when doi ovulate

Ovulation usually happens about 12–16 days before your next period starts, and you’re most fertile in the few days just before and including ovulation.

Quick scoop: when you ovulate

• In a “typical” 28‑day cycle, ovulation often happens around day 14, counted from the first day of your period as day 1.

• Most people ovulate roughly 14 days before their next period, even if their cycles are shorter (21 days) or longer (up to 35 days).

• The egg only lives about 12–24 hours after ovulation, but sperm can live in the body for up to 5 days, so the fertile window is bigger than just that one day.

Rough guide by cycle length

• 28‑day cycle: ovulation around day 14, fertile window roughly days 11–16.

• 26–28‑day cycle: ovulation often around days 12–14.

• 35‑day cycle: ovulation often around day 21, fertile window roughly days 19–21.

Signs you might be ovulating

Everyone’s body is different, but common signs include:

• Clear, stretchy cervical mucus (often compared to raw egg white).
• A slight twinge or cramp low in the pelvis (sometimes called ovulation pain).
• Mild increase in body temperature after ovulation.
• Breast tenderness or feeling a bit more “hormonal” or sensitive.

Many people use ovulation predictor kits, cycle‑tracking apps, or basal body temperature charts to get a more precise idea, especially if they’re trying to conceive.

If your cycles are irregular

If your periods are very irregular, it can be much harder to guess when you ovulate just from dates. In that situation, tracking physical signs and/or talking with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist is the safest way to get personalized guidance.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.