Ovulation is when the ovary lets loose a mature egg into the fallopian tube. The egg soon travels down to the uterus. This is considered the fertile time of the menstrual cycle and doesn't last more than 24 hours. If the egg is fertilized, it'll then implant into the uterus lining. Congratulations, you are now on your way to the wonderful experience of pregnancy!

Ovulation generally takes place 14 days before your next period is scheduled to come. If you have a 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs on the 14th day following the first day of the previous period. However, this will vary for those women who have irregular cycles. If you are on a 30-day cycle, ovulation will occur on the sixteenth day. Since sperm can live two to three days, you're most fertile 1-2 days before ovulation to 24 hours after ovulation.

When am I Ovulating?

There are a couple ways to find out if you're ovulating. Previous to the time when you ovulate, your luteinizing hormone (LH) increases to a high level. When you're ovulating, your body excretes a hormone called progesterone. Here are a few tests that can help you discover when you're ovulating:

Ovulation Predictor Kits- This test tests your urine to discover whether or not LH is present. A positive reading shows that you're ovulating. This test can predict ovulation within six hours of the time it takes place.

Charting Basal Body Temperature (BBT)- Your basal body temperature is your temperature when you wake up in the morning; before you get up out of bed. You will want to take your BBT at the exact same time every day. You ought to begin to chart your BBT the first day of your period. Before ovulating, your temperature should be in the 97-98 degrees Fahrenheit range. You will recognize that you have ovulated when your body temperature has raised 0.2 degrees higher than any of the previous six days and remains there, or goes higher, until you hit your next period. A few women experience a small drop in temperature previous to ovulation; although, not all women will. The drawback to this method is that it tells you after you have already ovulated. You will need to predict when you will ovulate next month based on this months information.