An Ovulation Cycle
Facts to Consider

There are actually three phases in an ovulation cycle - preovulatory, ovulatory and postovulatory. For most woman, this is such an automatic process, that many never give it further thought. The importance of this cycle, when investigating infertility in women, is explained here.

Pre ovulatory Phase

The pre ovulatory phase, is from day one of the menstral cycle, when the ovarian follicles are developing, which can be called the follicular phase. Hormones levels are evenly distributed during this phase. The first phase is generally different for many females, may vary widely, and will contribute to the length of the cycle. The average being either 28 days, or even shorter. Many woman have a longer cycle, i.e. 36 days.

Ovulatory Phase

The ovulatory phase is the actual event of egg being discharged by the ovary. Hormone levels rise appropriately to support the release of egg. Some women experience ovulation symptoms, such as ovulation pain at this time in the cycle. The symptom is felt as a sharp needle like sting either on the right or left side of the abdomen.

The ovulatory phase spans the period of hormonal elevation in the menstrual cycle. The ovulation process requires an approximate twenty-four to thirty-six hours to complete. This is the only time in the ovulation cycle when conception may take place. It is for this reason that the length of the cycle is so important, and is not assumed to be the average 28 days, with ovulation taking place on day 14.

Monitoring your cycle from start to end is a good idea, as this will indicate exactly when ovulation will take place. There are other signs to be aware of, but more on that later. Ovulation infertility issues are a common cause for lack of conception.

Luteal Phase

The postovulatory phase is called the luteal phase. One would assume that this phase is not really important, as ovulation has occurred, and now it is just a wait and see, if conception takes place. However this phase is equally important in the monthly ovulation cycle.

The luteal phase is defined as the time from ovulation until your next period. The length of the luteal phase is almost always between twelve to sixteen days. Within individual women, the post ovulatory phase is remarkably consistent, usually not varying by more than a day or so. While you are trying to conceive, the length should ideally be longer than ten days.

The luteal phase needs to be long enough for fertilization and implantation to take place. Progesterone levels rise during this phase, aiding and supporting conception, if it has taken place.

Facts to be considered:

• Cycles may range from as little as 24 days to as much as 38 days.
• Ovulation can take place on any day, as early as day 8 or as late as day 22, for instance. Therefore day 14 should not be assumed as the norm.
• Based on the above information, it is clear that the day of ovulation does in fact determine the length of the cycle, in most instances.
• Determining the day of ovulation, one before, and maybe one after, is probably the single most important component during infertility.
• If diagnosed with or your physician is investigating causes of infertility, ovulation will be one of the first steps to establish.

Conception can only take place if ovulation occurs.

Return from Ovulation Cycle to Ovulation

Return from Ovulation Cycle to Infertility Focus Home Page