Ovulation is when you release an egg from one of your ovaries. The egg travels down your fallopian tube, where it may be fertilized by sperm.

Generally, you ovulate in the middle of your menstrual cycle . If you have an average 28-day cycle, you may ovulate around day 14. However, lengths of normal cycles can vary from 21 to 35 days. Some women ovulate around the same day each cycle, but for others the timing is hard to pinpoint. That's why it's helpful to look for ovulation symptoms if you're trying to get pregnant.

How to know when you're ovulating

Typically, there are three major signs that indicate you're ovulating: Changes in basal body temperature ( BBT ) Changes in cervical mucus Changes to the cervix Some women also notice: Breast tenderness Heightened sense of smell Increased sex drive Changes in appetite or mood Fluid retention

What does ovulation feel like?

Ovulation can cause mild discomfort in the form of light cramps or twinges in the abdomen, or a one-sided backache. Ovulation cramping is known as mittelschmerz (German for "middle pain"). Some women don't have any ovulation cramping, though.

How long does ovulation last?

Ovulation usually lasts from 12 to 24 hours. If the egg isn't fertilized in this time, it disintegrates. But a woman's fertile window lasts 6 days, because sperm can live in your body for up to five days. You can become pregnant if you have sex anywhere from five days before you ovulate until a day after it.

Ovulation Calculator

This ovulation and fertility calculator can help you find your fertile window and predict your ovulation date.

First day of your last period

How long was your last cycle

Medically reviewed by Emily Hu, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn

Written by Olivia DeLong | Apr 13, 2023

How your fertile days are calculated

The Ovulation Calculator estimates when you'll ovulate by counting back 14 days from the day you expect your next period. (If your cycle is 28 days long, your next period should start 28 days from the first day of your last period.)

Your fertile window includes the day you ovulate and the five days before, but keep in mind that you're much more likely to get pregnant during the last three days of this time frame.

See other ways to pinpoint your fertile days and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Find out how to use an ovulation predictor kit, chart your basal body temperature, and pay attention to changes in cervical mucus.

Signs of ovulation

Rise in basal body temperature
Cervical mucus is the texture of egg whites
Breast tenderness
Mild cramps or twinges in the abdomen
Very mild spotting
Heightened sense of smell
Increased sex drive
Changes in appetite or mood
Bloating

Tips for getting pregnant

Find out when you'll ovulate using our calculator or an ovulation predictor kit, or by tracking your symptoms.
Have sex every other day around the time of ovulation.
Start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid at least one month before you start trying (6 months is ideal).
See your healthcare provider and make sure they're managing any pre-existing health conditions you may have. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations and regular check-ups and testing can lower the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Take good care of yourself. You'll want to kick unhealthy habits like smoking and start incorporating regular exercise into your routine if you aren't exercising already. Eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet can help, too.

Sources

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ACOG. 2019. Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-PlanningOpens a new window [Accessed July 2022]

ACOG. 2020. Good Health Before Pregnancy: Pre-pregnancy Care https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/good-health-before-pregnancy-prepregnancy-careOpens a new window [Accessed July 2022]