Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. For a common 28-day menstrual cycle, this means ovulation usually happens around day 14 of the cycle. Since the menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period, ovulation generally happens about 10 to 16 days after the period begins, depending on cycle length. The exact timing varies because menstrual cycles can be shorter or longer than 28 days, and individual hormone and health factors can influence this timing. In summary:

• For a 28-day cycle, ovulation is around day 14.
• If periods are shorter or longer, ovulation shifts accordingly but usually happens between day 11 and day 21.
• Ovulation occurs about 14 days before the next period.
• The fertile window includes the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself because sperm can survive several days in the reproductive tract.

So, the time after your period when you ovulate depends on your cycle length but is typically about 10 to 16 days after your period starts, or about 14 days before your next period.