Quick Scoop

When you ovulate, one of your ovaries releases a mature egg, and that egg moves into the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized by sperm. If fertilization doesn’t happen within about 12 to 24 hours, the egg breaks down and your body later sheds the uterine lining during your period.

What is happening

During ovulation, hormones signal the ovary to release the egg, and the uterus has already been building up its lining in case pregnancy occurs. The egg is then swept toward the uterus by the fallopian tube, where it can either meet sperm or pass on unfertilized.

Common signs

Some people notice signs around ovulation, but not everyone does. Common signs can include clear, slippery cervical mucus, mild one-sided pelvic pain, breast tenderness, bloating, a slight rise in body temperature, or a higher sex drive.

Why it matters

Ovulation is the part of the menstrual cycle when pregnancy is most likely, because the egg survives only a short time after release. Many people track ovulation to help with trying to conceive or to better understand their cycle.

Simple example

Think of it like this: the ovary releases the egg, the fallopian tube picks it up, and then the body waits a short window to see whether fertilization happens.

TL;DR

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary, usually once a month, and it’s the most fertile time in the menstrual cycle.