When a woman is ovulating, it means she is in the phase of her menstrual cycle when one of her ovaries releases a mature egg (ovum) into the fallopian tube. This event typically occurs around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, often about day 14 in a 28-day cycle, but timing can vary between individuals and cycles

. Ovulation is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes the ovarian follicle containing the egg to rupture and release the egg. After release, the egg can survive for about 12 to 24 hours, during which it can be fertilized by sperm, making this the woman's most fertile period

. Physiologically, ovulation marks the end of the follicular phase and the beginning of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Following ovulation, the hormone progesterone rises to prepare the uterus lining for a possible pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the egg disintegrates, and the uterine lining is shed during menstruation

. Signs and symptoms of ovulation can include:

• Changes in cervical mucus, which becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy like raw egg whites to facilitate sperm movement

• Mild abdominal pain or cramps on one side (mittelschmerz)

• Breast tenderness or soreness due to hormonal fluctuations

• Slight increase in basal body temperature after ovulation

• Light spotting or ovulation spotting in some women

• Increased libido around ovulation time

• Bloating and breast sensitivity

Women do not ovulate if they are pregnant, on contraceptive pills, or postmenopausal

. In summary, ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, making pregnancy possible if sperm fertilizes the egg during the short fertile window around ovulation