Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from a dominant ovarian follicle, triggered by a surge in luteinising hormone (LH). It typically occurs around the middle of a regular cycle, roughly 14 days before the next expected period, and marks the transition from the follicular to the luteal phase. The released egg is available for fertilisation in the fallopian tube for around 12–24 hours. Regular ovulation can be inferred from predictable cycle length and confirmed with mid-luteal progesterone testing, ovulation predictor kits or ultrasound follicle tracking. Irregular or absent ovulation (anovulation) is a common, usually treatable cause of infertility, often related to PCOS.
Also known as: ovulating, egg release
Related India guides
Sources
- Indian Council of Medical Research (icmr.gov.in)
- Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.