**
Symptoms of ovulation can vary from person to person, as females may often experience mild pain, spotting, increased libido, bloating, and changes in the consistency and amount of cervical mucus, which becomes clear and slippery like egg whites. In addition to these symptoms, ovulation can also be tracked using transvaginal ultrasound and measuring basal body temperature.
**Q: What is the "fertile window" and its relation to ovulation?**
The fertile window is the timeframe during the reproductive cycle when the chances of conception are highest. While sperm can remain active in the female body for up to three days, the lifespan of the egg is limited to about 24 hours. Therefore, the best time to attempt to conceive is from three to four days before ovulation to about two days after ovulation.
**Q: Is ovulation and pregnancy possible after the age of 40?**
While the quality and quantity of eggs in women begin to decline in their thirties, significantly dropping after age 35, it is still possible to conceive through various assisted reproductive techniques. Additionally, the consistency of ovulation and the risk of infertility can be affected after age 40. Therefore, methods such as egg freezing, embryo preservation, and others can be considered under the supervision of doctors and embryologists to achieve successful pregnancy even in the forties.
