Ovulation refers to the release of a mature egg from one of the ovaries, which occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. This process is essential for conception, as the egg can be fertilized by sperm during its journey through the fallopian tube.
Many women use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) to track their ovulation cycles. These kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation. LH is a hormone that triggers the release of the egg from the ovary.