Ovulation refers to the process in which the egg cell is released along with the surrounding cumulus cells. For women with a menstrual cycle of about 28 days, ovulation typically occurs around 14-16 days before the next menstrual period. Since the egg can survive in the fallopian tube for 1-2 days after being released from the ovary, waiting to be fertilized, the 2 days following ovulation are also highly fertile and fall within the ovulation period. Additionally, sperm can maintain their ability to fertilize in the female reproductive tract for 2-3 days, making the 2-3 days before ovulation also a fertile period and part of the ovulation window. Therefore, the 3 days before and after ovulation, including the day of ovulation itself, constitute a week-long period known as the ovulation phase.
The ovulation phase is also referred to as the "dangerous period" because it is the most fertile time. Couples trying to conceive can plan intercourse during this period to increase their chances of pregnancy, while those not planning to have children must take precautions to avoid conception. In reality, menstrual cycles vary from person to person, so ovulation dates differ as well. Women with regular menstrual cycles can calculate their ovulation period using the method described above. However, for women with irregular cycles, it’s more challenging to predict ovulation based on menstrual dates. In such cases, other detection methods are necessary. For example, ovulation predictor kits can be used—a strong positive result indicates that ovulation has occurred. Another method is basal body temperature tracking, as there is a noticeable increase of 0.3-0.5 degrees Celsius on the day of ovulation. Couples with very irregular cycles who are trying to conceive are advised to visit a gynecologist after the 10th day of menstruation for transvaginal ultrasound monitoring of follicles, guided by a doctor to optimize conception. Some women may menstruate but have anovulatory cycles, which can lead to infertility. In such cases, blood tests to measure estrogen and progesterone levels 5-7 days before menstruation can help assess hormonal status and determine if ovulation is occurring. If anovulatory menstruation is confirmed, treatment with ovulation-inducing medications under the guidance of a gynecologist may be necessary.
