Ovulation is a natural process that occurs in women’s bodies. But unfortunately, it is very commonly misunderstood. In fact, most women have no clue when their ovulation period is, and some don’t know what ovulation is at all. With lots of misinformation and lack of awareness, women are more prone to having unwanted pregnancies or even being unaware of their pregnancy.
With ovulation being such an important part of life, it is a topic everyone should thoroughly understand. That being said, here is everything you should know about the female ovulation period.
What is Ovulation?
Ovulation is a part of the menstrual cycle, and it occurs when the ovary releases an egg. Once the egg is released, it travels to the fallopian tubes, where the sperm can fertilize it. The egg typically stays in the fallopian tubes for anywhere between 12 to 24 hours. The fertilized egg then becomes an embryo, which can eventually grow into a baby.
Ovulation typically occurs anywhere from day 12 to 14 of the cycle. To calculate the ovulation date, determine the length of your menstrual cycle by counting the length from the first day of bleeding between two months. Then, subtract 12-14 days to find your ovulation date.
There are a few ways to check whether or not a woman is ovulating. These include using a calendar, checking body temperature, checking the thickness of cervical mucus, or using a kit that tests for ovulation. Signs of ovulation include a 1 degree rise in body temperature, breast tenderness, thinner vaginal discharge, bloating, and slight cramping.
Common Ovulation Misconceptions
Plenty of ovulation misconceptions have spread from mothers to daughters, between friends, and even at school. These misconceptions can cause serious consequences that can be life-changing. One popular misconception is that ovulation always occurs on day 14. While the ovulation date is typically 12 to 14 days before the next period starts, it is not the same for everyone. Many women don’t have a 28-day menstrual cycle, which means the ovulation date is a little different for everyone. For this reason, it can be inaccurate to use a calendar to track ovulation.
Incorrect Knowledge of Ovulation and Unintentional Pregnancies
Being unaware of when the ovulation period occurs can also lead to unwanted pregnancies. Often, these unwanted pregnancies also aren’t detected until much later. Studies have shown that among all pregnancies reported, 23% of them had late pregnancy awareness. This makes it difficult to make safe choices regarding abortion. It also causes women to accidentally continue participating in high-risk behavior early into the pregnancy. This can cause birth defects and lead to poor health for the woman and child.
Benefits of a Rapid Home Ovulation Test
An accurate way of tracking ovulation is by using a rapid home ovulation test. These tests are becoming super popular because they are easy to use and are the most accurate way to check for ovulation. With a rapid home ovulation test, women can avoid undesired pregnancies by planning around their ovulation date. Couples who are family planning can also have a better chance of conceiving by tracking ovulation.
