OVULATION

Ovulation is the process in the females menstrual cycle by which a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and discharges an ovum (also known as an oocyte, female gamete, or casually, an egg) that participates in reproduction. Ovulation also occurs in the estrouc cycle of other female mammals, which differs in many fundamental ways from the menstrual cycle.

The process of ovulation is controlled by the hypothalamus of the brain and through the release of hormones secreted in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, (Luteinizing hormon (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormon (FSH)).

In the follicular (pre-ovulatory) phase of the menstrual cycle, the ovarian follicle will undergo a series of transformations called cumulus expansion, this is stimulated by the secretion of FSH. After this is done, a hole called the stigma will form in the follicle, and the ovum will leave the follicle through this hole.

Ovulation is triggered by a spike in the amount of FSH and LH released from the pituitary gland.

During the luteal (post-ovulatory) phase, the ovum will travel through the fallpoian tubes toward the uterus. If fertilized by a sperm, it may perform implantation there 6–12 days later.

Order of changes in ovary. 1 - Menstruation 2 - Developing follicle 3 - Mature follicle 4 - Ovulation 5 - Corpus luteum 6 - Deterioration of corpus luteum

In humans, the few days near ovulation constitute the fertile phase.

The average time of ovulation is the fourteenth day of an average length (twenty-eight day) menstrual cycle. It is normal for the day of ovulation to vary from the average, with ovulation anywhere between the tenth and nineteenth day being common.

Cycle length alone is not reliable indicator of the day of ovulation. While in general an earlier ovulation will result in a shorter menstrual cycle, and vice versa, the luteal (post-ovulatory) phase of the menstrual cycle may vary by up to a week between women.

Periovulatory phase

For ovulation to be successful, the ovum must be supported by both the corona radiata and cumulus oophorous granulosa cells. The latter undergo a period of proliferation and mucification known as cumulus expansion. Mucification is the secretion of a hyaluronic acid -rich cocktail that disperses and gathers the cumulus cell network in a sticky matrix around the ovum. This network stays with the ovum after ovulation and have been shown to be necessary for fertilization.

An increase in cumulus cell number causes a concomitant increase in antrum fluid volume that can swell the follicle to over 20 mm in diameter. It forms a pronounced bulge at the surface of the ovary called the blister.

Ovulatory phase

Through a signal transduction cascade initiated by LH, proteolytic enzymes are secreted by the follicle that degrade the follicular tissue at the site of the blister, forming a hole called the stigma. The cumulus – oocyte complex (COC) leaves the ruptured follicle and moves out into the peritoneao cavity through the stigma, where it is caught by the fimbriae at the end of the fallopian tube (also called the oviduct). After entering the oviduct, the ovum-cumulus complex is pushed along by cilia, beginning its journey toward the uterus.

By this time, the oocyte has completed meiosis I, yielding two cells: the larger secondary oocyte that contains all of the cytoplasmic material and a smaller, inactive first polar body. Meiosis II follows at once but will be arrested in the metaphase and will so remain until fertilization. The spindle apparatus of the second meiotic division appears at the time of ovulation. If no fertilization occurs, the oocyte will degenerate approximately twenty-four hours after ovulation.

The mucous membrane of the uterus, termed the stratum functionalis, has reached its maximum size, and so have the endometrial glands, although they are still non-secretory.

Postovulatory phase

The follicle proper has met the end of its lifespan. Without the ovum, the follicle folds inward on itself, transforming into the corpus luteum (pl. corpus lutea), a steroidogenic cluster of cells that produces estrogen and progesterone. These hormones induce the endometrial glands to begin production of the proliferative endometrium and later into secretory endometrium, the site of embryonic growth if fertilization occurs. The action of progesterone increases basal body temperature by one-quarter to one-half degree Celsius (one-half to one degree Fahrenheit). The corpus luteum continues this paracrine action for the remainder of the menstrual cycle, maintaining the endometrium, before disintegrating into scar tissue during menses.

Fertility signals

Knowing your own body and being able to tell when you are fertile / ovulating is an important skill and one that every woman should have.
The fact is, there are only certain times in a woman's cycle when she is fertile or ovulating and can get pregnant. So it pays off to know when those times are.

Your body will give you clear clues and signals as to when fertility is approaching and occurring.

A brief note, this system of observing fertility changes has nothing to do with the rhythm method. The rhythm method does not use bodily signals and is often very unreliable due to factors like the ignorance of the natal lunar phase, sickness, stress etc. If you are simply counting days and guessing when you should be fertile, this could be slowing down your bid to conceive.

A woman is fertile when she is ovulating and ovulation usually occurs mid cycle. In fact, ovulation almost always occurs 14 days before the next bleed. Sometimes women do experience a longer or shorter post ovulatory phase (than 14 days) but this usually indicates that there is a hormonal imbalance.

Ovulation occurs 14 days before next bleed this is the rule. And the fertile window can start a few days before that.

See diagram below :

Spontaneous ovulation can also occur during your natal lunar phase.
The table below provides a rough description of the very real physical and emotional symptoms that you can observe throughout your menstrual cycle. It is a brief guide that I have put together from my own observation.

These are some of the signals that you can observe and note down on your Personal Charting System. The time frame is very approximate, so don't worry if your cycle is not the same - everyone is individual.

Week 1 From first day of bleeding	Bleeding and the various symptoms felt during this part of the cycle varies with the individual, ranging from, cramping, back ache, hollow feeling inside vagina or the sensation that your innards will fall out to no ill effects at all. At the post bleeding phase there is generally an increase in physical energy and vitality. The individual is more outgoing and sociable. Sleep patterns and appetite return to normal. Vaginal mucus is dry or absent .
Week 2	As ovulation approaches cervical mucus become wetter, slippery, white (whatever is your individual pattern.)
Ovulation Day 14 approximately	Mucus is very wet and slippery, easily allowing penetration of sperm. Other symptoms may include tender breasts, mood swings, increase in libido, cramps, break through bleeding, desire to be with your partner.
Week 3 After Ovulation moving into pre-menstrual phase	Mucus production slows, becomes drier and thicker . Moods balance out again.
Week 4 Pre-menstrual phase	Pre-menstrual symptoms kick in, which depending upon you, range from bloating, cramps, headaches, mood swings, food cravings, and insomnia. Energy levels decrease, libido may increase. Desire for solitude increases as does intuitive ability.

The table above is not the definitive guide, and each cycle may not be the same, it all depends on how you are and what's going on in your life.

When you observe your body you will start to see a very clear pattern of what happens in your body during your menstrual cycle.

The main fertility indicators to look for are:

• Cervical mucus
• Bodily symptoms - that is moods, aches, libido, appetite, sleep patterns
• Basal Temperature

cervical mucus