Each month in a normal female cycle, one egg is released from an ovary. This process is called ovulation. This happens about fourteen days from the first day of your period. From the beginning of your period, the ovaries in your lower abdomen prepare several eggs for release. During this process, the ovary can be tender. There is even a little internal bleeding with each ovulation that some women can learn to feel and use with natural family planning methods.

The time just before and after ovulation is considered to be the fertile period, where pregnancy is most likely. If the egg meets the sperm and becomes fertilized, a pregnancy will result. The egg lives for about 24 hours from ovulation. Sperm can live for three to five days, so sperm deposited days before ovulation may still fertilize the egg. Each month the cycle begins to make a new egg.

During a woman's cycle, one egg is released in response to a signal from the brain. Many factors may affect ovulation, including illness and stress. If you are not having regular periods, or, are having trouble getting pregnant, you may not be ovulating. Your healthcare provider can test and treat the problem.

A woman can ovulate and get pregnant after her very first period. She may become pregnant with her first sexual experience. Birth control and family planning, no matter what age you are, are important to consider.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go